Turn Signal Info

slantsixdan said

Yup, this is how the shuttles work in the switch, which was used from '62-'63 (with Packard terminals) and '64-'69 (with Delphi terminals). Keep in mind, though, not only the plastic parts of the switch wear and break. The shuttles and the stationary contacts wear physically over the years, which increases the switch's internal resistance—this dims and slows the brake lights and turn signals. You can clean 'em up and yank 'em back from the brink a time or two, get 'em working again, but sooner or later "buy a new switch" is the correct answer if the goal is operational reliability and crash avoidance.

(And I'm not just saying that because I sell the best new switches, LOL)

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I have 3 of the newer style switches in a bag. I think the earlier slider contacts are a superior design so will keep those going as long as possible. The later design with wires on cam for contacts appears a cheaper design, unlikely by Chrysler since Ford switches made that same change even earlier, but both manufacturers bought into that rev. One of my newer switches has burn marks on the contact wire and another doesn't click and hold positions (appears the Chinese-made one). Surprisingly, the plastic base of the switch in the photo still seems pristine with no cracks. I wonder if a robust plastic like nylon. Don't know if the bluish tint means anything. Don't recall if original to the Dart, indeed vaguely recall it is the OE one from my 1965 Newport which I removed ~1993 since couldn't find a replacement cam then (no internet).