71 Center Console Defrost Switch

[newtonhubcap]

Ok, not quite the kind of day to stand outside in Wisconsin with 2" of new snow so I decided to find a project I could do inside. I had noticed the console defroster rocker switch was difficult to move back and forth so I took it apart. What I found was, well, not to sure. Needless to say the teeter plate switch that makes the contact appears good. The pressure contact (the thing with a small spring that sits end the end of the rocker switch, lower left portion in first picture) appears to have been worn down (would expect that, 3rd picture by istself).

So, my question is this piece appears to possibly be non-conductive material, is that correct or was did that have a solder on it? My first thought it was solder and all I needed to do was just put a solder ball back on it. But when you look closer at it, it appears there is some sort of epoxy on it. Would appreciate some guidance to either a link where someone has done this repair or any advice on how to proceed.

 

Greatly appreciate you help in advance,

newtonhubcap

[Captain Obvious]

I doubt the end of that spring portion was solder. It doesn't have to be conductive, and low friction is important. I suspect it was a little plastic nubbin. That's the technical term.

Are you sure yours is worn? It looks like a weird shape, but that might be normal. Do you have another to compare it to?

[newtonhubcap]

I doubt the end of that spring portion was solder. It doesn't have to be conductive, and low friction is important. I suspect it was a little plastic nubbin. That's the technical term.

Are you sure yours is worn? It looks like a weird shape, but that might be normal. Do you have another to compare it to?

Morning Capt. Obvious, unfortunately I do not have another switch. I agree the shape is weird and no need to be conductive. Will have to ponder a bit on this.

Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk

[CanTechZ]

Here is an old picture I found in the Gallery that describes a fix and shows what the switch looks like inside,

http://www.classiczcars.com/gallery/image/10699-inside-the-defrost-switch/

HTH

Mike

Edit> Sorry, I just realized that this picture is actually a '72 switch.

Edited April 3, 2016 by CanTechZ

[CanTechZ]

Have you removed the amber rocker from your switch by pressing out the roll pin. Then you can clean up the inside of the body so that rocker pivots freely and clean the recess where the spring/pin goes so that the spring also moves freely.

My car has the unlit switch and I took mine apart for cleaning when it froze up but unfortunately the tip of the pin was broken off where the it goes inside the spring. For reference here are a couple pics of mine.

I'm not sure if the roll pin comes out the same on your lit switch.

 

Edited April 3, 2016 by CanTechZ

[newtonhubcap]

Thanks CantechZ, I was able to the roll pin out. Everything there works great. Just need that piece that slips into the spring. The image you sent has the correct switch or very similar to mine and it appears that piece is like a small copper insert. Will have to look around and see what I can find besides another non-functioning switch. If any one has suggestion where to search for that little piece in the end of the rocker switch would love to hear back.

Greatly appreciate all the info. everyone.

Newtonhubcap

 

[sweatybetty]

i have a switch that i dont need. it doesnt move, but you are welcome to it if you like.

[Captain Obvious]

It looks like there have been a couple different designs of that switch over the years. The pic from that older thread looks like brass. Yours looks like white plastic, and the one that CanTechZ posted looks like black plastic.

I don't think you'll be able to find just that little piece available anywhere, so it's either make a new one or replace the whole switch.

How does yours attach to the spring? Does it slip over the outside like CanTechZ's, or is there a small pin that goes inside the ID of the spring? Or is there so little left of the part that you just can't tell?

[SurferD]

I have a spare switch I PM'd you.