Re-installing 70 alarm switch

[Bill L.]

This is driving me nuts.

I cannot get the clip on the alarm switch to hold it in place. I figured the BC/CC Paint was too thick so I carefully sanded the paint off around the opening.

Any suggestions?

Mine is the later style that looks like the door locks without the escutcheon and has just a black gasket.

Thanks,


Bill

[Bill L.]

Re: Re-installing 70 alarm switch

Well I may have found the problem. I am pretty sure this is not the correct clip. It should should be the same clip as the door and it is not.

Bill

[Bill L.]

Re: Re-installing 70 alarm switch

Well I am still trying to get to the bottom of the issue.

Can someone post a picture of the correct clip?

Did the alarm switch have a gasket?

My AIM shows the escutcheon with the early style switch. Mine is the later style.

I saw one picture when I searched the site and this picture of the newer style had a gasket.

I know it is the same as the door lock retainer. However, my door panels are installed.

Thanks,


Bill

[Terry M.]

Re: Re-installing 70 alarm switch

Well I am still trying to get to the bottom of the issue.

Can someone post a picture of the correct clip?

Did the alarm switch have a gasket?

My AIM shows the escutcheon with the early style switch. Mine is the later style.

I saw one picture when I searched the site and this picture of the newer style had a gasket.

I know it is the same as the door lock retainer. However, my door panels are installed.

Thanks,


Bill

I believe the clip IS the same as that used on the doors, and that should be readily available since it was used on a whole host of GM vehicles. Joe Lucia should be able to help with that.

That 'later' 1970 lock sometimes has an escutcheon on it and sometimes not and last I heard we were still scratching our heads about the escutcheon or no escutcheon and what drives that choice. With no escutcheon I would put a gasket on it just to protect the paint, even if it resulted in a deduction. If the weather (melting) holds in a day or two I should be able to get to my copy of the 1970 AIM that has handwritten notes about the 'new' lock to see what that page says.

I just checked the 1972 AIM I have in the house and the retainer (clip) is the same for the door and lock (assUming the L1970 lock and retainer are the same) part # 4884405

[Michael G.]

Re: Re-installing 70 alarm switch

Bill, I vaguely remember mine NOT having a gasket when I removed it. I was not sure if it had been removed by someone else before me but do remember trying to install with gasket and not being able to get clip on.

[Bill L.]

Re: Re-installing 70 alarm switch

Bill, I vaguely remember mine NOT having a gasket when I removed it. I was not sure if it had been removed by someone else before me but do remember trying to install with gasket and not being able to get clip on.

I do know the lock on mine has been replaced since the stainless steel has just the four crimped tabs. I do know that I have seen a picture on a previous thread showing a gasket and I know there are pictures in both the Vette Vues Fact Book and 68-82 Restoration Guide showing gaskets.

Below are some pictures of the clip and switch I was attempting to install. I am pretty sure neither are original so another search begins

Bill

Alarm Switch Clip Side View.jpg Alarm Switch Clip Top View.jpg Alarm Switch Crimped Cover 4 Tabs.jpg Alarm Switch.jpg

[Dennis D.]

Re: Re-installing 70 alarm switch

My june 70 has the escutcheon. The hole in the body has a notch for the locating tab of the escutcheon. Had no gasket. Switch uses the door key and not a briggs stratton. Think my AIM shows this.

[Bill L.]

Re: Re-installing 70 alarm switch

My june 70 has the escutcheon. The hole in the body has a notch for the locating tab of the escutcheon. Had no gasket. Switch uses the door key and not a briggs stratton. Think my AIM shows this.

Yours has the newer style lock with the escutcheon? Based on the black glass outline mine is clearly cut out for the newer style without the escutcheon.

Now I understand the confusion. I kinda wish mine was the old style. It is a lot simpler to spin a nut on than get this clip on.

I still need to see and original clip since I think mine is an aftermarket clip.

Bill

[Harmon C.]

Re: Re-installing 70 alarm switch

I would leave the gasket off and flatten the spring clip if needed to make it fit. I have done it this way many times.

[Bill L.]

Re: Re-installing 70 alarm switch

I would leave the gasket off and flatten the spring clip if needed to make it fit. I have done it this way many times.

The problem with the clip pictured is it is turned up at the ends which just makes no sense to me. Does this look like the correct clip. I don't recall the door locks using the same clip yet the AIM calls out the same clip for both locations.

Is the clip pictured in my post correct?

Thanks,


Bill

[Edward J.]

Re: Re-installing 70 alarm switch

Bill, Make sure the four tags on the lock cylinder bezel are flatten out completely and don't use the gasket, the clip appears to be the correct clip. I remember having a similar problem on my 72 put a dab of dilectric grease on the clip tangs to help with the install.

[Bill L.]

Re: Re-installing 70 alarm switch

Bill, Make sure the four tags on the lock cylinder bezel are flatten out completely and don't use the gasket, the clip appears to be the correct clip. I remember having a similar problem on my 72 put a dab of dilectric grease on the clip tangs to help with the install.

Ok-I got the clip back on. Flattened the tangs, flattened the clip some including the tangs, and used dielectric grease as suggested. Got it on and used the gasket. Unbelievably tight fit. Cannot imagine it was like that new.

Thanks guys. These little things will just drive you nuts sometimes.

Bill

[David P.]

Re: Re-installing 70 alarm switch

I guess I'm glad I have the Briggs & Stratton early '70 UA6 key/lock. It's a piece of cake to remove/install, with only a nut and shim on the back holding it on. No gasket, clip, tang or anything. Only problem is there's no locating notch to reinstall in the correct orientation... Can you confirm that the keyway should be vertical and oriented so the key notches face downward when inserted? That would make it so a quarter turn counterclockwise arms the alarm. Thanks-

[Bill L.]

Re: Re-installing 70 alarm switch

I guess I'm glad I have the Briggs & Stratton early '70 UA6 key/lock. It's a piece of cake to remove/install, with only a nut and shim on the back holding it on. No gasket, clip, tang or anything. Only problem is there's no locating notch to reinstall in the correct orientation... Can you confirm that the keyway should be vertical and oriented so the key notches face downward when inserted? That would make it so a quarter turn counterclockwise arms the alarm. Thanks-

My understanding is the notches always face down both on the alarm and door locks. Mine can only go in one way and the notches are facing the ground.

Wish I had the old style.

When I say it is tight I actually had to carefully tap the clip in to place with a hammer. This is not one of GMs finer design elements.

Bill

[Alan S.]

Re: Re-installing 70 alarm switch

Hi Bill,
"These little things will just drive you nuts sometimes."
But in a good way, right!
It's amazing how good even the smallest successes can feel.
Regards,
Alan