'65 Barracuda Door Jam Switch

[Bob Jasinski]

I've done my research on replacement door jam switches for my '65 Barracuda, and am having difficulty finding the correct replacement switch. Every vendor I've looked at show Standard DS173 as the correct replacement, so I ordered two. Below is a picture if the original on the left, with the replacement DS173 on the right. Notice how the replacement has a longer sheath around the plunger than the original. Also notice that from the mount point, the replacement sticks out farther. Since I don't have my car here, and even if I did, the doors are not on and won't be for months, can anyone tell me if they have successfully used the DS173 on their '65?. With the switch being longer when mounted, and the sheath out farther, I'm concerned that it may hit the door due to inadequate compression/space when closed. Anyone else dealt with this issue? How was it resolved?

 

[Dana67Dart]

Any chance the brass sheath is movable and when you close the door it self adjusts to the proper length?

 

[Bob Jasinski]

Well, if it is moveable, it would take a fair amount of force, enough to damage my newly painted doors. I suppose it could be compressed on a press of some type, but why would it be designed that way? Makes no sense.

 

[Dana67Dart]

Makes it more universal?

Might be worth sacrificing one to see.

The more I think about this it makes perfect sense, the same switch is used on many applications, many manufacturers, it's doubtful that each car has the exact same spacing, not to mention the door could be moved forward or backward for fit and that would increase or decrease the spacing.

Now I'm not saying take your freshly painted parts and slam the door.
Many layers of tape on the door side and slow closing looking for movement of the switch.

Or put it in the vice and gently tap the compressed plunger with a block of wood and hammer.

 

[Bob Jasinski]

Dana, You inspired me! All I had to do was set it in a deep socket and force it down to the right length in the vice! I suppose the same thing would happen when the door first closes after installation, but this way there won't be any paint damage on the door. Problem solved, Thanks!

 

[Dana67Dart]

Sometimes I impress myself

 

[Bob Jasinski]

The switch depth actually sets itself. As you mentioned, it would be easy to protect the area of contact on the door, install the switch, and close the door until it latches. The sheath goes in to the required depth automatically. Clever engineering I'd say.