Door Ajar Switch Spacer

[Terry B.]

I'm changing my door ajar switches to the SX style and have a little problem with the adjustment of one of the switches in the door jamb. If I screw the nut on the switch all the way in, the door ajar light will not go out when the door is shut. If I loosen the switch to about half way out it works fine but it is not secure. Is there a spacer or special washer that the factory used to make this fine tune adjustment?

Thanks,

Terry

[Joe L.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Spacer

I'm changing my door ajar switches to the SX style and have a little problem with the adjustment of one of the switches in the door jamb. If I screw the nut on the switch all the way in, the door ajar light will not go out when the door is shut. If I loosen the switch to about half way out it works fine but it is not secure. Is there a spacer or special washer that the factory used to make this fine tune adjustment?

Thanks,

Terry

Terry------


Not that I know of. The threaded portion of the switch assembly is, as I recall, NPT thread. My guess is that the threads on any reproduction switches you are using are not "up-to-snuff". If you're using NOS, then I don't know what the problem is becuase I've installed these with no problem, at all.

Here's what I'd do: carefully wrap the threads with teflon tape and re-install. If it's still too loose at the proper adjustment, remove and add more tape.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Spacer

Terry,
These switches are supposed to be self adjusting. The main shaft moves in to get the correct overall length by simply closing the door after installation. Pull the fixed shaft out as far as it will go. It should offer a bit of resistance. Install the switch screwing all the way in. Close the door and the shaft you pulled out will be pushed in to the correct length. Hope this works for you.
Jeff

[Don L.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Spacer

FWIW, When I installed my SX switches, I used blue (removable) Loctite . It's invisible in the assembly and it helps keep the switch at the required length, thereby providing the right engagement for operation. Works like a charm!

[Paul L.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Spacer

What is the SX-style? I need a couple of switches for a 1974.

[Terry B.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Spacer

Hi Paul,

What I mean by the SX style is on the plunger head of the switch, SX is stamped there. It is original equipment on '68's and '69's and I believe through a number of years beyond that. Check your '74 judging manual to be sure if you use the SX.

Thanks everyone for your quick responses and email. I will be testing them all today to see what works best in my application.

[Kenneth T.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Spacer

Terry,

Jeff has the answer. Try standing the switch on end with the SX facing up and take a socket and tap the barrel nut down on the shaft to the crimp point. That will expose the entire length of the shaft and when you close the door it will adjust correctly.

Ken

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Spacer

I would be very careful putting any pressure at all on the plastic bottom end parts. You are dealing with 40 plus year old ABS pastic which will crack and break if you stare at it long enough! Just hold the nut and pull the shaft out by hand (NOT the plunger!!!!).
Jeff

[Pat M.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Spacer

Here's what I'd do: carefully wrap the threads with teflon tape and re-install. If it's still too loose at the proper adjustment, remove and add more tape.

This is what I did to a couple of mine, and it worked perfectly and is undetectable with the switch installed.

[John H.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Spacer

The switches are self-adjusting. The tubular portion is a slight press fit in the nut; screw the nut into the hole, then close the door. When the end of the plunger (the head with the "SX" on it) contacts the end of the tubular portion, it will push the tubular portion through the nut until the door closes, establishing the adjustment.

The originals came to the plant with enough of the tubular portion exposed that the door would always move it when closed; later reproductions may need the tubular portion "pulled out" a bit to ensure that the head contacts them when closing the door.

[Dave S.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Spacer

When the cars were built in St. Louis there was a plastic or rubber spacer added to the door lip to give the SX switch a place to make contact if the car had the problem you are describing. These spacers are usually about 1/4" thick and about 3/4" X 3/4" square as I recall. I'm not sure if they are grey or black or either. When judging interiors we see them quite often on original cars.

[Terry B.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Spacer

Hi Dave,

The spacer is advertised for 70 and up with Corvette Central. I do not see anything about it in the 68 TJM. It is a great idea but may not be what I can do for my year. I'm having it judged at the National Convention in July and don't want to have points deducted.

Terry

[Terry M.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Spacer

I have never seen the spacer Dave talks about on Corvettes earlier than 1971, but then I haven't seen EVERY Corvette built.

[John C.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Spacer

Terry

My 68 has a very dense foam attached to the door lip where the door ajar switch contacts it. They looked to be factory original but I never knew what they were for. From this thread it looks as if they could be spacers.

I can get you pictures but I won't be home for 2 weeks.
John

[Terry M.]

Re: Door Ajar Switch Spacer

John, I would appreciate those pictures if you think of it on your return.

gismack at sbcglobal dot net.

June is a very full month for Corvette activities, so I won't notice a couple of weeks passing by.

Thanks