Overhead Dome Light Switch

[Don Ostergard]

I need to replace at least one of the two interior dome light switches in my '59 250. Looking at the parts manual it appears that all Comanches use the same switch, part # 487-777 followed by (5518) in parentheses. (Is this latter number a supplier number?) Piper tells us that 487-777 is no longer availble, replaced by 851 69-002. (Is this a different part or simply a re-numbering of the same part?) In any event, #851 69-002 is no longer available, either.

I don't want to replace my old switches with 50 year old used ones, nor do I wish to cut up the plastic panel that houses them in order to install a new generic switch if I can possibly avoid it. My questions: Is there a repository of new but obsolete Piper parts out there where I might access the desired switch? Is thesame or similar switch used somewhere else (Cessna, Beech, etc.)

I'll try to attach a photo of teh switch with this message. There is 1-3/8" spacing between the mounting holes. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Don Ostergard ICS 3263
c-flhv@magtech.ca

[9089P]

Hi Don,

I've looked at, although not studied in detail, those switches while having the overhead panel down to be painted. They looked to me to be generic and very common switches. I would not be at all surprised if you couldn't take one to your local electrical supply house and find a switch that matches the mounting holes and does the job.That would of course be an owner produced/supplied part.

Don

[James Turner]

Hi Don,

Not sure what is wrong with your switches but recently I removed, disassembled and cleaned all of those switches in my 24-180 and they are now as good as new. They are a pretty simple affair but maybe yours are too far gone?

Cheers,

James.

P.S. I'm pretty sure other Piper aircraft use(d) the same switch...