Door Ajar Switch Removal For 72 Vette

[Bill E.]

My Door ajar switches are rusted, i think, and can not be removed with a wrench. What is the best way to take them off?, and i tried putting oil on them. what is the procedure for removing these switches (do u have to remove the panels?) and also my switches have two pop rivets from side by side on the switches. is this correct for a 72 vette? thanks -----Bill

[Edward J.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Removal For 72 Vette

Bill The Switches You Are Talking About Are They In The Door Pillers (interior Lamp Switchs) Or At The Door Opening Rear Lower (those Are The Alarm Switchs) Either Way They Are Like A Self Tapping Design -tappered Tread And Aliitle Rust Pent. Oil Sitting For A While Should Help, Us A 6 Point Socket Instead Of Wrench And Work Back And Forth , The Switch That Has The Rivets Is Factory I Guess A Reinforcment For The Switch.-hope This Helps Ed

[Rich P.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Removal For 72 Vette

Bill,

the pop rivets by the switch are correct. They hold the plate in place.

Your best chance for removing the switch would be to use a good quality 7/16" 6 point socket NOT A 12 point!! (preferably one that puts the torque on the flanks of the hex and not the points, snap on makes a good flank drive socket). Then try to tighten and lossen in very small incriments. If it still does not budge continue to put a good penetrating oil on it and try again a day or 2 later. Sometimes just moving it a litte back and forth brakes the crust just enough to let the penetrating fluid do its job.

If you have to drill the plate out it can be done but is a pain in the neck.

Rich

[Rich P.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Removal For 72 Vette

Bill,

I wanted to add a quick comment. The threads are pipe thread. Pipe threads are tappered making a tighter fit as it is installed. Thats why if you very easily try to tighten the switch it will actually make the thread opening and therads on the switch compress against each other so when you try to remove the switch it might give you a little breathing room.

Rich

[Harmon C.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Removal For 72 Vette

Don't turn too hard on the rear switchs as the pop rivets will tear up the fiberglass. The pop rivets can be drilled out and the switch removed through the inspection plate at #3 body mount. It's not easy as the hole inside must be enlarged.

[Rey S.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Removal For 72 Vette

It's been awhile on this thread for a reply but it may be helpful to somebody out there.

From my own experience the switches are NOT pipe thread. They are 3/8 NF(3/8-24). There pipe thread will give an interference fit (cross thread) and ruin either/both the switch and/or the mounting plate making them useless. Proceed carefully !!!!

[Jim T.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Removal For 72 Vette

KROIL is a good product to attack your rust. A NAPA auto parts store may have it or get it from one of their distribution facilities. Google KROIL to check it out.

[Russ S.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Removal For 72 Vette

It's been awhile on this thread for a reply but it may be helpful to somebody out there.

From my own experience the switches are NOT pipe thread. They are 3/8 NF(3/8-24). There pipe thread will give an interference fit (cross thread) and ruin either/both the switch and/or the mounting plate making them useless. Proceed carefully !!!!

I agree. They are not pipe thread.

[Richard C.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Removal For 72 Vette

Kano Laboratories, 615-833-4101. www.kanolabs.com