E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Technical Shop => Electrical & Audio => Topic started by: dodj on September 01, 2020, 12:55:55 PM

Title: Dimmer switch
Post by: dodj on September 01, 2020, 12:55:55 PM
I want to disassemble one of my spare dimmer switches. 
The rheostat assy is held together by a clip that engage a groove in the shaft. See pic.
Is there a way to remove that clip without destroying it? 
Title: Re: Dimmer switch
Post by: Jay Bee on September 01, 2020, 02:09:46 PM
I never had any luck removing them without damage, BUT I did buy a few spares at either Canadian Tire, Lowes or Home Depot. Sorry, it was a while ago and I can't remember exactly which store.
Title: Re: Dimmer switch
Post by: dodj on September 01, 2020, 02:31:31 PM
Thanks jb. I'm thinking it is a one time use thing also. Replace with a circlip or similar i guess.
Title: Re: Dimmer switch
Post by: YellowThumper on September 02, 2020, 11:11:37 AM
Yes they are basically a single usage assembly.
Always has been a 40/60 for me with removals. If you can get something under it on both sides. Similar to wire cutters but the flush cut type. Use them to rock it back and forth and as circular as possible. This can kind of walk it up the shaft.
Sometimes effective.
Title: Re: Dimmer switch
Post by: gzig5 on September 02, 2020, 12:41:48 PM
I've used two hook picks to get under the petals and pry them out a bit on similar ones.  If they don't break you can sometimes reform them so they will hold again.
Title: Re: Dimmer switch
Post by: dodj on September 02, 2020, 01:55:10 PM
Quote from: gzig5 on September 02, 2020, 12:41:48 PM
I've used two hook picks
Ya, I used a hook pick and the clip snapped into two pieces. I'll have to look around for a suitable replacement.

Interestingly, I have about 4.0 - 4.5 ohm resistance over the riveted connections from one side of the board to the other. I guess I'll have to drill out those rivets, clean up and replace.
Title: Re: Dimmer switch
Post by: Jay Bee on September 09, 2020, 06:27:20 AM
I was at my Home Depot yesterday and checked, they didn't have the right size. Their smallest was 3/16, I believe you need a 1/8 "Push Nut Fastener"

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/paulin-3-16-push-nut-fastener-10p/1000146823
Title: Re: Dimmer switch
Post by: Jay Bee on October 28, 2020, 06:43:04 AM
@dodj (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/dodj_816) well, Lowes didn't have any, Canadian Tire in Niagara Falls lost theirs in the move, Hillman's website doesn't show the 1/8 size anymore but Rona's website shows them. However, you have to order 100.
https://www.rona.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/RonaAjaxCatalogSearchView?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&searchKey=RonaEN&content=&keywords=push+nut

I also found this place: H. Paulin & Co. Says they're a division of The Hillman Group but if Hillman doesn't carry them anymore how could they have them. Anyway, same deal, sold by the 100. Scroll down the PDF to their page 12 (Part# 242-406)
https://www.hpaulin.com/media/wysiwyg/pdf/BSF_712_2017_Body_Shop_Fasteners_WEB.pdf

Had I known these were going to be hen's teeth I would have bought all the ones from CTC back in the day.
Title: Re: Dimmer switch
Post by: dodj on October 28, 2020, 07:04:37 AM
Thanks Jay Bee  :bigthumb:
I've been having the same luck locally. Really don't want a hundred of them..
Title: Re: Dimmer switch
Post by: Jay Bee on October 28, 2020, 07:13:54 AM
I don't know, what do you make of this. I hope they're real and not trying to fake us out with it being $1.11 X 25 for the pack.

https://cliphouse.com/av8863.aspx
Title: Re: Dimmer switch
Post by: 318Stroker on October 28, 2020, 07:35:27 AM
Quote from: Jay Bee on October 28, 2020, 07:13:54 AM
I don't know, what do you make of this. I hope they're real and not trying to fake us out with it being $1.11 X 25 for the pack.

https://cliphouse.com/av8863.aspx

Should be 1.11 total for the 25.If you click "add to cart", the shopping cart has a price of 1.11.
Title: Re: Dimmer switch
Post by: dodj on October 28, 2020, 08:57:05 AM
Quote from: Jay Bee on October 28, 2020, 07:13:54 AM
I don't know, what do you make of this. I hope they're real and not trying to fake us out with it being $1.11 X 25 for the pack.

https://cliphouse.com/av8863.aspx
:lookatthat:
I'll try it out and let you know. Looks like they have a lot of stuff. I'll peruse their wares a bit before I order. Probably end up spending fifty or a hundred bucks... :bricks:
Title: Re: Dimmer switch
Post by: Jay Bee on October 28, 2020, 09:31:32 AM
I wonder what their shipping charge would be from Texas to Ontario. Maybe I'll experiment with an order and cancel it just before a "Pay Now" button.
Title: Re: Dimmer switch
Post by: anlauto on October 28, 2020, 10:37:09 AM
Are you sure it's 1/8", that seems big...I buy 1/8" ones from NAPA for heater control cables etc... :dunno:
Title: Re: Dimmer switch
Post by: Jay Bee on October 28, 2020, 11:36:03 AM
I just measured my spare dimmer, the shaft that protrudes from its back was .124 inches or 3.15 mm.
Title: Re: Dimmer switch
Post by: anlauto on October 28, 2020, 01:14:37 PM
Wow...I'm surprized :alan2cents:
Title: Re: Dimmer switch
Post by: Jay Bee on October 29, 2020, 08:35:09 AM
Geez Louise, seriously - about 10 bucks each with shipping   :Thud:  At least it's Canadian dollars   :takemymoney: 

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/2-Pack-1-8-Push-On-Nuts/124246520489?hash=item1cedab72a9:g:GKgAAOSwsuNe~8Ve