What makes the switch that operates the headlight buckets so expensive ( $135 in a catalog) ? Maybe I haven't found the right catalog yet. Is there a more modestly priced substitution ?
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Re: '63 headlight opening switch
Supply and demand makes the switch be priced as it is. This is one of those Corvette-only items that wasn't shared with car/truck production volume. If you want to 'crowbar' a solution that doesn't look anything close to factory concours, you can visit Radio Shack and pick up just about any momentary action, SPDT switch rated for 20 amp service and 'cram' it into the circuit.... -
Re: '63 headlight opening switch
Steve:
I believe the same switch is in my 1966. It was that cost that made me take a stab at repairing it myself. I highly recommend you try this first, unless you have money to throw away, your switch is missing, or beyond repair. Removal is easy. After you get the switch out, as I recall, there are two clips that you insert a small screwdriver past and they'll release the back. If you break one (like I did), Zip has them (part # ES-454) for $3.50 ea. Not cheap when you see what you get, but compared to a new switch... The back is molded inside with two tabs that hold a small rod in place that the switch pivots off of. Both of my tabs were broken and floating around inside. I suspect that this is probably where most switch problems occur, and it is likely from people applying too much pressure on the switch thinking the lights will come up faster(?). I got some Loctite Plastix glue (which comes in two parts) that I've had much success with and glued the tabs back in place. Then I put a very thin layer of epoxy on the sides where the tabs contact the outer metal shell, being careful not to get any on the small rod area. I have not had any problem with it since. Suggest you clean the contacts off as well while you have it apart. Good luck and I hope if this is your problem that it works for you.Comment
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Re: '63 headlight opening switch
Steve, Tom has the right idea, I did the same with my switch and have not had any problems with it since. I have thought about going to a junk yard and checking on some early 60's chevys with power windows and taking one of the pw switches and checking it against the original headlight switch and see if they match. Something to think about or maybe someone here on the list has already tried it, if so please let us know what you found out.
Regards,
Floyd
65FIComment
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Re: '63 headlight opening switch
Steve-----
The source for the 63-67 headlamp actuator switch is GM. That part, GM #5716297, has a current GM list of $144.14. I would expect that all of the vendors obtain their switches through GM parts channels and the price is reflected in their list prices. I don't think that this switch is reproduced.
Why is it so expensive? As far as I can tell, this particular part has no other application besides the aformentioned 63-67 Corvette application. That means that the supplier to GM is now producing these switches in VERY small production runs for SERVICE only. That means a high price. In 1965 this very same switch sold for $5.40 GM LIST. But, in addition to the inflationary difference since then, they were making a lot more of these switches then for PRODUCTION.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Thanks
Thanks for the info and suggestions.Comment
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Re: '63 headlight opening switch
Tom
Your diagnosis was right on target. One of the tabs was broken off, which apparently allowed the "rocker" to wobble and not completely depress the contacts. I had disassembled the switch in the car prior to diconecting the wires and completely removing it. Everything looked ok, but after I read your note, I looked more closely. I then saw that a tab was broken off, but I didn't have the tab. So I went back to the car and looked on the floor, and found the little black plastic tab hiding on the black carpet. As soon as I get some plastic epoxy, I'll be in business.
I have a question about the headlight buckets themselves, but I'm going to put it in a separate post.
Thanks alot,
SteveComment
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