early 4 +3 overdrive switch

[1985vette]

Hello,

I have been checking out the forum for a while and have a few questions. It seems to be a great place for knowledge on the c4. I have a low mile 1985 corvette 4 + 3, Z51 with the early design overdrive switch. About a week ago, the console mounted overdrive switch broke. It moves freely and won't click-and won't let me go into overdrive. Everything worked perfectly before the switch broke. It seems to be impossible to find one. Any help or advice an locating one would be geatly appreciated.

 

[JonM]

Is it this one ? If so http://www.newark.com #61F753

 

[1985vette]

Unfortunately, it is not that Newark switch. It is an on/off rocker switch. The switch sits next to, and looks similar to the mirror L/R select switch in the console. I have tried the dealership, corvette vendors, SK speed...this switch was discontinued by GM about three years ago. Any help is much appreciated.

 

[Ken]

It is an on/off rocker switch.

I wasn't aware of that. That's good to know, thanks.

 

[1985vette]

Thanks for the info-I will try The Last Detail. It has been frustrating trying to find the switch. I don't really want to cut up or modify the console trim plate to fit a Newark switch. Hopefully something will pan out.

 

[Gman]

I located one at either mid-america or ecklers. I can't remember which one. it's been about 7 years or so. I couldn't find the switch in either of their on-line catalogs, but they may still have it. You'll have to call them. I did find this. I hope it helps.

http://www.tabercorvetteparts.com/catalog/c4_consoles_shifters.html

 

[1985vette]

I did try Arts corvette Parts, Just Corvettes, and Taber, but their web page is way outdated. I will call and talk to customer service at Ecklers and Mid America tomorrow. I am also pursuing Indak the company that made the switch originally to see if they might have any NOS ones. I appreciate the help.

 

[1985vette]

I am back where I started. I appreciate all of the good info, but it looks like I need more options on where to find that switch. TLD, Ecklers, and MID America all came up without a switch or any suggestion of a place to look. Every single vendor I have spoke with said "we could sell a lot of those switches if they were still made." Maybe GM should start making them again.

 

[rwd]

Your best shot would be a salvaged '84 or pre-shiftknob '85. Only about 1 of 8 was a manual, but that's still almost 7,000 cars, and somebody should be able to come up with one.

It's remotely possible the switch was also used in other applications, and perhaps some internals from a mirror switch might fit (I don't have a C4 to do research on anymore). An old Chevrolet parts guy would likely know.

It's also possible your switch may be reconditioned. Worst case scenario you could replace the shift lever with a knob switch unit or modify yours to accept one. They're certainly easier to use.

Good luck.

 

[Ken]

I'm beginning to think that I'm gonna have a hard time finding a joystick-type controller for my mirrors. I haven't been able to find a correct one for my year ('87), and the later years are pinned differently with different sockets.

_ken

 

[rrubel]

Ken, I've added that to my list of things to look for at Carlisle next week. Are you sure it's the joystick, though? When my mirrors started working intermittantly, it was actually the left/right rocker switch that broke.
[RICHR]

 

[Ken]

It's the joystick alright. Thanks Rich, I appreciate that. :cool

_ken

 

[Eagle85C4]

I may be able to repair the switch for you...I have been reconditioning the switches on my 85 when I cannot get an OEM replacement.

 

[Ken]

I'll have it in the mail to you Monday then Ray. Where do I send it?

Rich, you can still look around at Carlisle and if you find one I'll still buy it as long as it's not too, too expensive.

I'll give it to Scott for all the help, and small parts, he gives me. :cool

Thanks guys.

_ken

Now let's give this thread back to it's owner. :L

 

[1985vette]

After reading the posts from last night, I was wondering if anyone would be willing to look at Carlisle for this overdrive switch. I can't make it to Carlisle because of a family commitment. I am assuming an nos overdrive switch would go for $75.00, a used one, if I could find one would go for around $50.00. The switch looks very similar to the (left/Right) mirror switch from 1984-1989, but has a green and black wire coming from the bottom and going to a white connector to plug into the wiring harness in the car. The top of the switch (instead of L/R) has a solid circle and an open circle.

 

[rrubel]

I'll keep a lookout, too.

So many vendors, so little time .

[RICHR]

 

[1985vette]

Thanks!! I would really appreciate. I hope to get the console back together soon. I really wanted to go to Carlisle, but can't do it this year.

 

[Eagle85C4]

I can probably recondition your switch....let me know.

 

[1985vette]

I was hoping to find and install an NOS switch. Then have my old switch reconditioned and keep it as a spare. As hard as the overdrive switch is to find, it seems like a good idea to have an extra one. I will get back to you on the reconditioning after a little more searching. Thanks, Norwood

 

[Eagle85C4]