Much thanks to Charlie S and SlantSixDan!!! Since you are both board sponsors and moderators, I'd guess you are among the real oldtimers here. As I'm sure you both guessed, I was looking for an easier softer way to figure the Knee Knocker out without damaging it or the switch. Checking the switch with my Digittal Multimeter, it seems ok. It was pretty sticky and "crunchy", but I flooded it with Carb Cleaner, then WD-40, and it's pretty smooth now. I'd like to know what is a good permanent lube for it, and finding a new switch would be way cool, too.
I hadn't thought of adding relays to the control circuits. Guess they'd have to go outside the case. That would cut the load on the old switch contacts. How about "solid statre relays" (switching transistors) any ideas???
Of course an OEM switch should last as long as the one I have that seems to work now - and in another forty years I WON'T CARE if it works or not, I'll be 98 yrs old and droolin' into my oatmeal
Next time I go to my storage unit, I'll bring the other unit home and trace the wiring on it. The switch has four lugs; the two common ones must be power, the one next to it must be the variable voltage to the blower, and the one atop the switch that is connected to the power lug when any of the buttons are pressed would be the compressor clutch. I'll need to figure the thermostat hookup, but like the man sait, "It aint rocket science!"
Thanks again, guys; and I'm still open to any further suggestions, advice, wellwishing, etc, etc.