I am replacing the switch in my 66 roadster. The replacement part from Paragon has 5 prongs on the back. The center brass colored (assume it is ground) prong is longer than the other 4 prongs which seems to be causing a problem as the switch now does not have a snug fit when plugged into the plug connector. I also ordered another switch from Corvette Central and it is the same. The switch that I am replacing has all prongs with the same length and has a snug fit into the connector. Has anyone experienced this? Drilling a hole in the connector for the longer prong could be an answer but not sure I really want to do that. Any other ideas?
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Last edited by David M.; August 4, 2020, 05:55 PM. -
Re: 1966 power window switch replacement problems
David - I wound up replacing the PW switch in my 65 Roadster recently, because of corrosion on the potmetal switch housing and due to the connector having been 'Bubba'd' by some previous owner. Check out the attached pics of the rear prongs on the old switch. That center prong on the old switch looks like someone played around with it because it ;looks even shorter than the rest. Curious as to how much longer that one is on your repro switch and also why the vendors would sell something like that.
IMG_5064.jpgIMG_5065.jpgMike T. - Prescott AZ. -
Re: 1966 power window switch replacement problems
How about snipping off a bit of the center prong to make it the same length as the others...shouldn't affect operation of the switch. Just a thought.Leif
'67 Coupe L79, M21, C60, N14, N40, J50, A31, U69, A01, QB1
Top Flight 2017 Lone Star RegionalComment
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Re: 1966 power window switch replacement problems
Mike, thanks for the pics. Yes it looks like someone clipped the center prong in your pic. The center prong on my new switch is approx. 1/8 of an inch longer. Do you remember where you got your new switch? I will call both suppliers tomorrow and see why they think it is longer. Maybe made in China and not to specs?Comment
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Re: 1966 power window switch replacement problems
Leif,
that could be a solution. Not sure what the center prong is for?Comment
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Re: 1966 power window switch replacement problems
PW switch supplied by Lectric Limited...........I believe they sell to the others.
LarryComment
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Re: 1966 power window switch replacement problems
I do know where I got the replacement PW switch, I'm just not sure if it was 20 or 25 years ago. Back then I used to run through the old GM Corvettes Parts Book, given to me by my local Chevy Parts Dept since I was a 'regular' and I used to go through the listings and order stuff up that was still available. The PW switch, back then, was so that's how I had a NOS over the counter switch to use for the new acquisition, the Maroon 65 396 Roadster. On my 65 Roadster, I found the harness connector to be seriously 'FUBAR'D' so I happened to have the repro harness end section and there is no 'through-hole' for that center pin so if the current crop of replacement PW switches has an unusually long center pin, it's not going to work. While the old switch I took out shows someone had buggered up the center pin, I'll put money on it that it was the original switch so not sure why they felt compelled to make that mod. Then again, after having the last 9 months to go over the Roadster, I've found worse things. IMG_5067.jpgMike T. - Prescott AZ.Comment
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Re: 1966 power window switch replacement problems
Thanks Mike. I need to follow up with the suppliers and get some clarification on the center pin.
David M
Scottsdale, AZ.Comment
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Re: 1966 power window switch replacement problems
Larry,
thanks for the link to Lectric Limited. I talked to them and they explained that GM changed the switch in the later models. I have an early model connector. The new connectors have a hole in them for the longer prong to go thru which you can add a clip so that the switch does not come out. So my solution according to LL is to drill a small hole in the bottom of the connector for the brass prong to fit into. Sounds like the solution.Comment
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Re: 1966 power window switch replacement problems
Hey Neighbor - Not sure what they meant by saying that GM changed the switch in the later models, our midyear style switch wasn't used after 1967. The '68 on up PW switches were two separate switches, one on either side of the center mounted parking brake handle. That Lectric Limited switch doesn't really show if the center 'brass' pin is the same height as the rest but kinda looks that way. On the switch you have where that pin is higher than the rest, I guess you have two options, drill a 'through-hole' out the back of the connector or try to trim down that center pin?Last edited by Mike T.; August 5, 2020, 05:19 PM.Mike T. - Prescott AZ.Comment
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Re: 1966 power window switch replacement problems
According to LL the brass pin is longer. They new exactly the issue when I called. Paragon and Corvette Central has no info. Apparently GM reengineered the switch as the switch was vibrating out of the connector. With the longer brass pin you could put a clip on it to keep the switch stable. Sounds plausible to me but Who really know so I will drill a hole in the base of the connector.
Do you live in a Prescott all yr or just for the summer? I love the annual Corvette show in the Plaza. It is a wonderful event.Comment
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Re: 1966 power window switch replacement problems
David - Typically that flat wire harness connector has to be 'persuaded' to come loose from the switch. Even the seriously 'ugly' harness connector I found on my 65 Roadster still had a good hold of the switch pins. Check out the pics, pretty easy to figure out which is the new replacement connector piece ;-).
Have been a full time resident since 2014 when I built my house and a couple decent sized garages about 10 miles northwest of Prescott. So sorry to see the Prescott Vette Sette cancel this years Corvette Show. Typically, they had 250+ cars in attendance. But if you find yourself heading north some time from ScottsdaleIMG_3917.jpgIMG_3918.jpg, do give a call and stop by for a visit. I sent you an email with my contact info and address.Mike T. - Prescott AZ.Comment
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Re: 1966 power window switch replacement problems
Mike,
I got it installed. Decided to cut the center post off so the length was the same as the other 4 posts. I did this after talking to the Paragon tech support. Apparently the replacement switch is a universal GM switch. For the Corvette the center post is too long so they recommended to cut it to the same length. The switch work great and I will put it all back together tomorrow. With the virus shut down it is a good time to get all these Vette issues fixed.
Will touch base next time I head to Prescott.
thanks for the input.Comment
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