The PHILCO Phorum

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Dang, I broke an unreplaceable part. I hate when that happens. I have a 5-096 DayFan chassis in a Peck & Hills Furniture cabinet, circa 1929. The Local/Distant switch wasn't working, it was distant only, open position which really cut the power. I took the switch apart and proceeded to break it. In the meantime I shorted it out so I have local all the time, incredible power, not a bad option. Just maybe one of you could direct me to something to replace the switch. It is simply an on/off rotary switch with a 1/4" shaft, 1 1/4" long and has 175 volts going through it. Don't want a potentiometer, just a switch. Any idea where I could find something?

Thanks,
Alan
Hi,

Over the years there were many versions of a switch for that function. Some had a phenolic wafer, other used a toggle switch on an offset arm.

Can you post a couple of clear, well lit images of the broken switch? Also an image of where it is supposed to fit so one could judge if a substitute would fit... The diameter of the mounting hole?

Regards,

Chas
As I recall, that radio has a weird switch who's body looks like a toggle switch but has a toggle that rotates and looks like a grease zirk on a car. Is that the one?

It can be seen on the back of this chassis - first picture:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Day-Fan-5003-Co...Swn~JaoHXx
Thanks for the response guys, I'll post some pics. It's the left knob on the front, the back switch is phono.

Alan
Thanks for the e-bay post, although mine is a 5-096, visually it is fully identical.

Alan
[attachment=15972][attachment=15973]

Here's a couple of photos. One of the chassis and the other of the disassembled switch (I broke a tang off of the swiveling contact). The mounting hole is 3/8", the shaft is 1/4", 1 1/4" long.

I hope to find a simple replacement switch, don't know if that will be easy or not.

Alan
I found two rotary toggle switches but the shafts are too short, one 3/8" the other 3/4" They could work if a 1/4" shaft extension is used and there is clearance in the cabinet to accommodate the larger sleeve of the extension.. Such shaft extensions are still being made.

The brand is Arrow Hart & Hegeman

You may also find such a switch at PTOP Play things of Past.

I found these at ebay...

302674414072

292510846094

Chas