Suburban overhead console switch

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carnutjw

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Evansville, IN, USA
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Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
R20 Suburban
Engine Size
454
When I bought my Suburban it came with an overhead console loose in the back, a bracket attached to the roof inner structure, and holes in the headliner for the console. After some investigation I figured out the bracket was backwards, leading to the console not fitting right. I decided to put LED bulbs in the dome lights and console before installing using this kit:
Confirmed light operation but one of my switches is non functional. Does anyone know where to find a replacement? This is the switch:
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I put it to the side for a while but now I'm revisiting it and starting install. I have the headliner down and the bracket turned around, but thought I would ask about the switch before throwing the console up there.
 

YakkoWarner

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Wolf
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1989
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R2500 Suburban
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454
If you find them, let me know. One of mine broke so now doesn't do anything. I switched mine to LEDs also, really nice and since a lot of my plastic was brittle and looked scorched from the heat of incandescant bulbs, I'm figuring a good safety upgrade as well.
 

bucket

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Similar switches were used in other GM overhead consoles and cubbies in the era. If you find a source for new, there's a lot of people that would probably like to know.
 

carnutjw

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R20 Suburban
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454
I honestly don't remember how the switches are retained in the console. Guess I can disassemble it again and take some measurements. Those do look close but may be three wire(?). Might try these:

 

carnutjw

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R20 Suburban
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454
I ended up ordering both pairs of switches from Amazon. The ones Terlingueno suggested showed up today.
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The switches are held in by a rounded keyhole with a larger and smaller diameter and a thin shoulder on the switch. The threaded portion of the old switch is unused in my current assembly but I'm not sure if that is right or not. Old switch measures .390" at the clip-in diameter, new one is about .380" which is okay. Overall height on old switch is 1.00" with a .080" depression to click on/off, new one is 1.040" and .120" depression to on/off click but some of the extra height is on the back side of the switch so the stroke is a about .040"/50% longer. Internals are different but I get continuity on/off with either side port and the center port so i think that will work as a circuit interrupter. The switches that I shared should be here tomorrow to compare.
 

carnutjw

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1987
Truck Model
R20 Suburban
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454
I used these switches: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW8QF5NK/
But, I had to 3d print new buttons because the switches are a different length. It all works great now.

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Yeah those are identical to the ones I ordered. They are too short to be activated by the console button as produced- about .100" too short. Stroke for on/off is good but height from the shoulder to tip is short. I can make a little cap on my HF lathe to add the extra length, but have been trying to dream up a solution that wouldn't require fab (lathe, 3d, etc.)
I like the operation of these better than the white ones and the fact they are pre-wired. I'm not sure what sort of push-in connector to use with the white ones. I thought of just soldering the ends of the wires and using those.
 
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carnutjw

Full Access Member
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Sep 18, 2024
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Location
Evansville, IN, USA
First Name
John
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
R20 Suburban
Engine Size
454
I used these switches: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW8QF5NK/
But, I had to 3d print new buttons because the switches are a different length. It all works great now.

You must be registered for see images attach
Can you share this 3d print file? Just found out tonight that my local library has 3d printers available for use, but I'm pretty sure they don't create files.
 

drew88crew

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mccalla
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Drew
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88
Truck Model
R20 Crew Cab
Engine Size
350
Could I buy 4 of these buttons from you?
 

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