1973 Door Ajar Headmark

[Christopher K.]

[Jimmy P.]

Re: 1973 Door Ajar Headmark

I’m wondering if anyone has seen this headmark on their door ajar switch? Car is very original and it looks like these have not been replaced. It is the early 1973 switch that still requires the ground wire. Courtesy light switches are SX.
Thanks for the help,

Interesting Christopher,
While we were working on the 73-74TIM&JG Revision we discussed these to some extent. Especially the differences between the pin style(earlier) and the spade style(later) switches. We found that MOST of the early 73's had the SX head markings on all four switches. These were the pin style switch. Then the later 73's when the wiring harness changed to where the ground wire was grounded to the mounting plate the door ajar switches changed to the spade type. These did not have the SX stamped on them. There were no markings. However, I did have one original 73 owner send me a photo of his original rear driver's side ajar switch and it has the B head marking. Strangely, though his passenger side original switch had nothing. His hood switch and both front jamb switches had the SX. His car was a Dec. 72 build and the vin was 10,203. Since we only had the one example (until now) we didn't mention it. What is your VIN if you don't mind.
I do have a couple original switches from a 75 with B head markings but they are from the front jamb.

[Christopher K.]

Re: 1973 Door Ajar Headmark

Jimmy,
I don't have the VIN with me right now but it's a March build car. Obviously it's had a repaint but when I bought it ten years ago it was a very original car with smog, hoses and drivetrain intact.
Both the door jambs have the B insignia and both courtesy jambs and alarm are SX. I have the old TMJ so all it said was SX or unmarked.
Thanks for the comments,

[Harmon C.]

Re: 1973 Door Ajar Headmark

A March car would have a grounded plate and a spade switch.

[Christopher K.]

Re: 1973 Door Ajar Headmark

Thanks Lyle,
Yes that makes sense now with the grounded wire, just can’t see the spade style unless I take it out. Lots of confusing information out there - My AIM looks the same as my 72 one, and just shows the the 3 wire “pin” connection right to the switch. A vendor catalog I have lists the spade style as late 1974. I guess the changeover occurred some time in mid production ‘73?
Do you see many of the B switches on ‘73 cars? Thanks for the info,

[Harmon C.]

Re: 1973 Door Ajar Headmark

The ground changed in Nov 1972 and I never saw a B switch in a 73 and I owned 12.