Topic: Broken Door Ajar switch
in Forum: C3 Body
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I was going to replace a broken door ajar switch, but when I went to remove the broken switch, I used too much force an snapped the rivets retaining the switch nut.
Does anyone know where I can obtain a replacement nut?
It looks like it's going to be a bear getting the new nut installed - It looks like it needs to be installed thru the small hole accessed thru the wheel well? Anyone have any advice?
Thanks!
Matt
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
You can get to the back side of the thing from the vent /kick panels, from inside the car.
I'm not sure if anyone is repro-ing the nut plates, but you might check with Paragon.
I'm not sure if anyone is repro-ing the nut plates, but you might check with Paragon.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Thanks Joel
When you say I can get at it from the vent/kick panel - I think you mean the courtesy lamp switch on the hinge side, correct? Unfortunately I broke the door ajar on the lock side.
I havn't been able to find any access except thru a tiny hole accessable via the rear tire well.
when I broke the rivets, the nut plate fell into this abyss - I'm hoping to be able to fish it out, but I don't have a magnet small enough to fit thru that small hole.
Thanks,
Matt
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The switch, if there is one, on the lock pillar is for the alarm system. No matter, it's still broke, right? 
You can get to that area if you remove the quarter trim panel, behind the door...I think. I know I had to fish my wiring up out of there when I had the '74 painted years ago, and I'm sure I got to it from the inside of the car, with the quarter trim panel removed. It's the piece that is held on (partially) by the screws and metal trim plate that goes up the pillar from the bottom of the sill plate, to the top edge of the door, at the rear...I may have a pic somewhere, but not sure.
You can get to that area if you remove the quarter trim panel, behind the door...I think. I know I had to fish my wiring up out of there when I had the '74 painted years ago, and I'm sure I got to it from the inside of the car, with the quarter trim panel removed. It's the piece that is held on (partially) by the screws and metal trim plate that goes up the pillar from the bottom of the sill plate, to the top edge of the door, at the rear...I may have a pic somewhere, but not sure.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Joel is right, you can get to it, but it is a real pain. Just start taking panels off until you see the wires. Vert is easier than a coupe, so you are in luck!
[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]...The switch, if there is one, on the lock pillar is for the alarm system....[/quote]
6880Mike 2008-04-29 06:06:41
Mashman is correct. On the earlier cars (68 for sure and possibly others), the switch at the base of the lock pillar is the door ajar switch. Factory alarms were optional through 71, but may have used the door ajar switches.
Door ajar wiring harness runs under the carpet along the kickup panel behind the seats. You may be able to fish out the switch and loose nut by gently tugging the wiring harness, but replacing the switch will be a bear. It's a very tight space.
The '68 AIM shows the installation and it should be in the '72 AIM.
in Forum: C3 Body
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