1966 Top Up/Down dash switch- why is mine different?

Anything that pertains only to a convertible goes here. Such as: Top material, pads, mechanism, hydraulic pumps, switch and relay mechanisms, latches, etc.

Moderators: Dan Szwarc, jleonard

Post Reply
1966BlackonBlackConv
Occasional Visitor
Posts: 45
Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2021 10:17 pm
Contact:

1966 Top Up/Down dash switch- why is mine different?

Post by 1966BlackonBlackConv »

My switch
My switch
My switch.jpg (37.15 KiB) Viewed 1336 times
John's switch Factory nut
John's switch Factory nut
My top up/down switch on the dash looks factory for 1966. The switch is slightly loose/sloppy on the bezel. My switch does not have the fine nut with detents that fastens the switch assembly to the bezel. Mine has a rubber ring where the threaded nut with detents would be. I took the two screws off the dash bezel and pulled the assembly out, to see what was happening behind the switch. It did not reveal any valuable insight.

I used a fine pick to see if I could pull out the rubber ring . It did not want to come out. I don't want to ruin it- (probably a $100 part). I could not spin the switch assembly from behind, in an attempt to loosen or tighten the switch on the bezel. I did force a shim in on the back side of the switch. This removed the sloppy condition.

I contacted John and he sent me a photo of a 1966 he is working on. His car has the detent fastener pictured below. Mine has the "rubber nut". Did they use a rubber nut? Who's got rubber nut's? Let me know if you have rubber nuts!

Any insight is appreciated.
User avatar
RMAENV
Addicted to Lincolns
Posts: 1240
Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2008 12:16 pm
Location: Yardley, PA
Contact:

Re: 1966 Top Up/Down dash switch- why is mine different?

Post by RMAENV »

I am betting the switch went bad and they replaced it with a power seat switch. The power seat switch has a 4 prong plug. The right Top Up/Down switch is a 3 prong plug.

That plate that holds the switch unscrews. There should be 1 screw below the switch right under where it says "down" The other screw is at the top of the plate. Take the screws out pull the plate forward and look at the back of the switch and the wire harness. The plug should be 3 prong. I think the wires are purple, yellow and green (not sure about the green). If it is a 4 prong plug that is the substituted power seat switch.
Rob
1966 Lincoln Convertible (White/Black)
1957 Chevy Bel Air Resto-Mod (Anthricite/Black)
2009 Challenger SRT 6.1 Hemi (Hemi Orange Pearl/Black)
2012 Expedition EL (White Titanium Tricoat/Charcoal)
1966BlackonBlackConv
Occasional Visitor
Posts: 45
Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2021 10:17 pm
Contact:

Re: 1966 Top Up/Down dash switch- why is mine different?

Post by 1966BlackonBlackConv »

3 terminals
3 terminals
I took the panel back off. It has a three terminal switch that sure looks like it was factory. The shims are holding. I will leave well enough alone. I was just wondering id anyone else has this switch.
User avatar
RMAENV
Addicted to Lincolns
Posts: 1240
Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2008 12:16 pm
Location: Yardley, PA
Contact:

Re: 1966 Top Up/Down dash switch- why is mine different?

Post by RMAENV »

That switch appears to be the original.
Rob
1966 Lincoln Convertible (White/Black)
1957 Chevy Bel Air Resto-Mod (Anthricite/Black)
2009 Challenger SRT 6.1 Hemi (Hemi Orange Pearl/Black)
2012 Expedition EL (White Titanium Tricoat/Charcoal)
User avatar
Dan Szwarc
Site Admin
Posts: 29775
Joined: Fri Jun 16, 2000 1:01 am
Contact:

Re: 1966 Top Up/Down dash switch- why is mine different?

Post by Dan Szwarc »

My guess is the ring is a hack. It’s a kludge repair done when someone lost the locking ring. It’s a gap filler.

You’d have to take it apart to be sure.

Let me know if you feel badly about this and want one like everyone else.
frasern
Addicted to Lincolns
Posts: 1272
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2016 2:09 pm
Location: North Battleford, Saskatchewan
Contact:

Re: 1966 Top Up/Down dash switch- why is mine different?

Post by frasern »

It looks like someone lost the nut and just stuck an O ring on it.
Fraser Noble, Western Canada
'62 and '67 LCC.
1966BlackonBlackConv
Occasional Visitor
Posts: 45
Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2021 10:17 pm
Contact:

Re: 1966 Top Up/Down dash switch- why is mine different?

Post by 1966BlackonBlackConv »

It's not an o- ring that is securing this switch. I used a dental tool to pry it out. That rubber is securing the switch. What ever that rubber is- is holding it in an won't come out from the front. My McIver fix (using shims) has eliminated any slop that existed prior. I have tried to remove the switch from the bezel by pulling, twisting etc... It will not come out. I will call this Kludge repair good.
User avatar
Dan Szwarc
Site Admin
Posts: 29775
Joined: Fri Jun 16, 2000 1:01 am
Contact:

Re: 1966 Top Up/Down dash switch- why is mine different?

Post by Dan Szwarc »

1966BlackonBlackConv wrote:My McIver fix (using shims) has eliminated any slop that existed prior.
MacGyver?
Post Reply

Return to “Convertibles, Convertibles, Convertibles”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest