HEADLIGHT ROTATING STALK PROBLEM.

My headlight rotating stalk has ceased to function so I have no lights. I have removed the black plastic head and can see how the contacts and stalk work the lights. Manually pressing the contacts together switches on the sidelights and if at the same time the stalk is moved downwards the main and dip lights work correctly. So, the problem is with the action of the black plastic rotating head.
Searching old threads I see mention of a spring and ball within the unit, but no sign of these in mine!
They also point to a repair part from dinoparts but this is just the contacts section and mine is working fine.
Would greatly appreciate any help on this. Was working before and I haven't noticed any spring / ball pop out.
Thanks,
Chris.

 

Thanks Brian, that's very helpful. I am a bit confused though as to why one would bend the contacts so they are touching all the time (except in an emergency situation where you have no lights).
It looks like the default (lights off) position is with the contacts held apart under their own spring tension and then rotation of the cover brings them into contact to switch on the lights. Or maybe I'm missing something?
What I'm certainly missing are the ball and spring, which I presume come with part 51-3a from Dinoparts (but are not shown in their picture of the part)?
My cover and contacts all look good, so I wonder if just a ball and spring would fix the problem, if I can find them anywhere that is!

 

Ok Brian, now I understand. I had got the operation the wrong way around. I can see from a youtube video on fixing a '72 light switch how they are together under tension.
However, my '72 has a different contact arrangement. See attached photo. I wonder if this operates differently? I can see the hole where the spring and ball go. I presume these are just to give the knob a positive action. Fitting the knob and twisting isn't making Image Unavailable, Please Login and breaking my contacts though. I wonder if I have a later / aftermarket switch arrangement?
Thanks again for you help and advice Brian - it's most appreciated.
Chris.

 

Hi again Brian, I have been comparing my switch with the one on dinoparts website. My switch is the same but the copper moving contact is bent completely the wrong way around.
I have managed to look at an identical switch - see pics below. This confirms the diagnosis. Now I just need to bend the contact strip through 180 degrees without breaking it off! My original spring is still in place so also just need a ball bearing.
My switch must be different to yours as the contacts are separated at "rest" and brought into contact when the knob is turned into the on position.

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Hi Alberto, thanks for the offer. I can't seem to pm or email you. Can you kindly email me at [email protected]
Thanks and regards,
Chris.

 

Hi Alberto, no I haven't received. Have checked my spam and not there either. If you kindly reply with your email address, I'll try firing an email in your direction and see if that works. Still not able to pm either for some reason.
Thanks,
Chris.

 

Well, I have managed to fix the switch, for the time being anyway. Thanks to Verell's warning about high risk of breaking the contact on re-wrapping, I thought it might help to get some heat into it. Borrowed the wife's hair dryer (top tip: wait until she's out - they get a bit funny about their stuff migrating into the garage..).
I put as much heat into it as I dared without melting the plastic and managed to wrap the contact strip back 180 degrees into the correct position. 1 x 4mm ball bearing off fleabay and I'm back in business with working lights.
Not sure how long it will work though, so a spare could be a good idea.

Thanks to all for your input. It never ceases to amaze me how helpful people are on these internet car forums and you Ferrari guys are great at sharing your knowledge.
Cheers,
Chris from England.