Power Window Switch for Stepdown

ivanz62

Does anyone have a suggestion for replacement switches that are a relatively easy if non-original installation? As many know, the originals are all now fragile and and many are barely glued together. Looking to keep the cars going......and the windows working!

RL Chilton

Ivan-

I know your question pertained to replacement switches, but let me talk about your originals, first.

I re-built mine. If the bakelite housing (in the back of the switch) is in good stead, the rest of the components can be cleaned, re-built fairly easily, with the exception of the plastic housing around the knobs. This piece can be repaired with Epoxy, and sanded back into shape. On mine, I had to turn 5 of the 7 new knobs, which was easily accomplished with Delrin on the lathe. The chrome plated parts can also be re-furbished, if you have them, as they are quite difficult to come by.

As far as replacements go, for originals, I have been told that Packard used the identical switches around the same time period (late 40's to early 50's), but have not yet substantiated that. A call to Kanter might be of some use, there. Another alternative is to use GM type switches from the 70's, which were simple horizontally-shaped flip switches, were generally chrome-plated and mimic the look of Hudson, circa '54 switches, which were unique as far as step-downs are concerned.

As a last resort, a modern hot-rod style plastic window switch would work just as well, just not look vintage in the least. A perusal through a Street Rodder magazine or Rod and Custom will give several options. Depends on what your preferences are.

Finally, as a lead, SilverOne (Ryan Ankney) in BC, Canada had a set of '54's that he does not need or is going to use, as far as I know. You might want to give him a shout.

Hope this helps.

53jetman

It seems that I remember a post on this forum some time ago about these switches, and the fact that Kanter had them reproduced and listed for sale.

rambos_ride

I thought it was Bill Albright? I know someone had repop'd the convertible switches..

onerare39

Found this at the Hemmings site.



Location: Punta Gorda, Florida, United States

(Google Map - Yahoo! Map) Description:

CONVERTIBLE window parts: 1946-54 window cylinders, $149; top cylinders, $139; body manual, $29; replacement pump, $799; call about reconditioning your 1948-54 pump, valve, window switches. Hydro-E-Lectric, 941-639-0437, 800-343-4261, FL; www.hydroe.com



Advertiser Since 1979

Nevada Hudson

onerare39 wrote:

Found this at the Hemmings site.



Location: Punta Gorda, Florida, United States

(Google Map - Yahoo! Map) Description:

CONVERTIBLE window parts: 1946-54 window cylinders, $149; top cylinders, $139; body manual, $29; replacement pump, $799; call about reconditioning your 1948-54 pump, valve, window switches. Hydro-E-Lectric, 941-639-0437, 800-343-4261, FL; www.hydroe.com



Advertiser Since 1979

That's where I got mine. They repair them also.

ivanz62

Thanks to all for your input. Will let you know by post here what Hydro-Electric has to say and sell.