1978 gl1000 ignition switch+ speedo replacement

[TheRobbie1950]

My 1978 gl1000 ignition switch seems to have intermittent electrical contact when I turn the key.
When I wiggle it I can get it to work.
Is it possible to clean the contacts on this switch?
Also I ordered a new speedometer and it should arrive today. Has anyone, replaced the speedo with the Vetter Fairing on?
Maybe you have a how to article?

I could not find specific articles to these questions.
Thank you in advance for any help you provide.

[SnoBrdr]

My 1978 gl1000 ignition switch seems to have intermittent electrical contact when I turn the key.
When I wiggle it I can get it to work.
Is it possible to clean the contacts on this switch?
Also I ordered a new speedometer and it should arrive today. Has anyone, replaced the speedo with the Vetter Fairing on?
Maybe you have a how to article?

I could not find specific articles to these questions.
Thank you in advance for any help you provide.

Yes, you can clean the contact but be careful as it's 40 years old and things get brittle.

You can also buy an aftermarket replacement switch. Cost is under $30.

[DenverWinger]

Four bolts, and a cable plug on the left side of the Vetter, so easy to remove it is not worth fighting the vetter to get the speedo out. My old 1000 had a vetter, it will be a lot easier just to get it out of the way.....

[TheRobbie1950]

Thank you guys for your reply. I actually just dove in to the speedo replacement with the Fairing still on before I got your reply.
Yes it was a hell of a job especially since the replacement speedo I got had a different housing. I manned up and did a MacGiver(sp)fix and am good to go
with the speedometer. I probably will take the advice to just replace the whole ignition switch but that will be a bit later on when if it becomes a worse problem.

Again TYVM for the replies.
This group is a goldmine of Goldwing information.....

[Fred Camper]

Emco makes a replacement but that changes the key. There may be a way to change the key cylinder, but I just removed the plastic lower from the old switch and replaced it with the Emco plastic part. You have to use epoxy to hold it back together as the new Emco plastic teeth may not work with the old metal upper. I wrapped floral wire around it as a clamp while the glue set.

[TheRobbie1950]

Thanks Fred, I will check it out.