Dash Illumination Switch - Replacement help

[Griffit]

Although I haven't even picked up my Griffith yet, there is a small job that needs doing when I get it to keep me happy for a short while.

At present the dash illumination switch doesn't latch into the on position, which due to the early sunsets at the moment and variable weather is going to need sorting ASAP.

Does anybody know of an alternative switch to the TVR original that is almost identical and fits? I only ask because nearly £10 for a small switch like that seemed a bit OTT?!

Even if there's no alternative, does anybody know whether I should be able to replace it without removing the dash? Without having seen one removed I don't know if it is a push fit or has a screwed retaining ring behind the dash? I'm hoping my first job isn't dash removal!!

Thanks in advance, Andy

[DarkMatter]

Better still (IMHO) would be to replace the switch with a rheostat so that the dash lights can be adjusted between fully on and fully off. Has anyone done this already?

[mongoose]

The dash illumination switch is just a push fit,and can therefire be prised free without removing the dash.I've not heard of one that wont switch on,but they can stick on if they are a tight fit in the hole.£10 does seem a bit steep,but your hardly likely to replace it in a hurry again.I'm sorry but i dont know the origin of the switches to purchase elsewhere.

[spend]

Maplins sell them for a couple of quid. You need the double pole one (just so its the same as others I guess), the caps are interchangeable.

Dave

[Ozstyle]

Hi,
my switch was loose so it just turned in the trim. I removed the dash to access it, the screw bezel at the back just needed tightening up to hold it in place, best not to try and prize it out as it may not be a push fit.

Ozstyle

[Griffit]

Cheers for the help guys, I'll see if there's any indication as to whether it's a push fit type or not before I start prising!

Spend - any idea of a part number for Maplin?

I quite like the idea of a rheostat to avoid the HUD effect, despite normally leaving such a device set to maximum. Would I need to modify anything else to fit this? I can't recall whether the dash lights operate without the side/head lights switched on, presumably if that were the case I'd need a rheostat with an 'off' switched position too?

[spend]

Maplins are ML65V ; there is a selction of SP/DP latch/momentary & colours.

If you are feeling adventurous Farnell do some very sexy switches, & if you can find them they used to do similar switches a bit cheaper.

Dave

Sorry, forgot you dont have the car yet... You want a DP latching switch, colour down to choice (should be able to reuse the original ((clear)) cap if you want).

Edited by spend on Monday 22 January 11:53