1956 a/c temp control resistance

[Charlie CLC#18187]

Well I really messed up and broke the  rheostat coil bar on the temp control while taking it apart to clean up.  I need to obtain a replacement, but have to be sure it works.
What is the low end resistance it should produce?
I assume there should be no resistance at the high, full-on end (?).
Appreciate the help in setting me straight.  I'm not the greatest on electrical stuff. 

Charlie

[J. Gomez]

Charlie,

Did the wire broke or the insulator?

The wire is called resistance/heating/NiChrome wire; the overall resistance for the control is about 67 ohms a higher resistance 70 or 75 ohms would be fine.

I do not recall the wire thickness you may need to check yours and match the one available for gauge and the resistance per foot.

The problem with NiChrome is that it can’t be solder so it has to be mechanical connected; there is also a constantan wire which it can be solder. I’ve used the NiChrome to refurbished a couple of controls with no problems since the end is mechanical connected.

Just one caution is the insulator would be extremely brittle so use care in winding the new wire. Also take pictures of yours as the first turns are space and the middle and ends are wound closer to each other.

Good luck..!

[Charlie CLC#18187]

Jose- The insulator is broken.  I'm trying to locate a control unit with a good coil (or whatever the correct name is).  Thanks for the input on resistance.

Charlie

[J. Gomez]

Charlie,

If you decide on restoring yours the insulator can be made with a piece of Phenolic board (you can also use an electronic PCB board) with the same thickness and reused the same wire.

Good luck..!

[walt chomosh #23510]

Charlie,
  I broke my insulator(1955) and repaired it by using a spot of epoxy....walt...tulsa,ok

[Charlie CLC#18187]

I will see if I can repair it, but I am trying to get a replacement.

Would the rheostat from a '53-'55 be the same?   Same as other GM?

thanks
Charlie

[J. Gomez]

I will see if I can repair it, but I am trying to get a replacement.

Would the rheostat from a '53-'55 be the same?   Same as other GM?

thanks
Charlie

Charlie,

The 1955 would as it shares the same function from it over to the thermostat. What I'm not sure if the length would fit in the ’56 and for the wiper to fully travel the complete arch. 

[Charlie CLC#18187]

I got the coil back in one piece using super glue and epoxy.  I lost one loop (wire is still intact in back), but it seems to work.
67 ohms on low and about 20 before it goes to full contact. 
I have not gotten to check voltage to the compressor yet, but the freeze switch is verified to be closed. 

Once I get power to it, how long should I run it before I know whether or not it is charged?