Stuck rear door jam switch
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 51
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From: Lebanon Ohio
Stuck rear door jam switch
While replacing all my door ajar/anti-theft alarm switches, on the driver side rear door jam switch I am worried the female threaded connector has "spun" partially in the frame. Is this possible & if so I could really use some advise. Currently the switch is toggling really loose about a 1/2 turn & then is stuck. I didn't go any further b/c I started to stress crack the surrounding fiberglass.
Help is appreciated
Help is appreciated
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
The female part that the switch screws into is a small piece of metal that is riveted to the inside of the fiberglass.One of the rivets might be sheared off and allowing the inner piece to rotate.Rotate it back and drill out the broken rivet gently,if you break the remaining rivet its a real pain,then install a new pop rivet and the do the other one to be safe.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Lebanon Ohio
Rivets are new territory for me. Could you tell me what size bit if you know & do you know what the replacement size is?
Also, is it worth/possible to grab hold of the female piece via body mount access hole so I can separate the switch from it before I repair rivet. I am still worried that if I am lucky enough to get rivets back in that same thing will happen if threads are seized. I have hit it with PB Blaster. I just don't want to damage fiberglass any more than already have done.
Also, is it worth/possible to grab hold of the female piece via body mount access hole so I can separate the switch from it before I repair rivet. I am still worried that if I am lucky enough to get rivets back in that same thing will happen if threads are seized. I have hit it with PB Blaster. I just don't want to damage fiberglass any more than already have done.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Generally, Pop-Rivets need a 1/8" hole to fit the rivet shank through. Then you need to buy rivets for the thickness of material that the rivet will be 'sandwiching', along with a riveting tool. It's easy to use, and if you think you might need it again, buy it. If not, see if you can borrow one for doing one rivet.
