Topic: Replacement plastic parts in switches

[Nstillwell]

So I have 2 sets of switches because I bought 2 550's. While attempting to rebuild the switch on the 74 though, I had the red plastic kill switch literally fall apart in my hand. So I pulled the second switch off and gingerly take it apart and that one looks very cracked and is ready to fall apart too. After yelling at it for a few minutes, my wife reminded me that these pieces are almost 50 years old. Has anyone found a place for replacement plastic pieces for the red part that is the kill switch and the internals for the starter switch?

I did find one post where someone had been making the internal parts of the starter switch. But if I'm going to avoid buying a replacement switch off common-motor, I'm going to need several replacement plastic pieces. Thanks all.

[BenelliSEI]

I have several little bags full of the left overs of switches I have dismantled for parts...... not aware of anyone selling them.

Truthfully, it’s been a while since I bothered. Even with the most careful attention, it’s still a worn out switch. The replica replacements are actually pretty decent (make sure you order the correct switch for your year and model).

[MauiK3]

Agreed, the switches are a tough item to make right. Most of the parts don't respond well to just cleaning and re-assembly unless they have a very gentle past.

[newday777]

Agreed, the switches are a tough item to make right. Most of the parts don't respond well to just cleaning and re-assembly unless they have a very gentle past.

As in making the old switch right or in them making replacement switch assembly?(not enough information given by you to determine....)

[Nstillwell]

I have several little bags full of the left overs of switches I have dismantled for parts...... not aware of anyone selling them.

Truthfully, it’s been a while since I bothered. Even with the most careful attention, it’s still a worn out switch. The replica replacements are actually pretty decent (make sure you order the correct switch for your year and model).

Good to know... I'm not trying to necessarily keep it "original". I would be willing to buy parts for the old switches if the new switches were garbage but I have been happy with most of the parts off of common-motor. They do have replacement switches that look pretty nice. Just curious what others have done. I will probably get new replacements next year as I'm sure my current switches will be falling apart by then. The current kill switch has cracks across it right now. Thanks

[Don R]

 I had a 76 type switch that drove me crazy for a while, it looks new but works intermittently. I finally wired in a K4 right control with a switch. It was a problem too until I realized the switch has slipped out of its slot and was grounding out.

[kerryb]

There is a 3d printing firm that makes 550 starter button internals.  I think it's called shapeways.  I learned of it on here some years ago.

[OldGreyBeast]

I started a collection of 3d printed parts I've made here.  If someone has a spare one of those switches they wouldn't mind shipping my way I'll CAD it up and put the model there (or print them for anyone that wants one).

[Kenzo1979]

I got tired of rebuilding my 500 RH control and just decided to buy an aftermarket replica replacement.  I must say the quality is pretty good and I’m happy.  Seller on eBay.  Link below for 550 version, just make sure it’s the correct version.  If not, check seller’s other items, should have it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/125189890875?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=YOp7C1hyS5K&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=JcTumo2yTj6&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[grcamna2]

I got tired of rebuilding my 500 RH control and just decided to buy an aftermarket replica replacement.  I must say the quality is pretty good and I’m happy.  Seller on eBay.  Link below for 550 version, just make sure it’s the correct version.  If not, check seller’s other items, should have it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/125189890875?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=YOp7C1hyS5K&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=JcTumo2yTj6&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

They've done a great job on the 'stock look' of that in Taiwan:impressive.
How's that switch been 'holding up' for you in daily use ?

[Alan F.]

This might be a good place to park this link:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,163170.50.html

[ozm29c]

In my case, as CB350F NOS switches are made of 'unaffordium' I decided to rebuild the original switches. This included some experimentation with 3D printing. The end result was acceptable for the High/Low beam knob but I could not replicate the kill switch in fine enough detail necessary to make it work. I think I was limited by the capability of the 3D printer that I was using. 

[grcamna2]

I've saved used handlebar switches from a couple bikes that I've parted-out in the past;I've then used those inner switch parts to repair other switches.

[Kenzo1979]

I got tired of rebuilding my 500 RH control and just decided to buy an aftermarket replica replacement.  I must say the quality is pretty good and I’m happy.  Seller on eBay.  Link below for 550 version, just make sure it’s the correct version.  If not, check seller’s other items, should have it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/125189890875?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=YOp7C1hyS5K&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=JcTumo2yTj6&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

They've done a great job on the 'stock look' of that in Taiwan:impressive.
How's that switch been 'holding up' for you in daily use ?

This is the first season I have had with the new control. So far so good. But only time will tell.  I will say, everything inside looked identical to me to the original.  I remember being pleasantly surprised upon visual inspection when I received it.

[Bankerdanny]

There is a 3d printing firm that makes 550 starter button internals.  I think it's called shapeways.  I learned of it on here some years ago.

I have used this on 2 bikes with very good results.

For my 750 I just opted for a repop right side switch that was install and forget.