Window switch needs to be replaced, what else?
 

Good Day PP, The drivers side window switch in my 79' SC is wonky and only works intermittently. I'm confident that it is the switch because it moves around a bit inside the housing and sticks in position from time to time. I'm assuming the door panel has to come off and this will be my first time removing it. I decided to order some new front speakers to try install once the panel is off but is there anything else this nube should consider addressing while everything is exposed? Not sure what it looks like in there yet but thought I would check in with you all to see if there is anything I ought to pay attention to/for and if there is anything about the switch replacement that may not be obvious once I get in there.

Cheers!

Just discovered that I can pry the switch out without removing the panel. But since I have the new speakers coming the question still stands. Anything else to look at or address while the panels are off? Anything I should be aware of regarding the speaker replacement? I ordered 5-1/2" speakers hoping they will be a direct swap.

A good time to lubricate your window tracks. White lithium works well.

You can swap switches to confirm that the problem follows the switch -- you'll likely also find that the replacement switch won't be a perfect match for the adjacent switch, easy to address by swapping the new switch for the existing passenger door switch. Note that each terminal on the switch has its own separate wire/connector, be sure to take pics of what wire attaches to each connector before removing so you can have a clear reference when reinstalling.

Door panels removal is pretty straightforward -- pay attention to how the inner door release attaches/works during/before removal.

speakers can benefit from a different mounting system, as by default the speakers attach to the door panel rather than the door itself. see, e.g. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/357520-car-stereo-installation.html

when I replaced my speakers, I went with a set that included separate tweeters -- I mounted them above the woofers in the same basic position used by later 911s -- found the raised position of the tweeter did wonders for the imaging/high frequency sound reproduction (vs my original speakers)

Good time to replace the switch bezels that are crimped in to the door panel. Not sure if they're still available, but the stainless versions are nice.

I clean the door latch mechanism and regrease the spring. Replace the plastic waterproofing cover, if you have updated speakers/stereo, add a piece of dyno mat to door to reduce vibration, and replace plastic ball caps for door lock/pulls. Last time also added hinge repair kit.

Probably overboard but when I had the door panels off, beside what is suggested above, I wiped the interior part of the door and the especially the bottom seam. Then I sprayed the whole metal panel with boeshield to leave a protective coating.

CTopher

^^^ This! It's also a great time to make sure your moisture barrier is in good shape (or replace with a new piece)

Disconnect that battery before doing any window switch work. You *can* pull the door interior if you’d like or feel the need, and there are several (and I do mean numerous) threads about what you’re going to find and how to put the mess back together if you do that job.

Where I am going with this is: if you’re going to pull the door interior panel, you may want to deal with a bigger job (perhaps for the winter when you’re “in storage”).

If you’re going to buy the switches and replace em: don’t bother with the URO ones. Buy the mid grade ones, and buy one for spare, because these switches are a common failure point in these cars. You *can* replace these switches with the panel on still, and you can even toss new speaks in with the door card still installed if you wish.

^ You're talking about URO Parts Window Switch 911 613 621 03 ? We sell more than 200 annually and have only had one returned as "defective" in the last 12 months, and haven't heard about any issues.

Thanks to the suggestion of a forum member, we're adding the pin numbers to the bottom of the plastic housing on our next production run, which should be in a few months.

Tommy before you spend money on a new switch give the terminals a good clean with electrical contact cleaner and a scotchbrite. Also check and double check how tightly the terminals are biting into the terminals on the switch.

I also sprayed contact cleaner into the switch to give the internals a clean.