Door jamb switch help (not wiring)

[chevytruckluver]

I am trying to find replacement door jamb switches for my 72 C10. I cant believe its been so difficult. My cab has a 3/8 threaded hole to accept a switch. I went to my local parts store and ordered a pair of Borg Warner Switches S227 which by the catalog show to fit our trucks. I was able to install them but when I tryed to shut the door the swith was keeping it from closing. There is a shoulder on the switch that will not allow it to compress all the way in. I took the switches back and explaind what was happening but we had no luck looking through the store catalog. We did find some 5/16 threaded switches without the shoulder but obiously they are too small.
Has anyone else seen this?
Does anyone have a part number or source for the correct switch?
such a small and simple part yet its giving me so much trouble
Any help is much appriciated

[ray_mcavoy]

Most of those switches are designed to be self-adjusting the first time you close the door.

The shoulder/sleeve section is a light press fit inside the nut. So it should slide down inside when you close the door for the first time and then stay at that height.

They can be a little stiff to adjust into position so if you have nicely painted doors it might not be a bad idea to protect the contact area of the door with something like a piece of sheet metal wrapped in tape. Or if you have an old switch to measure, you could adjust the new one to the same length by squeezing it in a vice. Use a piece of tubing or something to support the nut while letting the shoulder/sleeve part slide inside.

[chevytruckluver]

Originally Posted by ray_mcavoy

Most of those switches are designed to be self-adjusting the first time you close the door.

The shoulder/sleeve section is a light press fit inside the nut. So it should slide down inside when you close the door for the first time and then stay at that height.

I have heard of this before. I did try to shut the door with some force and it actually bent the inside of the door, the sleeve on the switch did not move.
Do you happen to know the self adjusting sleeve brand or where I could purchase those type?

[ray_mcavoy]

Originally Posted by chevytruckluver

Do you happen to know the self adjusting sleeve brand or where I could purchase those type?

Standard Motor Products DS-173 are the self-adjusting type. I just happened to have a spare one (still new in the box) so I pulled it out and checked it to make sure.

The Standard brand is available at many auto parts stores or you can get them online from places like RockAuto.com

[chevytruckluver]

Cool, Thanks
I just tried to compress the sleeve on the BWD switch and the sleeve just bent. Since I destroyed it and now could not return it I took a dremel tool and cut the sleeve off there is a spring in there. I guess the sleeve keeps the spring from getting damaged.
Hope this helps others in the future

[chevytruckluver]

***Update *** The Standard brand switches DS 173 are a 5/16 thread size they will not replace the 3/8 thread size switch. The hunt for a 3/8 threaded door jamb switch continues....#bummer

[ray_mcavoy]

Originally Posted by chevytruckluver

The Standard brand switches DS 173 are a 5/16 thread size they will not replace the 3/8 thread size switch.

Oops ... I wasn't even paying attention to the thread size when I gave you that DS-173 part number. Sorry about that!

Standard also offers a DS-240 switch that is listed as having 3/8"-24 threads. I don't know for sure if they are the self-adjusting style though. And they have 2 flat blade type connectors instead of a single socket bullet type connector.

[chevytruckluver]

Well, where there is a MIG there is a way! my fix is going to be weld the hole up and tap the new hole to use the 5/16 switch.