Author Topic: Stripped thread on door jamb switch  (Read 8768 times)

Offline Henry

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Stripped thread on door jamb switch
« on: August 10, 2017, 09:57:04 AM »
Hi:
My '76 C-20 has a door jamb switch that stripped out. It will still thread into the sheet metal hole but will not tighten up. It still works but I would like to make it a more solid install. Does anyone have any ideas on how to repair or modify?
Regards,
Henry

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Stripped thread on door jamb switch
« Reply #1 on: August 10, 2017, 12:03:57 PM »
Put a couple of tacks and then redrill it to size unless you don't have access to a welder.
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Offline Rapid Roy

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Re: Stripped thread on door jamb switch
« Reply #2 on: August 10, 2017, 01:45:00 PM »
I have not had this happen. My first thought would be to try aluminum foil or aluminum tape on the threads only, press around thread area and see if that will work. If not, I may try JB Weld.
« Last Edit: August 11, 2017, 06:25:23 AM by Rapid Roy »
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Offline AZ4X4SQBDY

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Re: Stripped thread on door jamb switch
« Reply #3 on: August 11, 2017, 10:19:17 PM »
I have not had to do a door jamb switch yet but in the past I usually make a hook out of a piece copper wire and lay it in the hole then install the bolt/switch/whatever, clip the excess and I'm done.
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Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Stripped thread on door jamb switch
« Reply #4 on: August 12, 2017, 06:58:19 AM »
As long as it is able to make a ground connection, whatever works with the resources you have.
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline Henry

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Re: Stripped thread on door jamb switch
« Reply #5 on: August 13, 2017, 02:24:48 PM »
Hi Guys:
Thanks for the ideas...I will try the ideas of jamming some conductive foil or wire into the threads and rethreading...I will wait to do a permanent fix like welding/re-tapping when it is time for a paint refresh.
Regards,
Henry

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Stripped thread on door jamb switch
« Reply #6 on: August 13, 2017, 04:59:18 PM »
Pull some stranded copper wire out of it's sheathing and wrap it around it at 45° angle. Better than using foil or other materials that will break down quickly.
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline Henry

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Re: Stripped thread on door jamb switch
« Reply #7 on: October 24, 2017, 11:44:12 PM »
Hi Vile:
I tried wrapping the smallest diameter wire strand I could find on the switch thread but it was just to tight to thread in. I found some copper foil tape at Hobby Lobby that is .002" thick and wrapped this on the threads and this worked perfectly. The tape has a weak adhesive on one side but it does not affect the conductivity of the tape. See images of foil tape and application. Copper tape takes all the deformation and no further damage to threads on either part. Problemo solved.
Regards,
Henry

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Stripped thread on door jamb switch
« Reply #8 on: October 25, 2017, 06:41:01 PM »
Nice solution Henry
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              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10