Dash Rocker Switch Repair
Triumph Experience Library – Service:Electrical and Instruments Section
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I have been tinkering trying to find way to repair the original "Clear Hooters" dash switches common to many British cars of the 1970s such as Triumph, MG and Jaguar.
This is the best method I have come up with. This will actually work on any rocker switch, if the pivot is the problem.
First, here is the pile of original and donor switches:

The big problem with these switches is the pivot of the rocker was a snap in affair that after use would simply snap out, and leave you with a pile of parts.
First, snap the switch out of it's bezel, or if it is in pieces, snap the body out of the bezel. I am using a 1/16"" drill bit in a hand drill. On the rocker, you will see two round pivots. This is a little delicate - you want to drill through the center of the pivots on both sides, trying to keep it centered.



Next, you need to gently drill through the body where the pivots ride. Keep it centered or they will not match up.

Next, I am using simple 1/16"" soft wire (yes, bailing wire!).
Simply cut a short section that will slide through the rocker and body.

Next, trim the wire and file the ends flat, install the rocker nub and spring, and gently twist the wire through the new holes, making sure the ends are flush with the body. The wire will go through the nub spring so be gentle. Snap the switch back into the bezel which now also keeps the wire from sliding out. The great thing is it can be disassembled for contact cleaning (which I did before assembling)

Here it is, all in one piece, and working. I also greased the pivots to add life to it, it will eventually wear out, but it's better than no switch at all.

Thanks for looking!
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Ralph Yingling
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