Wanted: Rear Door Switch

David Henry

PCS Member
The rear door switch does not work on my 1974 S&S. I have sourced a switch, but it is too long and closing the door would definitely bend the plunger. So, does anyone know a part number for this switch, the GM and NAPA parts department have not been able to help.
 

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The switch that you have sourced, is the correct switch. You install the switch by threading it into the hole, and then when you close the door, it will automatically adjust itself to the closed switch position. The outer tube slides inside of the nut. This is the way that they are designed, so that switch will fit many different applications. Don't be concerned with bending the switch, because it will adjust itself before any damage is done. Just make sure that you don't damage the wires when screwing the switch in. I have found that if you turn the wires 3 or 4 times in a counter clock rotation, that when you screw the switch in, the wires will return to a neutral position. You only have to do this in cases, where you can't get to the back of the switch to plug the wires in after you install the switch.
Comparing the two pictures below, should be enough to understand how it works....

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Paul, thanks for the feedback, however, when I installed the switch, as I suspected it did not “self adjust” but bent when I closed the door (did not allow it to slam). All is not lost, I have another switch I can install. So ideas on how to get that one to “self adjust”?
 

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Never seen that happen before. The only other suggestion would be to install it, and then tap it with a hammer to get the switch tube to retract. That switch is common to most of the GM cars of the 1960's & 1970's. The only thing that I can think of, is that the "interference fit" of the tube and the nut, is too tight. I would use a piece of 2x4 on the switch and a light hammer. You just want to tap it enough to get it moving, and then adjust the taps, till it is close to where it belongs.
 
Ya what he said. You want a little more control you might put it in a vice to tap it down. The angle of the door jam is why it bent. Most likely caught the edge of the door.
 
There are minimally 3 versions of those pin switches, and the one you bent wasn't the right switch for the application. I know this because I explained "what happened we changed the switch" over 100 times in 10 years.

The down & dirty trick to preadjusting the switch is modeling clay or playdough.
Before installing the switch, put a lump of playdough covered on the door side by poly sheet and close & reopen the door gently. The squished lump will give you a good measurement of how far the pin needs to stick out.

When you install the switch, adjust it by tapping almost to the proper depth.
That will prevent bending the plunger 90% of the time.
 
Junk Switches

Well I am convinced that these switches are just JUNK. Taking Ed, Walter and Paul’s advice I put it in a vice, used a small piece of 2x4 and lightly but firmly tapped the wood as it rested on the plunger and tube. The thing did not move at all. What it did do was mushroom the tube.

Now off to find a steel (not aluminum) switch that is USA ?? made vs the China ones. Might have to visit the yard to find a few.
 

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