7 replies to this topic

[LukeH]

Hello,

I'm thinking of changing the black plastic rocker switches that operate the hazzards, rear windscreen, headlights etc... to metal toggle switches, which I don't have any problem with. My question is;

Would there be any implications with changing the headlight switch to a toggle switch. I know that the Headlight switch operates as an Off/On/On switch but the nearest I can get to this in a toggle switch is On/Off/On meaning that Up would turn the sidelights on and down would be the main beam however, to go from sidelights to main would result in momentarily turing the lights off (off is centre position)

I hope this makes sense! I've used the search function but I haven't been able to find anything that answers my question/concerns.

Thanks, Luke.

[Ethel]

Yes,

The plastic rocker switches the sides then adds the main beam. The switch you suggested would be either or: not both. You could sort it with a relay but you should be able to find a lever toggle switch of the right type from Europa or another classic 'n kitcar suppliers. The hazards will need a proper hazard switch really.

[LukeH]

Yes,

The plastic rocker switches the sides then adds the main beam. The switch you suggested would be either or: not both. You could sort it with a relay but you should be able to find a lever toggle switch of the right type from Europa or another classic 'n kitcar suppliers. The hazards will need a proper hazard switch really.

Thanks very much, I've just found what I'm looking for on Europa, which by the way I had never heard of before, so thanks for that also.

Luke.

[Ethel]

Check out vehicle wiring products and Polevolt too - they may well be cheaper.

[LukeH]

Check out vehicle wiring products and Polevolt too - they may well be cheaper.

Thanks for those suggestions, 'vehicle wiring products' is slighty cheaper and has a better product range.

[Dan]

Polevolt now sell a very good range of toggle switces in many functions which are all matched. The problem with finding different switches for different funtions from different sources is that they will all look slightly different. Toggle switches are available in many hundreds of types and operations because they are designed for process control. I have written a list on here before of what toggle switch types suit each of the standard Mini switches. Unless you have an ERA Turbo the hardest one to track down is the hazard switch. If you want to be able to replace the Mini hazard switch directly without completely rewiring the hazard and indicator system you need a 4 pole on-on changeover switch, and remember you need a dash tell-tale with the hazard switch, rear fogs and brake fluid warning so you will need to find suitable warning lamps. Most of the various auto electrical retailers sell warning lamps with the correct symbols on now. Make sure you get switches with a suitable current rating, at least 16 amps and preferably 20 for the headlamps. The standard switches are 16 amp rated and the headlamp switch runs near its limit, it frequently melts so it's better to get something stronger.


Here's a link to that post where I talked about this before.

Toggle switch

It was my very first post! Aw, how sweet.

Edited by Dan, 03 December 2007 - 03:15 PM.

[LukeH]

Polevolt now sell a very good range of toggle switces in many functions which are all matched. The problem with finding different switches for different funtions from different sources is that they will all look slightly different. Toggle switches are available in many hundreds of types and operations because they are designed for process control. I have written a list on here before of what toggle switch types suit each of the standard Mini switches. Unless you have an ERA Turbo the hardest one to track down is the hazard switch. If you want to be able to replace the Mini hazard switch directly without completely rewiring the hazard and indicator system you need a 4 pole on-on changeover switch, and remember you need a dash tell-tale with the hazard switch, rear fogs and brake fluid warning so you will need to find suitable warning lamps. Most of the various auto electrical retailers sell warning lamps with the correct symbols on now. Make sure you get switches with a suitable current rating, at least 16 amps and preferably 20 for the headlamps. The standard switches are 16 amp rated and the headlamp switch runs near its limit, it frequently melts so it's better to get something stronger.


Here's a link to that post where I talked about this before.

Toggle switch

It was my very first post! Aw, how sweet.

Fantastic, thanks for that info/link it will help me out loads. Cheers, Luke

[LukeH]

with regards to the warning lights that are required for the MOT, I was thinking of installing one of these;

 acewell_2853.jpg   5.34K   1 downloads

This has built-in indicator lamps for hazzards, headlights, indicators etc...do you think I'll still need to add warning lamps next to the toggle switches to pass the MOT?