So I ran across some Very Interesting information, while trying to find the cheapest place to buy the re-popped Sportlamps Switch Handles.... ...I've seen where they are sold by various Vendors, in a pack of 4 : (here's the Mustang's Unlimited pic) ...but then I found the place that actually drafted up the designs, to have these reproduced...AND THERE ARE ACTUALLY 2 VERSIONS OF THEM....(one version is for the 67 Cougar XR-7, and the other version is for the 68 Cougar XR-7, and has a smaller opening.... ...and they sell them cheaper than everyplace else...and they have free 3 day shipping by UPS or USPS..... ...and the gentleman that's responsible for getting these reproduced, lives not too far from me....with his business being based out of Cave Creek, Arizona. The name of the Company is Desert Classic Parts, and the owner is apparently friends with the extremely knowledgeable guys, at West Coast Classic Cougars, who also sells his products. Just read his "About" page...it gives an interesting perspective, of what goes on behind the scenes, to get some of these parts reproduced...It's a pretty good read: http://www.desertclassicparts.com/about/ 1967 Sportlamps Switch Handle Version: (larger opening/different P/N) http://www.desertclassicparts.com/product/1967-cougar-xr-7-dash-toggle-switch-knob-set-of-4/ 1968 Sportlamps Switch Handle Version: (smaller opening/different P/N) http://www.desertclassicparts.com/product/1968-dash-toggle-switch-knob-set-of-4/ Now I wonder which Handle is the better fit for our Maverick Sportlamps Switches? I will try to find out...unless someone else already knows....I know that West Coast Classic Cougars sells both types.
I remember that I bought 1968 handles from West Coast Cougars and they fit the sport lamp great. Interesting what it takes to get approval of parts through customs Here is a neat picture of the Cougar switches and a description of the changes - this is from West Coast Cougar. There are three versions of shafts used on the 1967 - 1968 XR7 dash toggle switches and all three feature the same C7WB-13713-B engineering number. Shown above left to right is the 1967 switch with a large shaft, 1968 with smaller shaft and 1968 with a small shaft that has been milled down on two sides. The reason Ford decreased the size of shaft in 1968 was to enlarge the thickness of the plastic on the toggle tips. By decreasing the size of the shaft this increased the amount of material surrounding the shaft. This makes the 1968 toggle tip design less likely to break.
I ordered a set of the 68's and I will let you know how they fit when they arrive. Thanks for the information
Thanks for the info Eric! The guy in Cave Creek says that he has 16 more products coming soon...maybe one will be the chromed armrest bases. I'll try to call him sometime and find out. It would be nice to have some more Mav/Comet stuff repopped, and done right. You're welcome You are doing an Incredible job with your 72' Grabber restoration. Luv the Paint Scheme and colors. I'm glad you are applying your talents to a Maverick Grabber! I also noticed that your Grabber and mine are Very close in VIN serial numbers for the early style 72' Grabbers. Yours is right before mine, on our list of 72' Grabbers. Yours was factory 302, while mine had factory A/C, with the early style vents in the center of the dash. Will either you or Eric, have an extra Switch Handle that you can sell me?
I will send you one once I receive them. No need to sell it to you I will throw it in the mail. I believe in what goes around comes around. If I need 4 of them I am doing something wrong. If you want to trade for your steering wheel I will send you 4 packs!!!!
Thank you...I will send you a PM. I will also send you one of my few extra, custom Steering Wheel Decals for free. :Handshake
Bill is committed to the car hobby, and an all around 'good guy'. I have known him for years. I also work for West Coast Classic Cougar.
Cool...West Coast Classic Cougars do such a great job of providing more info, on so many of these hard to find parts. I added links to some of West Coast's products, two days ago, to one of my early posts in my Project Thread. If anyone hasn't checked these guys out...they have parts that cross to the Maverick/Comets, and they are extremely knowledgeable about these parts. http://www.westcoastclassiccougarinc.com/ ...and we should call the webmaster for West Coast Cougars...I thought the "Cougar is supposed to always run forward" ?
