leaf contact switch ge 3-5259a Blockbuster

[Sabum]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently restoring a GE 3-5259A Boombox and I’m looking for a replacement leaf contact switch used for the PLAY function in the cassette mechanism.

The original spring/leaf contact (two copper contact plates) is broken.
It looks like at some point a cassette may have been forced out, which snapped the contact.

This is not a slide switch or microswitch, but a mechanical leaf contact that closes electrically when the mechanism moves into PLAY.

My questions:

• Does anyone have a spare original part from a donor deck?
• Are there any compatible leaf contact switches from other boomboxes or cassette mechanisms that would fit?
• Or does anyone know a modern equivalent that can be adapted?

I’ve attached photos of the broken contact and the mechanism area for reference.

Any help, part numbers, donor models, or repair ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
Michael

 

[Transistorized]

Even thought this deck only uses 2 legs (open/close), these are fairly common micro leaf switches.

These should work just use whichever leg is normally open and then closed when pressed in.

Micro Vane Micro-leaf Switch for Toy/Door Lock/Video/Recorder/Tapes Movements | eBay

L 2 x Micro Vane Switch. 12V Underwater Thruster Motor 3-blades Propeller for DIY RC ROV Robot Bait Boats. 28-level adjustable damping Rudder Damper Kits for Thrustmaster TPR. 10 Color Silicone Wrist Watch Band Strap Replace Fit for Garmin Vivoactive Watch.

www.ebay.com

 

[Superduper]

Like most of us hobbyists, you'll probably just have to purchase a bunch of microswitches and fix it through trial and error. The selection and styles of these switches changes constantly, but they are generally available. Not in that exact same form, but it's just a simple 1-pole switch.

 

[Sabum]

Thanks al lot! will try those @Transistorized
Hope it will fit!

 

[Transistorized]

Thanks al lot! will try those @Transistorized
Hope it will fit!

It's nice that the seller used a ruler to guage size. You might want to confirm fitment as sizes can be deceptive in photos. But as long as the spacing and mounting holes are correct based on their rough estimate on size, you should be good. You can leave that third leg that is in the normally closed position. You will only be using the normally open contacts. If it fits, you will be golden

 

[Tinman]

Even thought this deck only uses 2 legs (open/close), these are fairly common micro leaf switches.

These should work just use whichever leg is normally open and then closed when pressed in.

Micro Vane Micro-leaf Switch for Toy/Door Lock/Video/Recorder/Tapes Movements | eBay

L 2 x Micro Vane Switch. 12V Underwater Thruster Motor 3-blades Propeller for DIY RC ROV Robot Bait Boats. 28-level adjustable damping Rudder Damper Kits for Thrustmaster TPR. 10 Color Silicone Wrist Watch Band Strap Replace Fit for Garmin Vivoactive Watch.

www.ebay.com

It's amazing what's available from China that you can't find here.
Not so much these switches but generally speaking.
A few years ago, I was looking for a replacement tire for my old JcPenney box.
I couldn't find one anywhere except directly from China (possibly alibaba or aliexpress).
I actually used the wheel and axle assembly that it came on too.
It had a setup for a spring that worked out perfectly.
Not to mention how affordable it is coming from the other side of the world.

 

[Sabum]

The microswitches arrived yesterday.
It was exactly the same one that was installed. However, it had already been replaced once but not in a good fit because you have to modify the plastic top of the switch slightly. File away a small recess with a small key file. Then it fits perfectly.

Thanks to your help, "Freddy Krueger" has been brought back to life.

I completely restored everything, replaced all the electrolytic capacitors, modified the level meters with red „Horror“-LEDs, and modded the boombox with Bluetooth for switching!

It's alive!
Thanks for support! Great community!

 

[Transistorized]

Nice!

Mine has Red VU needles because they are known to stick and I wanted to replace them with aftermarket meter coils that would work.
Because it is the Nightmare on Elm Street box, I actually like the mod.

 

[goodman]

I completely restored everything, replaced all the electrolytic capacitors,
modified the level meters with red „Horror“-LEDs, and modded the boombox with Bluetooth for switching!

This is very good restoration and upgrade. Congrats.