[mrgto]

My switch went bad after 34 years and after seeing the prices that people were asking for a used switch, I decided to have a go and see if I could repair the switch myself.

It can be done!!


To open up the switch, carefully drill out the copper pins. I used a 5/16.











All three contacts were very loose, they seemed to have been pressed on. Soldered all the connections and added a touch of crazy glue to make sure they don't move





Works like brand new!!!!!!
Hope this will help someone out in the future!!

[goathead68]

It's a 'bump to the top' to help those who need to fix that one year only switch.

Also, thanks to mrgto for sharing this info with the rest of us.

[68convertibles]

Could anyone help me find a 68 gto convertible switch, I have been looking everywhere and can't even get one off e-bay. I have a few 68 parts if trades are needed to be included.
Thanks

[buzzojoe]

It won't work correctly. It's a 3 position switch instead of a 2 position , momentary switch like the convertible top switch.
You would be better off using a momentary toggle switch mounted under the dash until you can find a good convertible top switch. THere is one on Ebay right now. Search for 68 convertible switch and you should be able to find it. Another option is to find a rear window switch out of a 68 Pontiac Wagon. They are the same as the convertible top switch except for the lettering.
Good Luck!

[Gus_Mahn]

Put me in line for a 68 switch. Right now my car has a toggle switch for the top. It looks crappy but works OK. Anyone have any idea of an appropriate substitue? How well will other years work, and is the harness the same?

Thanks

[Bob68]

When you search Ebay, also search for 1968 station wagon power rear window switch. Same switch if you dont mind the text on the switch. Its more fitting than a toggle. NO offense Gus!

[buzzojoe]

You need a 3 way, momentary switch that is capable of handling about 20 amps at 12 volts. You might have to go to a "real" electronics store or electrical supply house to find one. The momentary part means that the switch will return to the center "off" position when you let go of it. You could use a standard 3 way switch but if it got bumped or something it would stay in one of the power positions and would ruin something.
As much as I hate to send anyone there, Autozone has some heavy duty switches called "painless performance" that are really good also.
If I were you I would make up a harness using spade connectors so you don't have to hack up your harness going to the top pump. That way when you do find an original switch you can plug it right in.

[mrgto]

Excellent Bob68, I'm happy that My post helped you out!!!!!!!!!!

[buzzojoe]

THere is an auction on Ebay right now for a 68 power antenna switch. It's the same as a top switch only it has "ANTENNA" on it instead of "TOP". If you get it be sure to use my relay system so it doesn't burn out right away!

[Gus_Mahn]

I called Bethels. He didn't have a switch, but told me if I do find one to put it on relays so there is little chance of burning up the switch. Have any of you done this? It sounds reasonable to me.

Bob, I'll take what I can find. A station wagon switch would be ok with me. Otherwise I'll move my UGLY toggle into the console and replace it with a rocker switch.

[Bob68]

BY the way, I gave up on the ebay crap when I found this post last year and restored my switch. Didnt go as smooth as the directions due to my poor solder skills but my top works now!

[Bob68]

Using buzzojoe's relay method, you could also use a 68 power antenna switch (same switch, lighter guage wires). With the relays, the switch doesnt need to be so heavy duty so the antenna switch would work great.

[artieb]

Hey one went on Ebay, USED, 305.00. American money, I'm gonna part mine out and RETIRE! WOW

[1968_CONVERTIBLE_GOAT]

HEY you guys...i think i have to get a toggle switch at RAdio shack for now till a 68 switch comes up..what exactly do i gotta look for there at radio shack?

[buzzojoe]

I used relays on mine. Easy to do and takes 99% of the load off of the switch. I can email you a diagram of how to do it. All you need is a few connectors and 2 relays that you can buy from Radio Shack. They are about 1 inch black plastic squares with a mounting hole built right in. I think they are 50 amp. Remember the Radio Shack motto:
You have questions, we have blank stares...

[mrgto]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Also, thanks to mrgto for sharing this info with the rest of us.

No Problem buddy!!
I've gained tons of useful knowlege from this site, thought I'd contribute back

[pontiac6269]

mrgto ,I use to work at a factory that does plastic chrome plating. Im located in Sparta, WI though. They do the vacuum plating process. The business is SARTEK INC.
Eric

[Gus_Mahn]

I bought a rear defrost switch. It has low off high. I hope it will work with relays as a top switch. It seems like it should be similar to the top switch pictured above. We'll see after I get it.

[Bob68]

BuzzoJoe - I would like to see that diagram. Feel free to email me at [email protected] Thanks.

[Andre]

That is some nice work. Definitely one of the more informative things that I have seen on the board.

With those kind of skills, you should buy up every junk 68 convertible top switch you could find, and refurbish them. If you got the bezel replated and painted, you could get $100 or so for the switch.