Where to find new headlight switch

[Cakeman2253]

In my haste to remove the dash switch on my 73 Brave, I broke one of the terminals off the back of the switch. This is the headlight and running light switch on the bottom left side of the dash. Does anyone know where to purchase a new switch? It has 4 prongs and rocks in 3 positions (Off, Park, Head).
I need a new switch or ideas on how to possible repair. Not enough of a nub to clip onto or solder. Thanks

[denisondc]

I dont know of a source for exact replacements, except salvaging it from another old Winny - and there was only one switch with that 'layout' per Winnebago.   After they changed to the dashboard with the round speedometer (in 1974?) I dont think they used a rocker for the headlight switch anymore.
Rocker switches of the same size and dimensions are still commonly made (3/4 x 1-1/2" or .83 x 1.45?), but I havent seen any with the same layout or operation as the one used for the headlight switch.  Its a 2 pole 3 position switch of an uncommon build.  One of the poles is off in the 'bottom' or first position, but on in the middle and upper positions.  This is the circuit for the parking lamps.  The other pole is off in the bottom and middle positions, but is on in the upper position.  This is for the headlights.    If you take your old rocker switch into enough auto parts places, you may eventually find a store that has a book of electrical parts, with a few pages of rocker switches.     
You can do an internet search of course.  At www.wiringproducts.com if you put 'rocker switch into the search box, it will show you some switches of the right size (scroll down the page to the 'full size rockers') that might work, though they would be on-off-on, not off-on1-on2.  Still, with the 6 terminals they cold be wired to do the job. 
   Originally I imagine Winnebago ordered them in bulk from one of the usual custom switch makers and specified the setup and lettering.  There still might be some in a dusty inventory.  You could try asking at: www.winnebagoparts.com/, or at www.azrvinc.com or www.colaw.com, and some of the other places listed in this site's 'resources' section.
    Let us know  if you find one that is even close.   My headlight switch got flaky at turning the headlamps on, so I wired it to control a  30 amp 12v relay,  which controlled the headlamps.  Thus the switch contacts only had to carry about .05 amp, instead of ten or more amps. 

[tiinytina]

You can also try SandsRV.... http://www.sandsrv.com website ain't much but give them a call, he literally has one  of everything most days...

Tina

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

Cole Hersee makes a 12VDC 25A 5 prong Headlight Rocker switch (0.83" x 1.45")  P/N 57008-08 that may work.
Cole Hersee web site: http://www.colehersee.com/resource/index.htm
Rocker switches: http://www.colehersee.com/pdf/A-Rockers.pdf (P/N 57008-08 is on pdf page 5 of 14)

They make a lot of automotive switches and electrical devices (Ignition switches, wiper switches, stop switches, solinoid switches, dimmer switches, etc.)
Their 8715 stoplight switch looks like it may work on a Dodge MH Chassis.

Their electrical circuit reference information is also very useful.

Contact info is on their FAQ page.

Another source for switches is the Winnebago Parts and Accessories Catalog available from http://www.winnebagoparts.com/parts-accessories.php#  (go to page 71/72 of 241 pages)

Dave

[Cakeman2253]

Thanks as always, the wealth of knowledge helps me sleep better with the monster in the driveway. I will let you know how i end up.