Success! I got a switch assembly on ebay for $115 and it now works perfectly.
Couple of things, to get the switch assembly out, you just have to remove the black bezel around the shifter - no screws involved. The black window switches are easily removed from the assembly by sliding the two black clips on the rear to release it, then folding it back. The whole thing will take you less than 5 minutes.

Gilly, my 356 was a normal production one, even to the damn 6 volt they installed. 12V was apparently an option. Production continued in 1965 when they also introduced the 912 to replace it as well as the 911 - as best I remember. I tried to buy a new '65 356, but the dealer wouldn't come down from the list price of $3800 - as I recall it. Such a deal with the current prices, but then again I could have bought a 300SL Gullwing for $3500 in another deal I turned down. Ah, to be young and stupid.

Many thanks for all your good advice!

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'76 240D-Sold
'78 240D-Sold
'85 300 SD, 165K-Sold
'88 300 TE, 165K-Sold
'64 Porsche 356C Cabriolet- under restoration
'86 560SL 124K Miles-Sold
'94 320E Wagon, 74K Miles-128K Miles JUNKED
'06 E350 Wagon, 84K Miles
07 SL550, 14K Miles