10 replies to this topic

[Davidmt]

I bought a wooden switch panel some time since.  It matched the dash and my existing switch panel had seen better days and I needed to replace the heater cable so would be removing it anyway.

 

Finally got around to taking it off today and there is a problem - the wooden panel has much larger holes for the heater/choke so no way to secure - looks like it needs some recessed washers or similar or maybe I bought the wrong item!.  Are these available or any other suggestions?

Photo attached.

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[stuart bowes]

3d print a little insert / bezel and paint it black to match the surrounds on the switches ?

[Ethel]

Have you tried fitting a switch? Looks like it might be intended to be stuck over the existing panel.

[mab01uk]

I agree, pretty sure those wood switch panels are designed to be stuck onto the standard metal switch panel just covering over the black area with the raised metal surround still visible. Whether you fit the switches and cables before or after the wood panel will depend on the hole sizes being clearance fit or same size as the metal panel. Items like this are normally designed for easy installation with minimum dismantling as most diy buyers would not want to get involved in taking too many things apart.

Edited by mab01uk, 06 March 2024 - 02:40 PM.

[Davidmt]

OK - I have managed to get it to work - I have put the silver trim on the wooden panel and then used the metal panel behind to secure the choke and heater cable and fixing brackets.   The switches actually hold the wooden plate tight but I will also use some double sided tape and hope it fits back in!.

 

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Now to source a replacement switch for the rear demister - it was the original green one but was broken.  I already have the newer amber switch but was going to use that for the heated front screen so want the green one like below.  The ones on eBay look poor condition so if anyone has one going spare drop me a message.

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[Ethel]

They're Lucas Delta switches. The rocker can be removed (for changing the bulb), so you could put together your own 2 position switch or a momentary one for an electronic controller.

[lsto]

It sounds weird but if the switches are just faded try rubbing vaseline into the plastic then wipe it off with a rag. The switches come up like new, god knows how it works. I saw it on here ages ago. Here is a pic when I was doing mine.

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[Bobbins]

Autoglym bumper gel will return them to new condition, unfortunately though all the “fixes” are temporary and will need re-doing periodically.

[Davidmt]

Ok - thanks everyone.  Just to close this and help others.  I ordered a new switch for the rear demister from eBay as mine was broken.  I also added an illuminated lamp switch as mine was not illuminated and the decal had been rubbed off.

 

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Also the new choke cable was a different fitting and the holes in both the new wood facia and also the original metal facia were too large.  I therefore bonded a couple of stainless washers to the recesses in the face of the old metal facia and then bonded that tightly behind the wooden facia - it required a bit of trimming where the tabs secure the chrome trim but easy to file out.

 

It is now as strong as the original - the pull cables are secure and it looks much better!

 

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Edited by Davidmt, 09 March 2024 - 02:00 PM.

[Ethel]

They illuminated switch is a bit marginal  running headlights, no problem if you have relays doing the donkey work.

[Davidmt]

Just to update - the bonding of the original plate did not really work and the panel was too proud of the dash space so I removed it and superglued a couple of washers behind the holes and started again.  Now all back in and working (well apart from the rear screen but that did not work before!).

 

Happy with the result but not a job a want to do again although I did fit wingnuts to the panel bolts to make future removal a bit easier - not the most comfortable of jobs and up there with the clevis pins!!

 

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