63 E-Brake Switch

[Harry S.]

I have a switch failure, the plunger does not come out far enough to complete the circuit.

Before I try to take it apart, can these be repaired? Or, should I be on the hunt for a replacement?

Thanks

[Edward J.]

Re: 63 E-Brake Switch

Harry, Anything is worth a try, A quick look will tell once the switch is in hand. I can't imgane that the switch is all that complex. more than likely its got a interanal spring that needs to be streched and contacts that maybe need cleaning. I think this is the kind of stuff tht gives self graditude once the work is complete and working again, And saved a original piece.

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 E-Brake Switch

Harry, Anything is worth a try, A quick look will tell once the switch is in hand. I can't Imagen that the switch is all that complex. more than likely its got a internal spring that needs to be stretched and contacts that maybe need cleaning. I think this is the kind of stuff that gives self gratitude once the work is complete and working again, And saved a original piece.

I have it out on the bench. It looks to be a sealed unit. If it can come apart a few hints from the group would be very helpful.

[Edward J.]

Re: 63 E-Brake Switch

Harry does it appear to have any release points on either end of the switch ? I tryed to look at my switch in my car but really can't see anything. how about a pic. of the switch ends?

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 E-Brake Switch

Harry does it appear to have any release points on either end of the switch ? I tryed to look at my switch in my car but really can't see anything. how about a pic. of the switch ends?

One end has 3 spot welds to the bracket, the other looks as if it was pressed in. The pressed in end has the two prongs.

[Edward J.]

Re: 63 E-Brake Switch

Harry, the two prongs if they can be released the end cap may come off ? I would think if the switch has a way to be taken apart there would be some king of release points on one of the end caps. other wise if its totally molded together it would not likely be something that would be able to be repaired.

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 E-Brake Switch

I turned back the peens on the prong end and carefully but with force pulled the unit out. It came out in 8 pieces. There was lots of evidence of crazy glue. Someone had been there before. I put it back together with more crazy glue.

I stretched the spring, no help. It appears that the internal part where the plunger slide is just worn. Also, the brass piece that hits the plunger does not return to a neutral position. After you engage the plunger the brass piece that moves the plunger remains at the plunger and keeps it inserted a bit.

If the guts/insert was available it would be an easy fix. Time for a new switch.

[Kenneth F.]

Re: 63 E-Brake Switch

A little WD-40 into the plunger area might give it a new life, if it is not totally worn. Let some of the WD-40 leak into the contacts.

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 E-Brake Switch

A little WD-40 into the plunger area might give it a new life, if it is not totally worn. Let some of the WD-40 leak into the contacts.

Ken, I tried that before I took it apart.

I just looked at Paragon, they sell the switch for $75. In this case a repo is OK with me.

[Ruedi K.]

Re: 63 E-Brake Switch

The Emergency brake switch on my 1963 Corvette also quit working so I replaced it with a reproduction metal one. After that it worked a few months and then quit. I was lucky enough to find an original, working one, installed that, and it works since then. Sometimes the quality of these electrical repro switches is not that good.

Good luck.
DSC01216.jpg