I'm putting the dash together in my '71 GS convertible and I've got the accessory plate with the up/down and a switch, but I can't figure out how to mount the switch. I've looked in both the chassis service and assembly manuals, and couldn't find anything. There must be a part I don't have, but I have no idea what it looks like or what it's called. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Simply plug the wiring harness onto the back of the switch, then push the switch into the spot in the dash assembly. Attach with 2 screws in opposite corners of the switch, then snap the plate over it and you're done.
Thanks, Kevin. The problem is that the dash was completely apart when I got the car so I never saw how the switch was mounted, and there doesn't seem to be anything in the dash that lines up with the tabs on this switch. Could this be the wrong switch? Or am I missing another part? Pic below.
Can you post a picture of the dash where the switch mounts? It should just be a couple screws as mentioned above The trim cover that goes over the dash just snaps in with some metal clips
After combing through about 50 convertible top threads here I found this diagram. I don't have the screws or nuts, but hopefully can make something work. The larger problem is that somebody cut up that part of the dash, as is obvious from the photo. I've got an old bezel, so maybe can cut out the back and graft it on to this one. Any thoughts are very welcome. Also, shouldn't the top switch be a rocker switch? I was told the one I've got is correct, but it toggles.
I knew it had to be cut.. cause its too simple. Since that part is hidden by the cover, you should be able to graft in a good piece.
I remembered a box of electrical stuff hidden away in a corner of the garage and there was the convertible top switch. The other switch looks just like it, but the prongs are in a different place, which was why I couldn't figure out a way it would mount. It's also a rocker switch, which I'm sure is correct. I'll still have to graft on a piece of the other bezel, which is a little annoying because I paid Then and Now serious $$$$ for a reconditioned dash that's been cut up. Anyway, thanks for everybody's responses. ---------- Post added at 04:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:27 PM ----------
I would talk to Then and Now. If they sold you a reconditioned part that was a bad core, it's not your fault. See what they say before doing any repair work to it.The defroster switch and the convertible top switch externally look alike. Difference being, the convert switch is spring loaded and returns to the center whe you let go. The defroster switch stays to the right or left (hi or low) when its pushed into position.
I don't think the fix will be that difficult, with a piece cut from an old bezel and some epoxy, but I'm installing the dash this weekend, so waiting to hear from Then and Now isn't an option. It's just disappointing that they would send out something like that without either repairing it first or saying something, since it would only be good if you were using a blankoff plate there. I ordered the dash from Then and Now because there were a lot of glowing recommendations of the company and Mark Reeves here on the board. I've learned through restoring this Buick to expect that there will be something wrong with almost every part, and it will either have to be sent back or modified to work. I've done some restoration work on Chevies and Fords in the past, and don't remember having so many hassles as I've had with this Buick. But maybe it's like raising kids. They might drive you totally crazy, but when they're grown you tend to forget all that stuff and just appreciate them. So hopefully when I'm cruising with the top down on a sunny day, and hearing the 455 rumble into action, all the hassles will be a distant memory.
