backstory - months ago my OEM passenger window switch cluster had it's face busted off by an over-zealous passenger in need of a cigarette. I purchased a replacement switch (as the faceplate could not be had on its own) from a trusted local parts supplier. he proceeded to warn me that this aftermarket switch was going to break within a couple of months but that he would replace free of charge (he dealt only in MB, VW, BMW and Audi parts). so, new switch breaks right on schedule, totally ate itself and started burning fuses. sadly, my parts guy had gone out of business before he was able to make good on a new switch
I had planned on building full custom window switches: stainless or chrome faceplates with DPDT-center off-momentary on-toggle switches.
but I'm broke...
which brings me to construct a replacement faceplate for my OEM switch cluster out of some stainless steel scrap I had in the shop.
roughed out the rocker holes with a dremel, filed by hand for that comfort fit and voila!
working window switch.
(sorry about the photo quality...)

Attached Thumbnails

     

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'79 300D "Jaeger"
'61 VW Baja "Frosch"
'92 Honda Shadow 600
'80 Honda 185 (cafe project)

Nice work the old window switches before they went to chromed plastic are a work of art. I never considered just making a new metal bezel. Brass or some other metals would look a lot better in some interiors. I have a closest power window switch fetish and have about 50 covers with minor scratches that are in good shape but not perfect, so I don’t sell them on eBay if your new cover doesn’t work out pm me with your address and I will drop one in the mail for you. Of course you have given me a another project to tackle on the W126 which I hate the wood and the switches and have been playing with ideas for replacement and will spend countless hours making switch bezels from different materials my wife wishes you had never posted this LOL
Dave S

I've always had a fascination with switches...
this is just the functional prototype. soon to come will be a brushed stainless set with no visible fasteners. but for now I'm just happy it works

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'79 300D "Jaeger"
'61 VW Baja "Frosch"
'92 Honda Shadow 600
'80 Honda 185 (cafe project)

You know brand new OE window switch's are cheap, $17 I think.

The stainless looks nice though!

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Good Job!

I like that, now if you want things to match do up the other switch like that.

Dealer quoted me $177.00 canadian.

Where are OE swithes 17?

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77 300D- new to me, lots of "issues" to deal with. But a nice unit.
Diesel man- 84 Toyota Diesel cruiser

junk yard

Take REAR switches from used cars (they're always like new) and build new fronts... simple.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]