Ok, I'm feeling stupid but...

[DavePlum]

I'm tearing my recently acquired 80 Special down to the frame and not have any luck disconnecting a couple connectors. If I follow the harness from the left handlebar switch there are two 6 pin connectors. What's the trick to disconnecting these? I've been basically trying to squeeze the ears (if that's the right word) together while pulling each end in opposite directions.

[Dbshea]

I'm tearing my recently acquired 80 Special down to the frame and not have any luck disconnecting a couple connectors. If I follow the harness from the left handlebar switch there are two 6 pin connectors. What's the trick to disconnecting these? I've been basically trying to squeeze the ears (if that's the right word) together while pulling each end in opposite directions.

You've got the correct procedure. Probably just needs some coercion

[ViperRon]

Take your third hand and pry it with a small screw driver and keep it away from your face so that third hand does not poke you in the eye. Some one may have stuck it together with silicone adhesive rather than putting lube on them.

[DavePlum]

Success...just shot a small amount of WD-40 where the connectors mate and it did the trick. That's a good thing since I was feeling enough frustration I was tempted to cut off the ears and the small "latch" that locks the mating ends together.

[ViperRon]

Clean it good before it goes back together or it may stick again

[DavePlum]

Clean it good before it goes back together or it may stick again

You can count on that, plenty of time since I don't anticipate this going back together until after the first of the year. Wifey has me on a short leash with spending on my "toy". In the meantime I'm taking tons of notes and pics during disassembly.

[Dbshea]

You can count on that, plenty of time since I don't anticipate this going back together until after the first of the year. Wifey has me on a short leash with spending on my "toy". In the meantime I'm taking tons of notes and pics during disassembly.

Much like the winters of the Midwest a tight budget and stern boss leave plenty of time for preventative maintenance, checks, and services.