[Chrysler300] Door Jamb Switch-1955 C-300

[Rich Barber <barber@xxxxxxxxx>]

I needed to replace both door jamb interior light switches on my 1955 
C-300, so went to NAPA and found them in their catalog--NAPA/Echlin Part 
Number DJ6300, reasonably priced at $4.77.  Turns out they are not the 
proper switch, but probably the same switch Gary Goers shows at the top 
of page 9 in his catalog for a '57-'59.  It is a much stronger and 
better engineered switch, but cannot be installed as is in my 1955 door 
jamb hole.

Anyone have a source for the original, wimpy door jamb switches?  
Probably the same for 1955 & 1956.

I was able to make the switch work with a couple of washers.  I tapped 
the back washer with 5/16" NC to match the threads on the switch body, 
and cut it down into a rectangular shape so that it would slip through 
the jamb hole and work as a backup plate on the back side of the door 
jamb, sort of like a Molly fastener.  The front washer is slightly 
larger than the jamb hole with a loose fit around the threaded switch 
body.  Pull the wire out (but don't lose it as the space behind the door 
jamb is inaccessible), disconnect the old switch pieces, plug the wire 
into the new switch, insert the assembly and tighten.  Ignore the 
sparks.  They are not a short circuit, just the current flowing through 
the map and dome light filaments to ground as the wire or switch body 
strikes the door jamb.  You might want to paint the exposed washer to 
match the door jamb and minimize visual impact.  More demerits at show 
time, but the lights work well.  As I describe the process, I'm thinking 
of adding a lock washer or two between the flat washers to keep the 
assembly tight.

Finding the proper switches may be the best way unless they are doomed 
to early failure.  There is probably a better way than mine, but that is 
what I came up with on short notice.  Patent pending, but would be glad 
to license to Gary.  Engineering drawings and materials list available 
for SASE to:

Rich Barber
1801 Redwine Terrace
Brentwood, CA 94513-6000
C-300




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