1956 six way electric seat switch operation

[56Fleetwood]

For those of you with a functioning seat and switch, how would you describe its operation? I find my switch is "sloppy" as it seems to stick and doesn't spring back to an off position very easily. I have disassembled, cleaned, reassembled the switch components and adjusted the 4 screws that hold the assembly together many times with little improvement. The design sure seems primitive.

[J. Gomez]

Mike,

I have disassembled, cleaned, reassembled the switch components and adjusted the 4 screws that hold the assembly together many times with little improvement.

Hmm I'm a bit confuse with your statement "adjusted the 4 screws...",      there are no screws on the switch assembly on the '56 switch.

The switch is held by 4-spring loaded clips on each corner which holds it at the escutcheon instead.    Did someone worked on yours and place the screws instead? 

Attach is a picture of what they look disassemble from one of the many I worked on, not an easy job.   

The design sure seems primitive.

Yes indeed it is/was a very poor designed that is why Cadillac changed it for the '57 models.

[56Fleetwood]

Thanks for your comments Jose - always appreciated. I should have clarified about the 4 screws; I'm referring to the screws that go through the chrome escutcheon and grip the switch assembly, as per your pic.

Any thoughts about a substitute switch conversion?

[J. Gomez]

Any thoughts about a substitute switch conversion?

Mike,

Wish they were but I'm not aware of any since these switches have a multi-function as they have to enable both the solenoids on each of the functions plus the relay to activate the motors either forward or reverse.

The '57-'58 would not fit since the escutcheon is flat and does not have the contour like the '56 has.

These switches are a bit tricky, the switch base the contacts apply slight pressure (tension style brass contacts see attach picture) against the insulator and the metal plate. These two pieces seat inside the base and are key at the corner by the base (blocking them from sliding out see second picture with the insulator).

The switch plate then slides (two small tension strips) in all directions to active the contacts to move the seat, so basically the plate just floats on top of the metal plate and the contacts should bring the switch plate back once it is release.

The main issue is there are several pieces that interact with all the parts and most of the time they do not aligned properly. I believe Fusick may still have the clips (kit) but not the rest.

Hope this may help you.

[56Fleetwood]

Thanks for this Jose. You've confirmed my problem with the switch isn't unique. I'll learn to live with it 🙂

[JungleCadd]

I tore mine apart as well, the spring clips are nit the greatest but I could never get good spring back. I bought another of one of the good folks off this forum and it works great. Never did figure out what the issue was .. maybe just alignment. Good luck.

I think Fusick has the guts