Convertible Top Switch ???

[RCKTMN94]

Hello,

    I need to get a top switch for my 1970 Barracuda (mine is missing). I am trying to find out if the 'dot' on the switch should be blue or red/orange. I've seen switches with both colors being advertised for the Barracudas. Is it different based on year? Which would be the correct one for a '70?

Thanks,
Paul

[JayBee]

Just looked, the one on my '70 Barracuda is blue. Actually, more like a teal or turquiose (sp) color.

[RCKTMN94]

JayBee,

   Thanks for looking for me!

 
Paul

[Slotts]

Paul,

Every one that I ever had was as John mentioned for a 70. Rear defogger switches were also blue / teal / turquiose dot caps for a 70.
71 rear defogger switches had a red dot. There may very well be a red dot version for a 71 vert, but I never had my hands on one to check the date code.

This one is date coded 2619.

Slotts

[RCKTMN94]

Slotts,

   Thanks for your confirmation.

 
Paul

[Slotts]

Paul,

If I had a second one, I would offer it to you. I restore switches like these. The one in the picture is for my "show" stock.
These real E body vert switches command some big money. As a word of caution, I have seen older style convertible switches (B body) with an E body knob "make-shifted" onto the stem. Make sure that if you are offered a vert E body switch that the part number is 2947406 with four holes on the mounting flange, not two or three.

Slotts

[RCKTMN94]

Slotts,

  Thanks for the heads up on the switch. Getting a wrong switch is what worries me. Especially without the original to compare it to.

 
Paul

[1ownr]

this shows red dot on '71 vert, don't know date code though, never been removed

judy

[Nel]

On my 70 Challenger she is blue. Dont know if its the same for the cuda.

[71gogreen]

hi,this is my first inquiry.I checked my convertible switch number and it matches the posted information but it only has a 2 post mount? the switch also has "top" labeled on it. Also mine is a red dot on it .I have an orginal go green convert. with an orginal 318 in it. I have been gathering alot of stuff the last 3 yrs. Any info is appreciated.thanks ,frank 2-14-10 

[RCKTMN94]

Well, it seems that the blue dot is 1970 and the red dot is 1971. It was mentioned that the rear defrost switch colors mirrored this, too. Are the switches interchangeable between top and defrost? I would think that the defrost would only need to be a two position switch, and the top would be a three position switch. Do they appear the same externally? Different Part numbers?

Thanks for all the input,
Paul

[Slotts]

hi,this is my first inquiry.I checked my convertible switch number and it matches the posted information but it only has a 2 post mount? the switch also has "top" labeled on it. Also mine is a red dot on it .I have an orginal go green convert. with an orginal 318 in it. I have been gathering alot of stuff the last 3 yrs. Any info is appreciated.thanks ,frank 2-14-10 

Frank,
If it is a pn 2947406 that would be the right switch. Again, I have not had a date coded 71 vert switch in my hands. I would be curious of the date code on it. The four numbers are on the opposite side of the body from the part number.

Well, it seems that the blue dot is 1970 and the red dot is 1971. It was mentioned that the rear defrost switch colors mirrored this, too. Are the switches interchangeable between top and defrost? I would think that the defrost would only need to be a two position switch, and the top would be a three position switch. Do they appear the same externally? Different Part numbers?

Thanks for all the input,
Paul

Paul,
I would not recommend using a defogger switch to control the top. For starters, the spade terminals are spaced further apart on a vert switch than a defogger switch (pn 2947411). Even is you did change sockets, the internal contacts are much smaller in a defogger switch than a vert switch even though the vert switch runs thru a relay. The defogger is a three position switch too for off, low and high speed. The vert switch "homes" to the center off position when you let go of the knob where the defogger switch doesn't. I hope your car has the vert wiring harness and relay for that. Those items are almost impossible to find.

Slotts 

[RCKTMN94]

Slotts,

   Thanks again for the info. My concern was more towards being sure not to get the defrost switch if truly different. Luckily, everything but the switch is in the car. Hopefully, it will all function well.

 
Paul

[ShelbyDogg]

There is one on ebay right now:
Guy wants $700 for the '71 red dot switch!  If I needed one, I would carve a handle out of a piece of plastic and put a white dot on it before I would spend $700. Its just a center off, spring loaded SPDT switch. My dash came out of a '70 convertible in the 80s, I'm going to have to look for that switch now.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOPAR-NOS-1970-1971-CUDA-CHALLENGER-CONVERTIBLE-SWITCH_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2eaaf3effbQQitemZ200436609019QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Rob,

  That guy on E-Bay "the Flr" is just crazy. I don't know how he sells anything. Just look at his E-Bay store and get a good laugh.