Dimmer switch....

[1955CJ-5]

My dimmer switch doesn't seem to work..no continuity between any of the poles, in either switch position...so I'm looking but can't find one that looks like this one....most have the one-piece cast housing...

What does the original look like??

Randy

[Ryan_M]

Mine was dead too. I'd like to think it was original but I have no way to know for sure. Looks pretty much the same as yours. I bought a new one from Walcks. Here's the old one:

[1955CJ-5]

Yes, I'd say they are identical....but mine's a little rustier!

Thanks for the picture..!

I'm going to see if I can get mine apart without breaking it....nothing to loose....

[Ryan_M]

Let me know if you are able to repair yours. I guess that's why I've kept mine around. Might be another one of those rainy day projects....

[1955CJ-5]

Don't save it for a whole day....an hour maybe..

I carefully straightened the tabs holding the back on..





I cleaned all the contacts, and lubed the mechanism with some light grease



assembled it, and it works!

[1955CJ-5]

Well, I was so pleased with the dimmer, I tackled the headlight switch..

The tabs are smaller so a very small standard screwdriver did the initial bends..

Parts are more or less in order here and oriented correctly



You can see the corroded terminals



cleaned...



Lubed and re-assembled...It's smooth and it works!

[stony]

It is so great to see someone fix their old stuff!!!!

[Bob W]

Thanks for posting these repairs. Generally a repaired original part is superior to a brand new reproduction component.

[1955CJ-5]

I don't think there is anything more satisfying than preserving the original equipment, in this case the switches, and re-installing for another 60+ years of service.