'73 T/T key warning buzzer switch - steering column
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 945
Likes: 1
'73 T/T key warning buzzer switch - steering column
Can anyone identify if either of these key warning buzzer switches is correct for a '73 with Tilt/Tele?
The one on the left is the one that came out of my column but that doesn't mean it's correct since the buzzer is one of several features that didn't work.
The one on the left is the one that came out of my column but that doesn't mean it's correct since the buzzer is one of several features that didn't work.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I can't answer your question about the differences in the two switches shown in your photo...they may still be direct replacements for each other. But, are you certain that the column switch is the failure point for your key buzzer? (there are other things in the circuit which are more likely to fail)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 971
Likes: 7
From: roanoke va
The one on the left looks like the pieces I just pulled out of my 72.
Is the one on the right the one you got from Wilcox? I read your repl to my post and ordered one from them for my car.
It looks like your switch is intact, Mr. Sheas steering papers has instructions on how to set the proper gap for the switch.
I think I may have to call Dr. Rebuild anyways.
Is the one on the right the one you got from Wilcox? I read your repl to my post and ordered one from them for my car.
It looks like your switch is intact, Mr. Sheas steering papers has instructions on how to set the proper gap for the switch.
I think I may have to call Dr. Rebuild anyways.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
This is a link to an article on adjusting the key warning buzzer switch. It is in word format. Hope that it helps.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...rDiagnosis.doc
Jim
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...rDiagnosis.doc
Jim
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 945
Likes: 1
The one on the left looks like the pieces I just pulled out of my 72.
Is the one on the right the one you got from Wilcox? I read your repl to my post and ordered one from them for my car.
It looks like your switch is intact, Mr. Sheas steering papers has instructions on how to set the proper gap for the switch.
I think I may have to call Dr. Rebuild anyways.
Is the one on the right the one you got from Wilcox? I read your repl to my post and ordered one from them for my car.
It looks like your switch is intact, Mr. Sheas steering papers has instructions on how to set the proper gap for the switch.
I think I may have to call Dr. Rebuild anyways.
7T1Vette: I'm rebuilding my column and adding a new switch so it's not just a matter of fixing the key buzzer. If it doesn't work when I am done I'll go through the diagnostics.
Yes, the one on the right is the one I ordered from Willcox and received in the mail today. It came in the original unopened ACDelco packaging. The marking on the AC packaging is ACD#D1458C, GM# 26022717. The Willcox sticker on the package is; Ignition Warning Buzzer Switch, 68-82, 593139. I looked up the Delco P/N and it states the switch on the right is for Corvette 1977-1992, 1993-1996 LT1, 1996 LT4, and 1990-1995 ZR1.
Maybe the Willcox numbering is backwards for the two parts on the web site. I am going to call him tomorrow morning to see what's up with the part. I'll leave you a post regarding the results of my conversation and remind him that you ordered one also and to be sure you get the correct part.
I have Jim Shea's papers #1, #2, #3 and the rag joint paper. I could not have done this without them. Thanks again to Jim.
Last edited by Bobz08C6; Feb 17, 2009 at 09:40 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 971
Likes: 7
From: roanoke va
Thanks to everyone for confirming it's the one on the left.
Maybe the Willcox numbering is backwards for the two parts on the web site. I am going to call him tomorrow morning to see what's up with the part. I'll leave you a post regarding the results of my conversation and remind him that you ordered one also and to be sure you get the correct part.
Maybe the Willcox numbering is backwards for the two parts on the web site. I am going to call him tomorrow morning to see what's up with the part. I'll leave you a post regarding the results of my conversation and remind him that you ordered one also and to be sure you get the correct part.
I asked Norm to please look at this part closely when I ordered it. Because it seemed no one had any and unless someone started making them I feared they were for the 77 and up models. He said he thought the listing was correct for all years. I told him the 8 bucks beat the heck out of 75.00 and to send me one.
I also got an reply back from Dr. Rebuild and he has them in stock for 75.00
Thanks, Wilson
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 945
Likes: 1
I talked to Norm at Willcox this morning and gave him a pic of what I need. He said the only ones he has are the ones on the web page and the one he sent me which doesn't work for my '73.
$75 for an item like that is just taking advantage of us. I would rather not have a buzzer than pay $75. That for sure will preclude me from ever buying anything from Mr. Rebuild.
Jim Shea in one of his papers indicates that many upper steering column parts are common among GM vehicles so maybe a Google or Yahoo search for otheer GM column parts would surface one.
I bet I could make one.
$75 for an item like that is just taking advantage of us. I would rather not have a buzzer than pay $75. That for sure will preclude me from ever buying anything from Mr. Rebuild.
Jim Shea in one of his papers indicates that many upper steering column parts are common among GM vehicles so maybe a Google or Yahoo search for otheer GM column parts would surface one.
I bet I could make one.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
That gizmo is just a 'reed switch'. It is very simple in operation and you should be able to check it out with eyesight {and, in my case, a magnifier} and an ohmmeter. Check the contacts to make sure they are 'clean' and test it to see that good contact is made when the key contact arm is actuated. If there are no broken/cracked/damaged pieces, I would bet that the problem in your system is elsewhere.
The other components in the key-buzzer system are the driver's door jamb switch and the horn relay. A good description is shown in the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual, section 12, page 50. Just use an ohmmeter to trace the key-buzzer circuit to see if it is OK. Then open up the horn relay [2 tabs under cover can] to check the contacts; that is the most likely cause of your problem. [I hope you don't have to pay $75 for that d@mn switch, either. I'd rebuild it before dropping that much on a reed switch.]
The other components in the key-buzzer system are the driver's door jamb switch and the horn relay. A good description is shown in the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual, section 12, page 50. Just use an ohmmeter to trace the key-buzzer circuit to see if it is OK. Then open up the horn relay [2 tabs under cover can] to check the contacts; that is the most likely cause of your problem. [I hope you don't have to pay $75 for that d@mn switch, either. I'd rebuild it before dropping that much on a reed switch.]
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 945
Likes: 1
Thanks...
I asked Norm to please look at this part closely when I ordered it. Because it seemed no one had any and unless someone started making them I feared they were for the 77 and up models. He said he thought the listing was correct for all years. I told him the 8 bucks beat the heck out of 75.00 and to send me one.
I also got an reply back from Dr. Rebuild and he has them in stock for 75.00
Thanks, Wilson
I asked Norm to please look at this part closely when I ordered it. Because it seemed no one had any and unless someone started making them I feared they were for the 77 and up models. He said he thought the listing was correct for all years. I told him the 8 bucks beat the heck out of 75.00 and to send me one.
I also got an reply back from Dr. Rebuild and he has them in stock for 75.00
Thanks, Wilson
If you somehow get the longer switch please let me know.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 971
Likes: 7
From: roanoke va
I called them this evening and asked Norm if they had shipped it yet and he said no. I then asked him to check out this thread and please don't send it if it would not work.
Thanks for the pics. and the info. if I hear something different I will let you know.
I am leaning more towards just leaving the switch out and waiting for someone to repo. these. It would not take long to install it later.
Thanks, Wilson
Thanks for the pics. and the info. if I hear something different I will let you know.
I am leaning more towards just leaving the switch out and waiting for someone to repo. these. It would not take long to install it later.
Thanks, Wilson
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Remember these facts:
First, all GM T&T columns have the same internal guts. So any T&T from a Cadillac, Buick, or Oldsmobile with a round head (1969 through mid 1970s) will have the same key buzzer switch as your Corvette column.
Second, a Corvette T&T column is just a glorified GM tilt column. So most likely any GM tilt column (1969 through mid 1970s) with a round head (not the kind with the dimmer pivot bulge on the left side where the turn signal stalk plugs in) should also have the key buzzer switch that you need.
These facts might help in finding that missing switch. (Just don't tell people that you need the switch for a Vette.)
Jim
First, all GM T&T columns have the same internal guts. So any T&T from a Cadillac, Buick, or Oldsmobile with a round head (1969 through mid 1970s) will have the same key buzzer switch as your Corvette column.
Second, a Corvette T&T column is just a glorified GM tilt column. So most likely any GM tilt column (1969 through mid 1970s) with a round head (not the kind with the dimmer pivot bulge on the left side where the turn signal stalk plugs in) should also have the key buzzer switch that you need.
These facts might help in finding that missing switch. (Just don't tell people that you need the switch for a Vette.)
Jim
