PW switches for '69

[DRL]

I have a '69 with power windows that needs a new passenger side switch. I confirmed this by taking the console cover off and swapping out the passenger side switch with the driver side switch--the window worked fine.

Now comes the fun part. I opened the box with the brand new switch (marked '68-'82 on the outside) and discovered that the prongs were not compatible with the socket in the car. The switch I removed has three prongs that are identical in length. Each is about 3/16 of an inch and two of them are notched. The new switch has two shorter prongs and a longer one. The long one is brass colored and about 3/8 of an inch. I don't remember exactly, but one or two of them are also notched.

My dilemma is this: the wires for the switches in the car have been spliced in. I do not know for certain if they are correct and the new part is wrong, or if the new part is correct and someone spliced in a pair of wrong parts for my car. Since the PW's were optional in '69, is it normal to have wires spliced in like this?

Any help from someone who has replaced PW switches or has detailed knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx, DRL

[Jack H.]

Re: PW switches for '69

PW switches for Shark cars do simple job of reversing polarity on DC motor in door to make the motor run forward/backward (up/down). Harness to switches mounted in center console was part of factory option and like other body/engine electric harness components it was wrapped so there SB no visible splices.

Original switches were probably provided by more than one supplier and there is a high likelihood the suppliers changed over time. Searched my 'stache' box of original electrical components. Here's what I find"

(1) All my original switches have the same vendor logo (a delta or

triangle) silk screened into phenolic on bottom of switch. (2) Switches have three cylindrical contacts, all the same height,

and each has a tapered head. (3) Contacts are placed at three corners of the rectangular switch body. (4) Contact that forms the vertex of the contact triangle is brass. (5) Adjacent corner contacts are zinc/tin and bear a groove in the

circumference of the cylindrical contact post just below the tapered

head. (6) Suspect grooves are there to effect a 'lock' to the switch connector

and the connector's leaf contacts are spring loaded to snap into

place on the switch contact grooves to prevent disconnect due to

shock/vibration.