69 Cowl induction throttle switch install

[Jonesy]

69 Camaro. Everything is original or NOS.

I am trying to figure out how they got this throttle switch and retainer in the hole on the throttle arm.
Fricken broke my first NOS switch trying, now on to the next switch.

Is there some trick I dont know about?

Do you put the retainer on the throttle switch and then put it in the hole?
OR do you put the insert on the hole and try to jam the throttle switch in there.

This is tough I tell ya!!!

[Lynn]

This has to be extremely frustrating Jonesy.

Looks so simple. Wish I could help. It has been 8 years since I assembled mine.

Couple of questions:
1. Is the throttle arm GM?

2. Is the retainer GM?

Going off memory here. I am almost certain, I installed the switch before I installed the arm. Car was apart. Don't know if you have that option.

I am 99% certain I put the retainer in the arm, and then pushed the switch into the retainer. IIRC, it was not really hard to get in.

My thinking is that if your arm and or retainer are aftermarket, they may not be the exact correct size. I rarely find aftermarket repop stuff to be EXACT.

[X66 714]

Do the instructions in AIM help? They're on ZL2 A2. I'll send you a picture when I get to the shop....Joe

[rszmjt]

Jonesy, I had the throttle arm in the vice in soft jaws, I put a small amount of grease on the installed bushing/clip then worked the switch in, afterwards I washed the grease off and reinstalled the whole arm/switch. If motor is in car that’s a chore too, as not much clearance behind the cylinder head.

As noted the repo bushing/clip may be a issue, but you post says nos or original so the clip is not the problem .

[m22mike]

I have never had much luck with the repop clip, see If someone can help with a OEM used one.

Mike

[firstgenaddict]

Jonesy- maybe you figured this out sooner than I did... however I kept thinking the switch went in from the rear of the throttle arm- If memory serves - it goes in from the front and when you floor it the switch depresses against the firewall.

[Unreal]

I used an NOS switch with a repop bracket. I had to file it out just a little to make if fit.

[Jonesy]

Thanks guys for all the responses.
Late last night I took a pair of tin snips to the retainer clip and slightly trimmed the opening for the switch. I havent tried it yet but plan on it.
I also think it helps to provide some pics so I will do that also.
I need to conquer this thing.
The next thing will be trying to replace my current non CI throttle arm with this one. My engine is in and it makes it hard to get access to that.

Joe, thanks for the pics you sent and your willingness to help out:worship:

[WorkinProgress]

Be sure after you install switch, you install the clip to hold the switch in its adjusted place when you go full throttle. The clip I am talking about is the same one used to hold the window cranks in place. If you do not install this clip after you get proper adjustment, when you go full throttle you will push the entire switch back towards the engine.

- Warren

[WorkinProgress]

Assembly manual showing clip as number 5, as stated in my previous posting.

- Warren

[rszmjt]

Be sure after you install switch, you install the clip to hold the switch in its adjusted place when you go full throttle. The clip I am talking about is the same one used to hold the window cranks in place. If you do not install this clip after you get proper adjustment, when you go full throttle you will push the entire switch back towards the engine.

- Warren

Warren,

I have never seen that clip, my 06A Z does not have it , I have owned the car since 1974, factory ZL2 car, the GM #9788460 switch clip has 3 lip serrations that captures the plastic threads on the switch . Is that a recall or did they all have them?

[WorkinProgress]

Your car is suppose to have it. Whether it was installed when the car was new, no one knows.

Clip number 2 in the assembly manual, is like the one that you show in your picture. That holds the switch in place.

The window crank clip (number 5) locks the switch in place to prevent it from moving backwards.

- Warren

[Jonesy]

It says 5-21-69 Item 5 added. So maybe it came on later cars??

Funny that the AIM I have used for reference doesnt have this clip shown in the pic.

[WorkinProgress]

Guess if I had read the revision I would have seen they added it later in production.

- Warren

[Lynn]

My AIM does not have the second clip.

If you have the correct retainer, I don't believe it is needed.

I remember pushing the linkage all the way back (no engine in the car) with the switch in place. It self adjusted at that point. At least on my car, you cannot force it out just by pushing the linkage to wide open throttle position.

Pics of the second clip being installed would be helpful.

[WorkinProgress]

I took pictures off of my 07A build car which shows the clip installed. Also, took pictures of one of my spares.

- Warren

[Jonesy]

Here is what I was referencing

[Jonesy]

I also noticed the AIM shows the nut on the throttle arm towards the firewall, but most of the pics i have seen on cars shows it facing the engine

[jl8z28]

I put them on both of my Z28s i thought they went on real easy

[rszmjt]

I also noticed the AIM shows the nut on the throttle arm towards the firewall, but most of the pics i have seen on cars shows it facing the engine


I have learned not to trust the aim explicitly, I have found lots of discrepancies over the years comparing to survivor cars.
As far as the bolt I am pretty sure that it goes into bind on the firewall bracket if its installed as shown in the aim diagram.

Hope this Helps.

Mike.

[Lynn]

My AIM has the same pic. No second clip.

Pretty sure mine has the nut facing the engine. It is original to the car.

[R68GTO]

FWIW...here's how mine was found, bolt head toward the firewall.

[Jonesy]

Well now I have a broken tab on my clip so I have another clip coming.
Thanks for all the photos and suggestions. Great discussion!!

[Jonesy]

I finally got it. I used a repop retainer this time and I got the switch to go right in with a little effort. I did put the door clip on it also. It snaps on there pretty tightly will hold it for sure. Thanks everyone for all the suggestions and help!!

[NorCam]

I finally got it. I used a repop retainer this time and I got the switch to go right in with a little effort. I did put the door clip on it also. It snaps on there pretty tightly will hold it for sure. Thanks everyone for all the suggestions and help!!

That looks better. I found the same door clip on a late built car and thought someone had put that there. Glad to know now that it was supposed to be that way. I've also pulled a motor out to find someone had added a brake switch nut to hold the throttle switch from becoming loose or auto-correcting too much when it hits against the firewall. I thought that was a great idea.

Looking good now Jonesy.