Anyone tried to retrofit later model door dome light switches in their classic Buick

[BamaWildcat]

On my Wildcat, I have a style of door switch that seems to be made of unobtainium. This switch connects to the body for ground, and has two terminals to attach leads to the courtesy light and dome light. These switches are known to crap out, and after a careful rebuild about a year ago, mine are acting up again. My problem is the copper contacts inside break off from age, rendering the switches lame or broken.

On that note, I've been searching eBay for a similar replacement.The uniqueness of the Buick switches is in their short lenght. I think it only sticks out a little over 1/4 inch.

I've looked at some of these Chebby switches, but they are a little long.
http://i24.ebayimg.com/02/i/06/1a/fd/15_1.JPG

Anyone know of a really close current production door switch I can retrofit into a 64?

[LAST1987GN]

On my Wildcat, I have a style of door switch that seems to be made of unobtainium. This switch connects to the body for ground, and has two terminals to attach leads to the courtesy light and dome light. These switches are known to crap out, and after a careful rebuild about a year ago, mine are acting up again. My problem is the copper contacts inside break off from age, rendering the switches lame or broken.

On that note, I've been searching eBay for a similar replacement.The uniqueness of the Buick switches is in their short lenght. I think it only sticks out a little over 1/4 inch.

I've looked at some of these Chebby switches, but they are a little long.
http://i24.ebayimg.com/02/i/06/1a/fd/15_1.JPG

Anyone know of a really close current production door switch I can retrofit into a 64?

Hi Joe
I'm in the same boat, My Queen Mary III (63 Wildcat) front ones do not work, and the rear ones work fine. I have been searching for a while with negative results. If I come up with something, will let you know.

Louie

[BamaWildcat]

You've got switches in the rear?

Do tell, do tell. I have never seen these. Have any pics?

[LAST1987GN]

You've got switches in the rear?

Do tell, do tell. I have never seen these. Have any pics?

Joe

Yes, my Wildcat is a 4 door hardtop with a factory 4 speed, the back doors work fine, the front ones are the ones need to be replaced.

[Fragzem]

ever get anywhere with this? My front door switches are non functional in the 64 cat as well

[Sergeant Major]

The front switches on mine are out, but the rear ones work fine. I'm keeping an eye on this thread for some type of way to fix them. I'm also trying to figure out the cigar lighter in the ash tray, and the one in the back of the front seat. Any ideas?

[garys64wildcat]

Are the back the same as the front door switches? there are a couple of 4drs being parted out, here and on team buick. I rebuilt mine very carefully. Now trying to find the rubber hats to go on them. At least they work. I guess I`m lucky, I only have 2 drs to worry about. :Brow:
Gary

[Rivman]

If they are the same as '63/'65 Riviera switches, there is an ROA member who rebuilds them with new berylium copper switch contacts. The rest of the switch must be in good condition - and you send them to him 1st class mail.
Cost quoted in the Riview add is $15 each, or $25 for a pair. :TU:
Contact - Paul Meltzer, ROA #760
100 Cottage Street,
Norwood, MA 02062
(781) 769-7678

[telriv]

I'll add that Paul has been doing these for years. Once rebuilt chances are unlikely they will ever need to be done again.

[Fragzem]

I'll add that Paul has been doing these for years. Once rebuilt chances are unlikely they will ever need to be done again.

Okay! How do we get them out, then? :)

[BamaWildcat]

Guys,

I didn't even notice this was a topic I started. What I ended up doing was putting Ford switches in for a total cost of I think about $40 for both of them. The full write up is on my website: http://www.1964buick.com/resto_logs/doorswitches/door_switches.htm

http://www.1964buick.com/resto_logs/doorswitches/doorswitch4.jpg

[Sergeant Major]

Joe,
I periodically check out your site and the progress on Sherman. Hell, I didn't even realize about the switches until just now. :Dou: You've got a lot of good information on your site. Keep up the great work.

[64LeSabre455]

Ya great site, tons of good stuff. Especially all the AC Stuff!!

[Caballero3]

Looks like I might be some help to some of you guys. I have a '63 LeSabre that had the same problem. Like you I could not find a suitable replacement. I found a couple in the wrecking yard that worked, but they did not last long. I noticed that the plunger switch on an old refrigerator that I store my rattle can paints in was similiar in design. So off to the appliance repair shop where I found a couple of switches that were nearly the same as original except for the hole in which they mount (switch was smaller). On the lathe, I turned out a couple of plastic adapter sleeves and have lived happily ever after. Dan