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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Interior & Equipment => Power Windows & Door Locks => Topic started by: treepete on March 06, 2009, 08:53:52 pm

Title: refurb/restore electric locks or just get new ones?
Post by: treepete on March 06, 2009, 08:53:52 pm

Dudes. I love all you opinions on this site. thanks for all your help. my truck is coming together.

my question today is about the springy function of the electric door lock switches. New switches are kinda pricey from what Ive seen, and although my stockers still shine, their mechanical/ up-down action is kinda sticky and slow. Can anyone describe how to remove the switch mechanism from its chrome surround?  I would like to clean it, etc. I see a slight wiggle, but Im not sure what to do to release it from the surround without breaking it. I wiggle it around and I know there may be a tab or something somewhere, but Im just not seeing it.
can anyone offer advice on that?
thanks in advance for your thoughts,
Pete

Title: Re: refurb/restore electric locks or just get new ones?
Post by: rockable on March 08, 2009, 08:17:21 am

The entire switch is held in the panel by a couple of spring metal pieces, located on each side (not top and bottom).  It just pushes into the panel and locks.  You should be able to grab the surround,  work it back and forth and pull it out.  If that doesn't work, use a screw driver to gently pry it up while working one side, then the other.  Good luck!

Title: Re: refurb/restore electric locks or just get new ones?
Post by: treepete on March 08, 2009, 01:25:34 pm

That part I have done. Im trying to remove the switch itxself from the chrome surround. I need to operate on the mechanical aspect of the switch. the up-down motion is gummy/slow on returning to center. 
thanks for your help

Title: Re: refurb/restore electric locks or just get new ones?
Post by: werewolfx13 on March 08, 2009, 03:54:14 pm

spray them down with electrical contact cleaner and work them up and down a bit.

Title: Re: refurb/restore electric locks or just get new ones?
Post by: ccz145a on March 09, 2009, 10:19:29 am

Yeah, what werewolf said, they are not supposed to be serviceable. You can get it apart, but 50/50 whether you break it or not.

here is what I would do if money is the sole issue:
1. spray and clean and try to get it to work
2. pry them apart, if it breaks then replace
3. replace.

Title: Re: refurb/restore electric locks or just get new ones?
Post by: treepete on March 09, 2009, 10:46:33 am

ok awesome. Ill try that solution and see if I can get some better action on the switch.. if I cant get it to work nice, Ill have to replace them then.

Thanks for your help(s) again guys,
Pete

Title: Re: refurb/restore electric locks or just get new ones?
Post by: Captkaos on March 09, 2009, 05:37:40 pm

To get it out I suggest pulling the door panel off and squeezing the clips.