Help! 5 push button a/c heat control button issues

[Al Bundy]

Hi,I have a 70 Swinger with factory A/c,it has the 5 push button control unit. The problem I am having is that all of the buttons are "sticky",they don't push smoothly in or out. In order for me to push in the heat button I have to also slowly pull the "off" button out,and vice versa to shut it off. My question is can this unit be lubricated somehow? I didn't want to use silicone spray,etc. on it until I asked.
Is it better to buy a whole new unit...assuming aftermarket ones are still available at reasonable prices.

 

[RedFish]

The switch block behind the push buttons is available, ebay for example. I would replace it.

 

[Al Bundy]

The switch block behind the push buttons is available, ebay for example. I would replace it.

Thanks RedFish,do you have the part number? are they only available NOS or are there newer ones that would not have dried out lubricant?

 

[rednesss]

Of course it can be lubricated, you just have to drill it apart where the plastic welds are, take it apart, you can use a dry graphite lubricant, then drill and tap some very small screw holes and and machine screw it back together. Just don't get the order of the slider plates mixed up.

 

[RedFish]

Thanks RedFish,do you have the part number? are they only available NOS or are there newer ones that would not have dried out lubricant?

I dont have a part number. NOS would be expensive. New on ebay are affordable reproductions.

 

[4spdragtop]

Go to heating cooling ac section. There is a sticky. ."how to rebuild vacuum switch"

 

[PhillH]

The write up on how to rebiuld is really nice in the AC section, however I found it so much easier to buy NOS on ebay, was only about $30, hopefully some are still available.