Topic: Dimmer Switch Protection

[Mark69Sportsroof]

Hey everyone, I noticed in my current Mustang Monthly they list on page 66, a Dimmer Switch protector.  I have never seen or heard of one.  I contacted
my local mustang junk yard and they have never heard of it either.  The magazine says to install one but no part number or reference to get one.  does anyone have one or know where to get it?

Thanks Mark

[jwc66k]

Ford p/n C7AB-14A163-A in the 68 and on Mustang Electrical Manuals, service p/n C7AZ-14A163-A per Ford Car Parts, the part is not marked except with a mold number. If certain assembly plants installed this or not, I can't say.
I read the article. There's something about being "too safe".
Jim

[196667Bob]

Mark : While I haven't received my February MM yet, I assume you are referring to the rubber cap that fits over the top of the Dimmer Switch.

Jim - If I assumed correctly, I believe that you inadvertently pulled the wrong part number out of the 68 Electrical Assembly Manual. The Part # you listed is for a "Retainer" (# 37 in the attached illustration). The Part # for the Rubber Cap (# 39 in the illustration) is C5ZZ-13533-A.

Interestingly, this part shows up in the 1967 MPC as well as in the 1960-68 MPC, and in both, in the "regular" parts section, not in the Accessories Section.  In addition, it is shown as being for 1965-68 Mustang Model 76 (Convertibles) only. To me, this means that it was "Standard" on the convertibles (while of course it could be used on any model). Another item of interest; the cap does not show up in the 1967 Electrical Assembly Manual, but as mentioned before, it does show in the 1968 Electrical Assembly Manual. Was this made "Standard" in 1968 for all Body styles ?

I have attached a rather poor picture showing the cap in place on my 67 Convertible; if you zoom in, you can see it better. I have also attached a couple of pictures of a supposedly NOS one that shows it in better detail (I don't have access to my NOS one, that I purchased from my Ford Dealer years ago,  right now). These are usually available, both NOS and Repo, on Ebay.

Hope this helps.

Bob

[67gta289]

I read that a few days ago and think they were talking about part "37" in Bob's first picture.  This is a thin plastic piece, black in color, that separates the foot operated high beam switch from the floor.  The article mentioned a problem with dissimilar metals (aluminum bodied switch and steel floor).  Coupled with salt (for those that live in those parts of the country) and you have a problem.  I have one or two old switches that are very corroded in fact.

The plastic piece does have a 90 degree angle near the electrical connector, with a few slots to route the wires.  You can make out those slots in the same picture referred to above.

[WT8095]

Here's a thread on the wire retainers:

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=11454.msg68589#msg68589

The retainer wouldn't protect completely from galvanic corrosion, since the steel screws holding the switch to the floor are still in direct contact with the body of the switch. It would help somewhat, though.

+100 on the salt - what a terrible idea to locate an electrical device to be operated by wet, muddy, salty boots. Even more shameful: the cars were designed in Michigan, so it's not like they didn't know about snow & salt.

[ruppstang]

I have only found them on 68s, I do not know about latter years but would assume its use was continued. I do not think it is reproduced so sourcing a original would be your only option.

[196667Bob]

John, Dave, Marty -  Thanks for coming in to clarify this. I obviously "assumed" incorrectly (sorry Jim). Now why haven't I received my February MM yet ?
Oh yeah, I live in Nebraska.

Bob

[WT8095]

Now I'm curious about the usage of the rubber cap. I don't think I've ever seen one on a vehicle, but most of my observations of dimmer switches have been junkyard cars. The assembly manuals list them, but did they actually get installed? What have you guys seen on low mileage cars?

[J_Speegle]

...........What have you guys seen on low mileage cars?

For the rubber cap - Convertibles - some years.

[jwc66k]

Mark : While I haven't received my February MM yet, I assume you are referring to the rubber cap that fits over the top of the Dimmer Switch.

Jim - If I assumed correctly, I believe that you inadvertently pulled the wrong part number out of the 68 Electrical Assembly Manual. The Part # you listed is for a "Retainer" (# 37 in the attached illustration). The Part # for the Rubber Cap (# 39 in the illustration) is C5ZZ-13533-A.

Interestingly, this part shows up in the 1967 MPC as well as in the 1960-68 MPC, and in both, in the "regular" parts section, not in the Accessories Section.  In addition, it is shown as being for 1965-68 Mustang Model 76 (Convertibles) only. To me, this means that it was "Standard" on the convertibles (while of course it could be used on any model). Another item of interest; the cap does not show up in the 1967 Electrical Assembly Manual, but as mentioned before, it does show in the 1968 Electrical Assembly Manual. Was this made "Standard" in 1968 for all Body styles ?

I have attached a rather poor picture showing the cap in place on my 67 Convertible; if you zoom in, you can see it better. I have also attached a couple of pictures of a supposedly NOS one that shows it in better detail (I don't have access to my NOS one, that I purchased from my Ford Dealer years ago,  right now). These are usually available, both NOS and Repo, on Ebay.

Hope this helps.

Bob

Nope. When you get your copy of the February Mustang Monthly look at page 66, item 6, and you will not see a cap, it's called a protector, Ford calls it a "retainer".
Jim

[ruppstang]

John, Dave, Marty -  Thanks for coming in to clarify this. I obviously "assumed" incorrectly (sorry Jim). Now why haven't I received my February MM yet ?
Oh yeah, I live in Nebraska.
Where in Nebraska? I live south of Omaha. I got my MM a few days ago.
Bob

[196667Bob]

Marty : Then you are South of me. I'm in "The Big O".

Bob

[J_Speegle]

Nope. When you get your copy of the February Mustang Monthly look at page 66, item 6, and you will not see a cap, it's called a protector, Ford calls it a "retainer".
Jim

Well then - a wild goose chase.

WT8095 was correct - covered in the other thread  six months ago.

[jwc66k]

WT8095 was correct - covered in the other thread  six months ago.

Yup. Posted a part number back then as well.
Now, about distributors - (hint)
Jim

[196667Bob]

Unfortunately, I don't know of any distributors of that Part No. (sorry, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity with the lead in you left Jim).

Bob