ConcoursMustang Forums

1st Generation 1964 1/2 - 1973 - Questions & general discussions that apply to a specific year => 1969 - 70 Shelby => Topic started by: Tomdeg on April 04, 2024, 11:19:34 AM

Title: Help with rim blow switch
Post by: Tomdeg on April 04, 2024, 11:19:34 AM

Hey All,
Replacing my new to me ?69 GT350 rim blow switch. It was rock hard when taking the old one out and I spent the better part of yesterday chipping all the petrified rubber ( or glue) out.
My problem is when I went to put the new repro switch in, it did not want to go in without a fight. Of course I ruined the switch in the process. I did notice that the gap in the wheel is about 2mm smaller than the width of the switch. Is this normal? If it matters, the wheel is dated July 68. The gap on the wheel is approximately 7.5-8mm and the switch is about 10mm.
Thanks,
Tom

Title: Re: Help with rim blow switch
Post by: Tomdeg on April 06, 2024, 11:09:06 AM

Does anybody know what the width of the gap should be? Maybe the gap has shrunk?

Title: Re: Help with rim blow switch
Post by: RoyceP on April 06, 2024, 01:12:50 PM

Try contacting these guys:


https://www.rimblowrestoration.com/ (https://www.rimblowrestoration.com/)

Title: Re: Help with rim blow switch
Post by: jwc66k on April 06, 2024, 05:41:10 PM

Way back when (around 1972) a friend bought a used 1969 Sportsroof (H code, FMX) with the rim blow horn. It didn't work back then either. Just a heads up.
Jim

Title: Re: Help with rim blow switch
Post by: P3sons on April 09, 2024, 11:20:22 PM

Your new switch has to be installed without any restrictions. 2mm of interference is too much!
As you discovered, if you force the new switch in, or pinch it, it can be permanently destroyed.
There are several manufacturers of the switches so I assume they are not all identical, and widths may vary.

The steering wheels are/were subjected to lots of sunlight and heat.  This results in cracking and shrinking.
The switch trenches do shrink up! 

Title: Re: Help with rim blow switch
Post by: specialed on April 11, 2024, 09:54:58 AM

Paul who makes the best repo rimblo switch ?   The last repo i used was the carpenter switch and i had problems so ended up using an nos switch.

Title: Re: Help with rim blow switch
Post by: P3sons on April 11, 2024, 11:24:57 AM

We've been using the Carpenter switches for years. 
Upon receiving, I check them all with a meter.  Its a hassle but its important. Occasionally, I find a bad one  "as received". 
Without checking, you would never know it was bad--and would falsely blame it on the installation!

During the installation process, we also use the meter to confirm the switch is not being grounded out.

Title: Re: Help with rim blow switch
Post by: Tomdeg on April 13, 2024, 02:13:19 AM

I wised up and took it to Rimblow Restorations. I?ll let them put the new switch. Thanks for all the help.