Electrical: Heater and Defrost Switches

[dhodak]

I am the proud owner of two defective 6V fan switches for my '53 (PN 532133). I understand all these type switches eventually fail as the resistor which controls the low speed setting fails within the switch. Rather than spend $70-$80 on EOM type switches and have another eminent failure, I am considering replacing the resistor itself. Some questions for the group:

1) Do the switches (in say SI's catalog) use newer type components or are they EOM and susceptible to the same failure mode?
2) Has anyone tried replacing the resistor successfully?
3) If yes to the above, where did you acquire the component?
4) If no one has a lead on where to purchase it, what are the specs on the resistor: ohms, size/wattage, coating, etc?

Not having low fan speed is not a big deal - the car never sees cold weather - but I'd like to fix it nonetheless. If I am going to the trouble of fixing it, I would rather approach it with a longer term solution. Depending on the feasibility and cost however, EOM replacement switches might be the final solution.

Thank you in advance for your input.

[tim333]

Sent you a PM.

[dpson]

I wonder if the problem might be due to the mechanical (crimped) connection to the external resistor used on the 1953 and 1954 switches. As seen in the photos below that connection was eliminated in the 1955 switches and the resistor wire went directly to the switch.

[William Mclerran]

I recently bought a 53 Champion that has a bad headlight switch. I cannot find out how to loosen the chassis that holds the switch. Where are the screws or bolts located. Bill McLerran, New Member

[Jeffry Cassel]

You can easily check the resistor with a volt -ohm meter. Switch too. Chances are there is crud or corrosion in the switch and , if you are lucky, some contact cleaner will restore the switch. There are people who can restore them but there are oodles of tiny springs in there that all need to be exactly so so don't try it unless you are a watchmaker.

[dhodak]

As to William's question...truth be told I have not removed mine yet. I did not want to take things apart until I had a plan.
From the pictures above, it looks like older versions have a slight interference fit into the bezel. At the risk of giving you bad advice, I would try rocking the switch back and forth while pulling backward out of the bezel. Take care not to get too rough.

[William Mclerran]

headlight switch removal

I cannot locate the screws/bolts that hold the bazel in. on the 53 studebaker you cannot get to the wires on the switch until you tilt out the
unit. I have the 1953 shop manual and they say to remove the screws of which I cannot find. Please help.

[rkapteyn]

I recently bought a 53 Champion that has a bad headlight switch. I cannot find out how to loosen the chassis that holds the switch. Where are the screws or bolts located. Bill McLerran, New Member

There are set screws on the bottom.
Tilt the panel so you can see the bottom and you will see the setscrews.

http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?28108-54-to-53-instrument-cluster

Sorry , this is for the Commander!