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1968 Power top question

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RichTJ99

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hi,

So the 68 I am looking at has a top switch near the steering wheel (under kind of). The switch itself is a toggle switch that has open, neutral, and close. It is not the type of switch you need to hold, just flip & it does its thing.

My 1985 Dodge 600 (Dodge K type car) convertible had more of a button that only would open & close as long as you held the button in the on (or off) position.

Is this an aftermarket switch or what Chevrolet did at the factory?

I am more concerned that my wife borrows the car & leaves it in the down position all day long - what that might do the the hydraulics.

Thanks,
Rich
 
#2 ·
mine is a tiny lever, like a power window switch but a tad smaller.
it fits bottom of the dash right near the parking brake release

must hold to activate. let go and the top stops
 
#4 ·
Rich, the one that came from the factory was a paddle type switch that you had to hold to lower or raise the top. As soon as you let go of the switch the top would stop. The replacement (re-pop) switch that is sold through the parts houses is junk. They will last maybe a month and then crap out. That is why alot of people use a different type of switch. If you want originality than you have to find an original switch NOS. They are alot more expensive that the re-pop but are more reliable.

Brandan
 
#5 ·
I seem to recall reading that someone had converted a passenger side power window switch to work. What you are describing is known as a momentary switch, and this is probably what you want instead of a regular toggle switch like you have in there. If it was accidentally left in one of the "on" positions, it could burn up the motor.
 
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#6 ·
My car is a daily driver, so the top goes up & down more than other cars. I used to go through those stupid repo switches like they were going out of style.
About 5 or 6 years ago I converted my power top wire harness to work with an original power window switch (very simple really). I mounted the "power window" switch on the left side (inside) of the glove box. I used the same mounting hardware one would use for mounting the switch on the door.
Anyway... I've been using this "new" switch for years. Its NEVER given me any trouble. A power window switch is just built a lot more beefier & stronger. Especially when compared to those foreign cheapy-weapy repo switches.
You can buy an old 60's style power window switch on ebay for less than a new repo power top switch.
 
#9 ·
RichTJ99 said:
Can you share an ebay link of something that would be appropriate?
Click to expand...

Wow! These seem have gone up in price over the last few years. I am used to seeing them for like $10.00. If you buy one, try to make sure it comes with the retainer that goes on the back side. If my car wasn't so original, I was temped to mount this button on the dash just below the ignition. It would "look factory." Sometimes you can buy with the retainer AND the wire plug from an original power window harness. I have original power windows in car. The last time I bought a used power window switch on ebay, I paid about 10 or 15 bucks for everything you'll see in the 3 links below. If you are patient, you can get a better deal that the links below. Good luck.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/64-69-CHEVE...item483f2d4125&item=310297575717&pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chev-Buick-...item25625604c6&item=160563594438&pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-1972-C...item3cbc7c8d9a&item=260860317082&pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr
 
#10 ·
It should be a momentary switch as stated above. If someone were to leave it running by mistake, then it should trip the circuit breaker on the firewall. However, if there is no circuit breaker or it is stuck, then you would most likely burn out the electric motor side of your top pump.

You need to swap it out with something. I use a heavy duty momentary toggle switch. Not fancy and not original, but the rest of the car you are looking at is no where close to original.
 
#12 ·
68rsconvtn,

Where and what switch did you buy. I have one that stays in in on position until you move it to off just to get the top going during the restoration and have been looking for one to replace it with no luck.
Thanks
EB
 
#13 ·
Have done a bit of leg work for ya...was able to pick one up a while back @ "D & R Classic. It wasn't cheap, eh?

Anyways, have left word with Dottie, @ ext. 617, to do some lookin' around for ya, and they are pretty good at gettin' NOS stuff, or good used. Did mention that you had wanted orig switch. So, give her a call next week @800-226-2761, and tell her that you had been talking with Flashback 68 re. this part.

capt
 
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