Can you change the fan speed switch to a dial switch?

[AuroraGirl]

I have a 1980 no AC. It has the factory 4 or 5 settings in a rectangle switch, meant to go on the original unit. My lines that control the blend doors are rusted in defrost mode and it broke my sliding unit. So I want to put a piece of PVC plastic and drill 2 holes in it. 1 for an on-off switch for the heat (its stuck on) and one for the fan control. Its a lot easier to drill a circle and use a switch from a store than to try to fit the factory fan speed switch in. Can I use one of those dial switched(much like the dimmer for the headlights) to control the fan speed? Because an on-off switch I already have, but keeping the fan speed control where I want it will be difficult.

 

[75gmck25]

The fan speeds are controlled by a resistor pack mounted in the plenum under the hood (or maybe inside the truck if if does not have A/C), and the fan switch connects various combinations of resistors to get the speeds. It does not use a simpler rheostat (or dimmer) switch.

If you are good at reading wiring diagrams you could probably just figure out how to mount multiple toggle switches to switch between resistors and control fan speeds. It wouldn't be elegant, but it sounds like you already have some major issues with the controls.

Bruce

 

[yevgenievich]

Actual 5 position dial switch rated for the current should be same as a factory switch

 

[RetroC10Sport]

I was going to attempt to adapt a digital climate control unit from a Buick Roadmaster, they are very similar in size. That's a LOT of work though.

 

[AuroraGirl]

Actual 5 position dial switch rated for the current should be same as a factory switch

What do you mean? Do you have a link for this?

 

[Dmack]

Mine has a stripped out A.C. factory system. I just pulled a factory non- AC control panel, cables, and inside plenum as a full unit. Actually easy to swap out . And you can use all of the original wiring.

 

[yevgenievich]

What do you mean? Do you have a link for this?

standard switch that would fit the function is actually relatively expensive($50-$150 range). Finding one on old equipment and re purposing might work. Another heat only panel with a switch would be more cost effective method.
https://www.alliedelec.com/product/rs-components-uk/ca10-a048-gba004ft2/70337987/

 

[AuroraGirl]

Well I just figured a simple on-off switch would work. What I think im gonna do is figure out a way to keep the original fan switch and mount it in the panel. Ill find a way ahha. Thanks for the info so I didnt break anything

 

[AuroraGirl]

So it turns out I have a 3 speed fan. 1 up, 1 center, 1 down. Is there a switch that could do that?

 

[TubeTruck]

a 3 position switch will be ON-OFF-ON, so you could use 2 speeds, high and low with center off. Don't think they make switches that will be ON in all 3 positions, at least I haven't seen them.

 

[yevgenievich]

something like this might work
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T8NWMZ...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=