...to lubricate an electrical switch?

The dome light fixture in "BLKBRRD" has a map light on either side of the dome light (the owners manual calls them a reading light).  The dome light comes on when either door is opened or the headlight knob is rotated counter-clock-wise to full on.  For each map light there is a slide switch to turn the light on or off.  I'm sure that in 1978 when the switches were new they slid back-n-forth very smoothly and easily.  Now they are difficult to move and don't slide very easy.

Since they are electrical switches I don't want to squirt any ol' lube in them for fear of causing them to short out.  So what would be a safe lube to use on them?

Jim Olson 

"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave!

Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

Without disassembling the switches, cleaning, and lubricating with die-electric grease, WD-40, while technically NOT a lubricant, will get them moving easier with no ill side effects. WD-40 was developed as an electrical water displacing agent, and is perfectly safe for use in any electrical component. 😉

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thank you Sir!  I had a hunch that either WD-40 or a silicone spray might be the ticket but wanted to ask to be sure.  Tried the WD-40 on a spare base that I have whose switches were just as stubborn and it did the trick.  So in the car took the bezel off, sprayed those switches and tested.  They work like a charm now - and no blown bulbs or fuses as a result...!!!

I'm in the process of switching over to LED bulbs throughout the car (except perhaps the headlights) and the interior is the current project.  Over the dark days of winter I'll drop the instrument panel and replace as may of those bulbs as I can.

Thanks again...!!!

Jim Olson 

"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave!

Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

Hello, Have a "current" project of my own. Is there a plug and play bulb for Tail, Turn, and Brake bulb for my C3 that is LED? Either the lenses or the bulbs are Very Dim and difficult to see in the dark. Want to make the back of the car more noticeable. Thanks. 

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I don't recall which taillight/turn signal bulbs were in "The Toy" but "BLKBRRD" uses 1157 bulbs.  They are available in LED versions at most auto parts outfits.  I've had trouble finding the other bulbs in LED versions at the auto parts outfits so have had to go to "FleaBay" and other online sources to find them.

Jim Olson 

"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave!

Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

I replaced the original instrument panel and center console lights with LED's and find that they are not as bright, but I tried several colors and decided on blue. 

This is the source I purchased from:

https://www.superbrightleds.com/

Automotive LED lighting is at the bottom of this page.

Thanks for the link for LED bulbs.  Many years ago when living in Minne-snow-ta a member of the Pontiac club I belonged to converted to LED bulbs in his car's dash and was very pleased with the results.  The dash lights on "BLKBRRD" are already quite dim so any improvement will be a plus.  Other bulbs I've swapped out, both interior and exterior, have been a big improvement so will see.

Jim Olson 

"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave!

Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!