1961 Heater Control Switch

[M W.]

Hi,
Can someone please tell me what type of tool is used to remove the nut holding the heater control switch in my center console? Also are these available on the secondary market?
Thanks so much,
Craig Willetts

[M W.]

Re: 1961 Heater Control Switch

I meant to say are the heater control switches available on the secondary market?

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 1961 Heater Control Switch

I use a small screwdriver. The switches are not available. You can ocassionally find them on eBay. The big vendors have them for big bucks. I have carefully disassembled and repaired a couple of these switches, so give yours a good look before you pitch it and spring for a high dollar one. I THINK, but not sure, that a couple of the vendors offer a rebuild service for these switches. Also very pricey.

[John M.]

Re: 1961 Heater Control Switch

Craig,
Rebuilt switches are available, but their price will stun you! You are probably better off sending yours out for repair. I know that Mary Jo rohner can repair the switches and replace the bowden cable. I have not seen a heater switch for less than $250 in ages!

Regards, John McGraw

[john38706]

Re: 1961 Heater Control Switch

the main problem with the switches is the bakealight center speed selector. these do not hold up well and no one has a solution for a replacement. i have 4 of these switches and all have this part broken. this could be your problem.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 1961 Heater Control Switch

I have managed to epoxy a couple of these successfully.

[John M.]

Re: 1961 Heater Control Switch

Ed,
I belive that this is what Mary Jo does as well.

Regards, John McGraw

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 1961 Heater Control Switch

I guess that with a lot of patience, a Dremel tool, a pattern (old piece), and some sort of hard plastic stock, one could probably come up with a functional replacement. I epoxied ( or maybe JB Weld) a couple and they worked pretty well. I guess if someone got to heavy handed with them they would break again. The "D" shaped hole is the challenge. It has to be pretty good for everything to work right.

[john38706]

Re: 1961 Heater Control Switch

i just wish i had a sample. all of mine are missing.

[Mike Nelson]

Re: 1961 Heater Control Switch

Hi Craig. I've been chasing one of these for two years now. To my knowledge there is no repro available. I saw a NOS one advertised in Driveline for $425! I have rebuilt mine, but the resistor is from Radio Shack and doesn't look anything like original. I keep checking ebay, but I always give up when they go past $200.

[Mike Nelson]

Re: 1961 Heater Control Switch

If I may ask, what did you do about the long rivets holding the switch together? Are they available? I ended up tapping the ends of the old ones and putting small nuts on them. As for the disk, I used a metal insert out of an old TV knob to make the D hold it's shape. A little JB Weld holds it in place.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 1961 Heater Control Switch

I replaced the rivets with minature screws and nuts.