1965 1966 Power Antenna Switch Repair

[Richard M.]

I'm repairing a 1966 antenna switch that had missing brass wiring contacts. It has been more of a challenge than I anticipated but I like to fix original parts. i used a Dremel to open it up and I'm fabricating the brass contacts from flat stock. I'm almost done but looking for wiring pictures so I can solder the new harness to the proper contacts. Pics of the culprit iconified at end of post below.

I've found some photos but I'd like to verify where the Black wire and the Black/White-Stripe wire attach.

hard to see on this one....


This one isn't clear either as I cannot see the White stripe on either Black wire.


This one from the archives was burned and I think I see the white stripe on the top right.


edit....Got it. A friend just sent me this photo.

[Gary R.]

Re: 1965 1966 Power Antenna Switch Repair

Rick
You do nice work, I can tell this is a passion for you, something a non car person would never get.

Gary

[Richard M.]

Re: 1965 1966 Power Antenna Switch Repair

Thanks Gary. You have a similar passion as you've done some nice stuff for me.

BTW, I got a PM from a fellow member earlier that has several old harnesses with the brass terminals still attached and asked for my mailing address. he's sending them to me this week. Now I can speed up the repair with the right pieces and not have to make them myself. Nice!!

Rich

[John L.]

Re: 1965 1966 Power Antenna Switch Repair

Thank you for posting this. Coincidently, my 66 power antenna switch is acting up. Down seems to work ok however up seems like there is no detent and I have to play with it to activate. Any ideas before I tear into it. Thanks in advance.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1965 1966 Power Antenna Switch Repair

Thank you for posting this. Coincidently, my 66 power antenna switch is acting up. Down seems to work ok however up seems like there is no detent and I have to play with it to activate. Any ideas before I tear into it. Thanks in advance.

John, I think you've encountered one of the common issues with these switches. Something may be broken or loose inside. I think you're going to have to cut into it with a Dremel/cutting wheel and investigate.

Much like the C2 Headlamp Bucket switch, the entire current draw from the antenna motor, in particular when antenna mast is at at min or max with switch held, passes through the switch. This causes heat and contact arcing and reduced switch life.

I have devised a simple circuit(on a napkin), utilizing a pair of relays such that ONLY the relay coil draw current(apx a few hundred milliamps) will pass through the switch. When I get some time I may professionalize and write up a procedure how to wire it up for those wanting such a contraption. I'll make it so the original wiring would not be disturbed so that it could be "undone" for judging. It would simply be a plug-in package that would be inserted between the antenna switch plug and the Main harness mating plug.

I have a similar relay circuit devised for the C2 Headllamp Bucket motors. That one requires a few relays too but I'd need to make up some mating plugs just like the stock plugs so it could be a removable package for judging etc, too. Those plugs are a tad more special and pricey.

Rich

[Bob W.]

Re: 1965 1966 Power Antenna Switch Repair

Yet another quality repair by THE MASTER!! Rich thanks for the post.

Bob

[Richard M.]

Re: 1965 1966 Power Antenna Switch Repair

Yet another quality repair by THE MASTER!! Rich thanks for the post.

Bob

Bob, I'm embarrassed. I'm just having fun. Plus, it could be a Epic Fail as it ain't fixed yet.

Rich
PS Those spare pieces got sent out to me today so I'm looking forward to getting them. It'll be best to have the real pieces to play with. Thanks again to the 'Pay-It-Forwarder'!

[Bob W.]

Re: 1965 1966 Power Antenna Switch Repair

Rich No need to be embarrassed you do great work and it's very helpful to many So keep having fun ok.

Bob

[John L.]

Re: 1965 1966 Power Antenna Switch Repair

John, I think you've encountered one of the common issues with these switches. Something may be broken or loose inside. I think you're going to have to cut into it with a Dremel/cutting wheel and investigate.

Much like the C2 Headlamp Bucket switch, the entire current draw from the antenna motor, in particular when antenna mast is at at min or max with switch held, passes through the switch. This causes heat and contact arcing and reduced switch life.

I have devised a simple circuit(on a napkin), utilizing a pair of relays such that ONLY the relay coil draw current(apx a few hundred milliamps) will pass through the switch. When I get some time I may professionalize and write up a procedure how to wire it up for those wanting such a contraption. I'll make it so the original wiring would not be disturbed so that it could be "undone" for judging. It would simply be a plug-in package that would be inserted between the antenna switch plug and the Main harness mating plug.

I have a similar relay circuit devised for the C2 Headllamp Bucket motors. That one requires a few relays too but I'd need to make up some mating plugs just like the stock plugs so it could be a removable package for judging etc, too. Those plugs are a tad more special and pricey.

Rich

Thank You Rich

[Richard M.]

Re: 1965 1966 Power Antenna Switch Repair

Using the parts I received the other day, I repaired the switch completely using the brass contacts and a plastic housing as the original was damaged. I would have had to use epoxy, but the new housing worked great. I tested the assembly after repair and it's fine.

I did decide to make one modification. I still used my little "step" brass piece at the base of the rocker toggle. I think it'll be a better contact than just at the edge as the original design used. Pic sequence below for future reference and color code orientation at both the switch end and the plug end.

Again, Thank you Brian for sending me the parts, and thanks for making those reproduction contacts. They came in very handy.

Rich