Rectantular hole - rocker switches

Jokester · March 28, 2009, 03:44:09 PM

Hi all,

I'm using rectangular rocker switches on my power windows and some other stuff. I got the holes cut as tight as I could, but the switches still move about a bit in the dash. Is there any way to snug them up so they don't move or rattle. I thought about wrapping a tie strap around them, or maybe a lasso made of string or cord that I could pull tight. Maybe a bead of RTV around the edge inside the dash would do it. I don't know.

Anyone have any other suggestions?

thanks.

.bjb

MrMopar64 · March 28, 2009, 03:56:42 PM

When I did mine I had the same problem..... I put a dab of RTV on the back side and they are fine
I looked into buying the die at first but wasn't worth the money for a few holes

Good Luck
MM64

crdnblu · March 28, 2009, 05:18:53 PM

OK, don't scoff........Here's a perfect application for a bit of duct tape, as needed, underneath, around the "ears" that hold the switches in. Or, sometimes, the panel that the switches are mounted to is too thin, so a layer of duct tape on the the under-surface "thickens" the panel to snug up the switch mounting.

The Paisano · March 30, 2009, 05:15:06 PM

The plastic tabs on the back of the switch that hold tension on the mounting plate just needs to be tighten up a bit against the mounting plate.Wedge a small piece of something like a small roll pinto tighten it up.
will come out clean looking.You can always remove it if you need to do repairs.

enjenjo · March 30, 2009, 06:38:17 PM

Quote from: "The Paisano"The plastic tabs on the back of the switch that hold tension on the mounting plate just needs to be tighten up a bit against the mounting plate.Wedge a small piece of something like a small roll pinto tighten it up.
will come out clean looking.You can always remove it if you need to do repairs.

A peice of rubber Oring would be ideal for that.

Jokester · March 30, 2009, 11:29:23 PM

Frank, you are 2 hours too late, but you have the right answer.

I bought two O-rings which tightened up the power window switches nicely. Then came the problem of the 4 switch group in the center of the dash. I found a square (cross section) o-ring in my misc. drawer. It looks like a gasket from a screw on filter, about 3" across. I stretched it around the whole group and now it stays in place too.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions.

.bjb

wvcab · March 31, 2009, 01:43:16 AM

a nibbling tool makes a real nice rectangular hole... just a thought

47convert · April 12, 2009, 12:42:42 AM

Quote from: "wvcab"a nibbling tool makes a real nice rectangular hole... just a thought

Anyone know where to buy one of these? I'm talking about the kind that are like a small pair of pliers and made just for this type of deal. You drill a small hole and these pliers take tiny little bites untill you get just the shape you need. They're perfect for cutting a little notch on top (or wherever you need it) to stop switches from turning in a round hole etc.

58 Yeoman · April 12, 2009, 12:54:12 AM

Quote from: "wvcab"a nibbling tool makes a real nice rectangular hole... just a thought

I've got one of those, also, but can't remember where I got it. I've had it for years.

wayne petty · April 12, 2009, 01:51:30 AM

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97636

or

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=65895

there are electric and air powered versions here..

http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=nibbler&Submit=Go

wvcab · April 12, 2009, 05:37:42 AM

Quote from: "47convert"
Quote from: "wvcab"a nibbling tool makes a real nice rectangular hole... just a thought

Anyone know where to buy one of these? I'm talking about the kind that are like a small pair of pliers and made just for this type of deal. You drill a small hole and these pliers take tiny little bites untill you get just the shape you need. They're perfect for cutting a little notch on top (or wherever you need it) to stop switches from turning in a round hole etc.

i bought mine at a electronics supplier, in there tool section, i believe it was norvac electronics.

47convert · April 12, 2009, 11:42:18 AM

Great. The Harbor freight ones are exactly what I was looking for. Thanx.