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How to disassemble door jamb switch?

Started by Lucas Feininger #15674, February 12, 2016, 07:32:25 PM

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Lucas Feininger #15674

I want to take this switch apart & find out why it isn't working. It's from a 1965 Cadillac. Anyone know how these come apart?
Lucas Feininger
1965 Sedan de Ville
1965 Eldorado
2014 SRX
CLC #15674

"The only way to travel is Cadillac style"

Steve Passmore

Probably made not to come apart. Bet they are glued together.
Steve

Present
1937 60 convertible coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe
1941 62 coupe

Previous
1936 70 Sport coupe
1937 85 series V12 sedan
1938 60 coupe
1938 50 coupe
1939 60S
1940 62 coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe x2
1941 61 coupe
1941 61 sedan x2
1941 62 sedan x2
1947 62 sedan
1959 62 coupe

Bobby B

Quote from: Steve Passmore on February 13, 2016, 04:09:19 AM
Probably made not to come apart. Bet they are glued together.
Steve,
Everything comes apart...The Question is getting it back together!  ;D
                                                                                             Bobby
 
1947 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe
1968 Mustang Convertible
1973 Mustang Convertible
1969 Jaguar E-Type Roadster
1971 Datsun 240Z
1979 H-D FLH

russ austin

Just discovered a nice trick.   Soak the switch in white vinegar.  I just resurrected 2 63/64 door jamb switches by doing that.  Soaked for 3 hours, rinsed with brake parts cleaner.  Works perfectly.
R.Austin

Lucas Feininger #15674

Haven't tried the white vinegar method.

I did take a switch apart over the winter.

Carefully pry the top off with small screwdriver / pick. Using a hairdryer on low heat will soften the plastic and make it a little easier. Be patient.

Clean the switch especially the brass and copper parts.

Reassembly: Make a "jig" with scrap wood. Drill a 1/2" hole for bottom of switch in a 2" x 4" and a 3/8" hole for the plunger in a smaller piece of wood. Put the switch base in the 1/2" hole and the top part with the button in the 3/8" hole. Gently press the switch back together.

Lucas Feininger
1965 Sedan de Ville
1965 Eldorado
2014 SRX
CLC #15674

"The only way to travel is Cadillac style"

59-in-pieces

Lucas,
I have tried a similar approach to the vinegar Russ used (without taking the switch apart).
I use CLR - Calcium Lime Rust remover - sort of a clear to greenish liquid, into which I submerge the switch in a bottle of the stuff.
I guess I am more impatient, so I want fast.
During the marination process, shake the switch and liquid a number of times - let sit and repeat, and activating the plunger several times along the way, seems to do the trick.
Rinse with distilled water from the steam iron, and there you have it.
By the way, I use this approach with all manner of switches from the 40's to the 70's, and the light bulb sockets to clean the contact surfaces.
Have fun,
Steve B.
S. Butcher