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

Discussion in 'Classic Buicks' started by BamaWildcat, Feb 2, 2006.

  1. 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.
    [​IMG]

    Anyone know of a really close current production door switch I can retrofit into a 64?
     
  2. LAST1987GN

    LAST1987GN Well-Known Member

    Dome light switches

    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
     

    Attached Files:

  3. You've got switches in the rear?

    Do tell, do tell. I have never seen these. Have any pics?
     
  4. LAST1987GN

    LAST1987GN Well-Known Member

    Dome light switches

    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.
     

    Attached Files:

  5. Fragzem

    Fragzem Well-Known Member

    Re: Dome light switches

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

    Sergeant Major Biggest Nut in the Can

    Re: Anyone tried to retrofit later model door dome light switches in their classic Bu

    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?
     
  7. garys64wildcat

    garys64wildcat garys64wildcat

    Re: Anyone tried to retrofit later model door dome light switches in their classic Bu

    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
     
  8. Rivman

    Rivman Senior Ottawa Buick Guy

    Re: Anyone tried to retrofit later model door dome light switches in their classic Bu

    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
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2008
  9. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    Re: Anyone tried to retrofit later model door dome light switches in their classic Bu

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

    Fragzem Well-Known Member

    Re: Anyone tried to retrofit later model door dome light switches in their classic Bu

    Okay! How do we get them out, then? :)
     
  11. Re: Anyone tried to retrofit later model door dome light switches in their classic Bu

    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

    [​IMG]
     
  12. Sergeant Major

    Sergeant Major Biggest Nut in the Can

    Re: Anyone tried to retrofit later model door dome light switches in their classic Bu

    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.
     
  13. 64LeSabre455

    64LeSabre455 Well-Known Member

    Re: Anyone tried to retrofit later model door dome light switches in their classic Bu

    Ya great site, tons of good stuff. Especially all the AC Stuff!!
     
  14. Caballero3

    Caballero3 Well-Known Member

    Re: Anyone tried to retrofit later model door dome light switches in their classic Bu

    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
     

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