1963 coupe door light switch

[Timothy B.]

I noticed this on a very original car and can't find any evidence of the washer behind the door switch in the AIM. Has anyone ever seen a flat washer like shown in this picture on 63 cars.

[Rick A.]

Re: 1963 coupe door light switch

Tin,

don't remember having one on mine - will check when I get back from my bidness trip to Bean Town tomorrow

[John D.]

Re: 1963 coupe door light switch

I noticed this on a very original car and can't find any evidence of the washer behind the door switch in the AIM. Has anyone ever seen a flat washer like shown in this picture on 63 cars.

Tim, My 63 in the 9900 range has no washer. Also the head of the button of that switch should be smooth. No logo. I can't tell for sure in you photo but it appears that switch is the later style one with a logo but it could just be a worn switch. John D

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1963 coupe door light switch

I don't think the washer is correct either and what purpose would it serve? The car is very nice and original.

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 coupe door light switch

As I recall the washer was put in when the interior lights would no go out. This was done in the repair area before leaving the plant.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1963 coupe door light switch

Our 63 #9664 has one on each, identical to the photo of yours.

Rich

[Michael H.]

Re: 1963 coupe door light switch

As I recall the washer was put in when the interior lights would no go out. This was done in the repair area before leaving the plant.

This seems to be somewhat common on many 63's but I don't have a good explanation as to why some had the washers and some didn't. I wouldn't remove these just yet. Lets wait and see if other 63 owners report washers.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1963 coupe door light switch

Did GM change the switch during 63, my memory tell me that later cars used a switch with different thread size.

[Rick A.]

Re: 1963 coupe door light switch

Tim,

yeah, there was a changeover - don't remember the exact date, but know for sure that my "late" 1963 is definitely a different size (slightly larger diameter) than the "early" ones

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1963 coupe door light switch

FWIW, I have washers on both of my switches.

Have always been there to the best of my recollection (1967). Mine is a July 63 convertible 19500'ish VIN.

Chuck

[Rick A.]

Re: 1963 coupe door light switch

back from Bean Town and checked #19367 has washers on both

[Michael H.]

Re: 1963 coupe door light switch

back from Bean Town and checked #19367 has washers on both

These washers were just discussed over at VH a while back and there were several people that stated their 63 had the washers. I'm pretty much convenced that these things are factory installed on at least some 63's.
I also agree that it likely had something to do with the change in design of the switch during the 63 model year.

[John D.]

Re: 1963 coupe door light switch

When you bring that POC to Seven Springs I will make sure you get a nice deduct for those washers Ricky. Seriously I have two different lengths of switches that supposedly are for 63's. That may account for the washer-but i like Harry's thought the best. Washer acted as a spacer in case the door lite wouldn't go out. JD

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1963 coupe door light switch

Can't remember ever noticing this washer before, I will look and see if the AIM makes reference to it. Is this a standard 5/16" washer? I agree it's a quick fix if the switch is not adjusted properly, the new switch has larger diameter threads and may provide for more interference fit in the tube, why else would GM change this part.

[John D.]

Re: 1963 coupe door light switch

Probably an SAE washer as the OD is smaller. So many of the washers used on the car are SAE. For example: The washers for the bumper bolts, the clear air tube, the fuel filter bracket stud is a flat SAE washer instead of the outside star usually seen and the list goes on.
MH has an old 63 standard parts book that may list that washer and its dimensions. JD