63-67 Power Window Switch

[Michael H.]

I have a question on 63-67 console mounted power window control switches. More specifically, the little chrome gizmo that you push with your finger to raise/lower the window. (for lack of a tech term for it)

Original assy line installed switches used one length for the gizmo and later service replacements used a different length.
Unfortunately, I can't remember if originals were tall and replacements short or if it was the other way around.

I think the top edge of the short gizmo was about the same level/height as the bezel around the switch but the tall gizmos was about 1/8" higher?

The part number probably changed in the early 70's ??

The same question for the headlamp motor switch for 63-67.

[Joe R.]

Re: 63-67 Power Window Switch

Michael,

Would you please state the question again?

Gettin loose for the race, huh!

JR

[Michael H.]

Re: 63-67 Power Window Switch

Michael,

Would you please state the question again?

Gettin loose for the race, huh!

JR

Ya mean again or different? I'm talkin about the chrome button, or what ever ya wanna call it, that you push to raise/lower the door window.

The difference is in it's length.... how tall it is. Originals were one dim and later replacements were another. The difference is obvious.

I never hear/see any discussion on this so I have to assume most people aren't aware of the difference.

Years ago, if I had to replace a headlamp motor switch, I disassembled both the old and new switch and swapped the chrome buttons so the new replacement had the correct length button.

[Joe L.]

Re: 63-67 Power Window Switch

I have a question on 63-67 console mounted power window control switches. More specifically, the little chrome gizmo that you push with your finger to raise/lower the window. (for lack of a tech term for it)

Original assy line installed switches used one length for the gizmo and later service replacements used a different length.
Unfortunately, I can't remember if originals were tall and replacements short or if it was the other way around.

I think the top edge of the short gizmo was about the same level/height as the bezel around the switch but the tall gizmos was about 1/8" higher?

The part number probably changed in the early 70's ??

The same question for the headlamp motor switch for 63-67.

Michael----

There were 2 door window switches used in both PRODUCTION and SERVICE over the 1963-67 period for Corvettes. 1963 and 1964 Corvettes used switch GM #4806397 for both PRODUCTION and SERVICE. 1965-67 Corvettes used switch GM #4434589 for both PRODUCTION and SERVICE. The GM #4434589 switch also replaced the GM #4806397 for 63-64 SERVICE when the latter switch was discontinued in October, 1964.

The GM #4434589 remains available in SERVICE to this very day.

As far as when the length of the "button" changed, I do not know. It may have changed from the 4806397 to the 4434589. Or, it may have changed sometime during the manufacturing period of the 4434589 either by way of a change to the specifications for that part or for other reasons. The GM #4434589 has been continuously available for over 44 years. That's a long time for changes to occur.

It looks to me like both of the above-referenced part numbers are Inland-Fisher-Guide Division part numbers. Also, the GM #4434589 switch was not unique to Corvettes. As far as Chevrolets go, the only application I can find is Corvette. However, it was also used on Buick, Oldsmobile, and Cadillac models.

The headlight motor switch for 1963-67 Corvettes was GM #5716297 for both PRODUCTION and SERVICE for the entire period.

The GM #5716297 remained available in SERVICE until about 6 years ago when it was discontinued without supercession. Might it have changed in minor ways over the 40 years of its availability? I'd say it's very possible.

[Michael H.]

Re: 63-67 Power Window Switch

Michael----

There were 2 door window switches used in both PRODUCTION and SERVICE over the 1963-67 period for Corvettes. 1963 and 1964 Corvettes used switch GM #4806397 for both PRODUCTION and SERVICE. 1965-67 Corvettes used switch GM #4434589 for both PRODUCTION and SERVICE. The GM #4434589 switch also replaced the GM #4806397 for 63-64 SERVICE when the latter switch was discontinued in October, 1964.

The GM #4434589 remains available in SERVICE to this very day.

As far as when the length of the "button" changed, I do not know. It may have changed from the 4806397 to the 4434589. Or, it may have changed sometime during the manufacturing period of the 4434589 either by way of a change to the specifications for that part or for other reasons. The GM #4434589 has been continuously available for over 44 years. That's a long time for changes to occur.

It looks to me like both of the above-referenced part numbers are Inland-Fisher-Guide Division part numbers. Also, the GM #4434589 switch was not unique to Corvettes. As far as Chevrolets go, the only application I can find is Corvette. However, it was also used on Buick, Oldsmobile, and Cadillac models.

The headlight motor switch for 1963-67 Corvettes was GM #5716297 for both PRODUCTION and SERVICE for the entire period.

The GM #5716297 remained available in SERVICE until about 6 years ago when it was discontinued without supercession. Might it have changed in minor ways over the 40 years of its availability? I'd say it's very possible.

Ok, thanks Joe. I have to wonder if just the buttons were changed at some point a few years after the original design was used for 63-67.

I think the only way we'll sort this out is if someone happens to have a known original switch and an NOS one to compare.

Probably had something to do with a fed regulation in the early 70's.

[Joe R.]

Re: 63-67 Power Window Switch

Michael,

I think it had to do something with St. Louis. Budweiser that is!

JR

[Mike M.]

Re: 63-67 Power Window Switch

Michael, I never thought I would see you at a loss for words.
I agree that your assessment of the shorter tab/tang/toggle/lever, (whatever) to be the original.
I guess "Gizmo" does work best.
Weren't the C-3 tabs longer?
HaND

[Michael H.]

Re: 63-67 Power Window Switch

Michael,

I think it had to do something with St. Louis. Budweiser that is!

JR

I just got an email from a friend that said he has one unrestored car with short power window switch buttons and a restored car with long buttons. He's guessing that the restored car has a newer switch.

Does that sound right?

[Mike M.]

Re: 63-67 Power Window Switch

Yep, sounds right.
HaND

[Michael H.]

Re: 63-67 Power Window Switch

Weren't the C-3 tabs longer?
HaND

I don't know if the switch gizmo was longer for C3 Mike. If it was, that may explain how/why the service switches for 63-67 made a few years later included the longer gizmo. I suppose the supplier just used the later flipper for the 63-67 switch?

Same for the 63-67 headlamp motor switch I suppose.

I'll see if there's some way I can measure the gizmos in the headlamp switch in my 66.

[Stuart F.]

Re: 63-67 Power Window Switch

I'd like to know what kinda wimp would order a new C-2 SHP with power windows! Here you got a performance engine with posi and a 4-speed, and you can't even open/close your own windows!? Surely you can manage your driver's side window, and as for the passenger side, that's what the chick was for. Let her earn her ride and roll it up herself if her hair is blowin in the wind! And, if she does roll it up when the top is down, well, you just drop her off on the side of the road somewhere and find a new chick!

Stu Fox

[Bill C.]

Re: 63-67 Power Window Switch

Guys:

Are we getting Anal or what, measuring the length of power window switched has caused the hobby to go over board, get a life, the switch is either present or not, get the bonfire ready it's time to burn the cars...Bill

[Michael H.]

Re: 63-67 Power Window Switch

Guys:

Are we getting Anal or what, measuring the length of power window switched has caused the hobby to go over board, get a life, the switch is either present or not, get the bonfire ready it's time to burn the cars...Bill

Can I assume, then, that you have the replacement switch?

[Ridge K.]

Re: 63-67 Power Window Switch

I have a question on 63-67 console mounted power window control switches. More specifically, the little chrome gizmo that you push with your finger to raise/lower the window. (for lack of a tech term for it)

Original assy line installed switches used one length for the gizmo and later service replacements used a different length.
Unfortunately, I can't remember if originals were tall and replacements short or if it was the other way around.

I think the top edge of the short gizmo was about the same level/height as the bezel around the switch but the tall gizmos was about 1/8" higher?

The part number probably changed in the early 70's ??

The same question for the headlamp motor switch for 63-67.

Michael, my 1967 Corvetible is a 99% virgin, un-restored, original "barn find", with power windows. It was put in a barn sometime in the latter part of 1979, with 46,614 miles on the clock.
I very carefully measured the original power window switch "levers" that are still mounted in the console plate.
They measure (or stick up) 5/16ths of an inch, above the chrome surround trim on the window switch assembly.
Next, I took a virgin, original, NOS service replacement power window switch assembly, that I have first hand knowledge, was purchased sometime during the mid 1970s. It measures 5/16ths of an inch, above this same chrome surround trim. This NOS switch is GM part number #4434589, which Joe correctly (as always) identified as the 1966-1967 service replacement design.
They were both measured within 5 minutes of each other, with a stainless steel engineer's ruler.
A visual inspection of the two switches, side by side, concludes they are identical twins.
Hope this analysis is helpful to your research of the matter. Ridge

[Michael H.]

Re: 63-67 Power Window Switch

Hmmmmm.... Thanks ridge. Either the switch changed some time before the end of the 63-67 era, or I don't know what the hell I'm talking about. (always a good possibility)

I now wonder if possibly it was the early (63-64) switch that changed and eventually had the long toggles in service??