After trying all the suggestions both above and since, I really didn't want to deal with the T-Bird so left it sit. Since time is flying and Spring will be here before long, I'm back on it. Talked to CASCO's shop manager Shawn and concluded I will have to cut the knob's shaft. Did so and got the switch out. Put it in my vice and jiggled in every position and got the shaft out with pliers while pushing the button with a more comfortable drift. The knob/shaft has to be original as there were wear grooves in the shank. I went to
NPD as it's close by and bught a new knob/shaft which had CASCO's name on it. Thinking my problem is gone I first tried it in the switch in the vice and it pulled to the various positions. BUT, in measuring the length, it is too short to engage the "button catch" when accounting for the dash thickness. Tried to compare it to the cut original, allowing for the cut and was the same. Has anyone installed a CASCO knob/shaft in a new switch (made or labled Dennis Carpenter)? I really would like to make this a night as well as a daytime driver.lol