If you converted the power window switch which one would you choose?

[PhotonFanatic]

I had a thread awhile back talking about how I hate the factory window and door lock switches. It's probably a long shot, but I wonder if anyone here has ever considered using different switches from another vehicle. And if you did, what you might have come up with.

I've been through enough with the factory switches that I'm not going to use that type again. I'll be cutting the wires and installing a new plug that will fit the new switch. But which vehicle is suitable to be the donor?

I guess I really just need something that fits either in the holes of the door panel, or inside the little bezel of the factory switch. Once it's been hollowed out with a dremel, of course.

 

[Tonimus]

I've used the aluminum crank style switches and Contura V-Series rockers. Contura rockers are super heavy duty and I expect they will last forever. The downside to the Contura rockers is that they're almost 2" deep when they have connectors on them.

 

[Grit dog]

I had a thread awhile back talking about how I hate the factory window and door lock switches. It's probably a long shot, but I wonder if anyone here has ever considered using different switches from another vehicle. And if you did, what you might have come up with.

I've been through enough with the factory switches that I'm not going to use that type again. I'll be cutting the wires and installing a new plug that will fit the new switch. But which vehicle is suitable to be the donor?

I guess I really just need something that fits either in the holes of the door panel, or inside the little bezel of the factory switch. Once it's been hollowed out with a dremel, of course.

Do you mean you’ve replaced switches with new and they don’t last?
I haven’t had to buy replacement switches for either Square yet.

 

[Chevy 88]

I would use one of these:

Amazon.com : window switch universal

 

[YakkoWarner]

Do you mean you’ve replaced switches with new and they don’t last?
I haven’t had to buy replacement switches for either Square yet.

I know mine (from Rock Auto) didn't hold up well at all - my original factory switches were still "working" but the clips and bezel were broken so it was replaced with what looked like an identical unit from Rock Auto. A year or 2 later and now I have to use an umbrella to reach across to the switch for the passenger side, the driver side and both back windows will only work with the unit hanging out of the door and squeezing it "just right" to make the contacts connect. Unfortunately the original ones were lost when my friend Dave passed away or I'd try to put them into the intact aftermarket bezel and clips. At this point I just want windows that work (all the motors and mechanisms work just fine although a bit slow when operating them at their individual door switches) since the A/C is mostly dead.

 

[Snoots]

I know mine (from Rock Auto) didn't hold up well at all - my original factory switches were still "working" but the clips and bezel were broken so it was replaced with what looked like an identical unit from Rock Auto. A year or 2 later and now I have to use an umbrella to reach across to the switch for the passenger side, the driver side and both back windows will only work with the unit hanging out of the door and squeezing it "just right" to make the contacts connect. Unfortunately the original ones were lost when my friend Dave passed away or I'd try to put them into the intact aftermarket bezel and clips. At this point I just want windows that work (all the motors and mechanisms work just fine although a bit slow when operating them at their individual door switches) since the A/C is mostly dead.

So, you need the 4-button switch?

 

[Grit dog]

Glad I have my original switches then by the sounds of it. Thanks.
Sorry I wasn’t helping with suggestions….

 

[TotalyHucked]

The problem is, only the GM switches from that era look right. Nothing else is gonna jive with the truck. My originals were still fine but I replaced them with the ones in the NuRelics kit when I did that. One of those failed after about a year so I replaced it with one of our AMD switches. Been going strong for nearly 3 years now

 

[YakkoWarner]

So, you need the 4-button switch?

Yes the 4 button switch in the driver's door is the one that I need. I havn't seen a 4 door squarebody in a scapyard in a long time so not much to pick frrom here.

 

[Snoots]

I'll look in my parts bin after I get back home in a few days. My wifey would never be able to find it. It's yours for $10 that includes shipping. Send me a PM.

 

[YakkoWarner]

I'll look in my parts bin after I get back home in a few days. My wifey would never be able to find it. It's yours for $10 that includes shipping. Send me a PM.

Message sent (I think) - not sure if I did it right this forum software is kind of confusing at times....

 

[PhotonFanatic]

The problem is, only the GM switches from that era look right. Nothing else is gonna jive with the truck. My originals were still fine but I replaced them with the ones in the NuRelics kit when I did that. One of those failed after about a year so I replaced it with one of our AMD switches. Been going strong for nearly 3 years now

Yeah and unfortunately it's not just the switch that needs improvement, it's also the connectors. I hadn't seen that type of connector until I worked on these. The pins on the switch are unusually large, and the odd little clips inside the connector are prone to breaking. A lot of the fixes I've done over the years have been related to the connectors.

So it's a two part problem.

But back to the looks issue, I'll see what I can come up with. The best way may be to make new guts for a factory style switch, so it will accept a modern connector.

An alternative to that would be somehow managing to "chrome" some other switch that didn't look like it came from the 90's or later. Another option might be to make a switch from the ground up out of metal. If you did that you could make it so that it didn't look out of place.

 

[PhotonFanatic]

Even this wouldn't be too bad, if only it were chrome:

Amazon.com: AUTUT 2 Pcs 6 Pins Universal Fit Car Power Window Switch : Automotive

Buy AUTUT 2 Pcs 6 Pins Universal Fit Car Power Window Switch: Power Window - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[Bennyt]

I've seen billet aluminum switches that are a copy of the GM ones but I don't know if they interchange.

These are ball rod and custom but I've seen others that are similar

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[PhotonFanatic]

Here's a good video. If I identify a good modern switch that doesn't look too new, I might do this to it

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