1956 Convertible top switch rebuild

[Grim70]

Hi,

Did a search and didn't find anything.

Does anyone have a drawing of the assembly? I'm trying to repair my original push/pull and any information is appreciated. When I opened it up I found the broken springs, seems strange that these would be the only thing to make contact.

Thanks in advance.

[Grim70]

Maybe I should've asked, Can it be repaired? I'm guessing since they are like hen's teeth and "Untested" units are selling for $300 there is a way to refurbish?

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by Grim70

Hi,

Did a search and didn't find anything.

Does anyone have a drawing of the assembly? I'm trying to repair my original push/pull and any information is appreciated. When I opened it up I found the broken springs, seems strange that these would be the only thing to make contact.

Thanks in advance.

Since you have taken it apart, post a picture and you will get more reply, as to how to rebuild it. I have a 53' Merc convertible, and am not hesitant to rebuild a part to keep it going. I am not sure if both switches are the same. I have attached a picture of my switch.

You are right, as to the prices of the switches being offered, it is ridiculous, considering how basic they are.

[Merc Cruzer]

I have a spare switch, so I took it apart to show you the parts involved and how it is assembled.

Picture 1 - switch
Picture 2 - switch top and contact slider off
Picture 3 - sliding contact
Picture 4 - Sliding contact removed and upside down, to show the two raised spots, that sit
on the top of the springs

Hope this helps, so you will know what parts you are missing, and then can get it back together and working again. I would check it with a multi-meter before reinstalling it. Good luck.

I need to clean mine up and clean the contact off, before I reassemble it.

[Grim70]

Thank you! That is exactly what I needed. Seems the brass contact strip has evaporated and the springs have broken in mine. I thought there needed to be a strip there to make contact.

[Merc Cruzer]

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The brass strip could be made. You can get small pieces of brass, different thickness, from Ace Hardware. As to dimensions, just make it so it fits in the proper space. The springs can be sourced at you local Ace Hardware. Looks like one of yours survived so that will make it easier. Clean up the contacts and you will be good to go. Yours is definitely repairable.

I have attached a picture of the contact cleaner I use.

[Grim70]

Merc, I was on my way to Ace after your first reply. Thanks again for the help and follow up. For a couple bucks it works perfect. For future reference I only needed one spring, cut in half. The brass is available @.30 x 1/4" and fits the slot perfect.

Hopefully this will help some others as well.

[Merc Cruzer]

Good to hear.

You just saved yourself $340 (including shipping)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/29208515519...0AAOSwc-tY1CKl

Now every time you put the top down or up, I will bet there is a smile involved.