Vixen S2 panel lights

[tomtrout]

I'm just about to start restoring my dash and before I fill the plethora of superfluous holes I wondered if anybody would know if the two warning lights stuck between my rev counter and speedo are relevant? My car is an early S2 and my dash is probably very similar to those fitted/supplied for the S1. I have an owners manual for the S2 which suggests a hazard warning light for the LHD model but nothing for RHD cars. I guess they are possibly an add on for spot lights or something similar but before I fill the holes and re-veneer the dash I just wanted to make sure these warning lights aren't OE for something I've missed? Pic below.

[Moto]

Although the layout on the S3 is different, there are 2 dash lights mounted to the rhs of the steering wheel. When I refurbed my dash, only one was wired in, with the other labelled as brake warning indicator but no wiring to it at all. Talking to other owners this seems to be the case with other cars, so perhaps TVR fitted a spare for some purpose such as exports.

Moto

[daza]

Have you got a sprung loaded plunger type switch fitted to your handbrake?

My S2 had a handbrake warning light. As well as a brake fail (my dash is the padded Virginia Leather variety).

Darren

[tomtrout]

I think the "brake fail" warning light is the little blue job on the far right hand side. Are these lights still available?

[tomtrout]

Daza, yes I have got the handbrake switch. Where was the warning light located on your S2?

[thegamekeeper]

Convention is blue warning light for main beam, green or orange for indicators. Looks to me like the 2 holes between speedo/tacho below the 2 warning lights are for the bracket that holds the steering column (dont laugh!). On an S2 Vixen with TR pedal box/ servo the handbrake warning/ brake fail warning are the same warning light which is on the wiper/ washer panel and is red. The brake fail is wired to the deadly 5 way attenuater switch. If you have any surplus holes why not fit a cooling fan warning light or a fan switch or a fuel pump switch (bit of safety, bit of security).I am sure the assembled masses will have alternative suggestions.


ps Andy thanks, much appreciated I owe you a beer. sTeVeR

[tomtrout]

Yes I wasn't that surprised to see the steering column bracket screwed to the dash but I was a little shocked to see that the other end of the bracket was strapped to the column with a jubilee clip!

My car has the pre-servo TVR pedal box (what's left of it) so I don't have any 5 way switch. Would the pre-servo cars even have had a brake fail warning light? If so, on a single circuit system what would the sensor actually detect?

I think I might give it the Ikea look and go for a bit of a "Scandinavian minimalist" look and fill any hole that wasn't there originally.

[thegamekeeper]

Andy, the single pipe system has no warning system so with that in mind do it right when you restore it. In my opinion NEVER used second hand parts and NEVER fit seal kits to master cylinders, you only get one chance with brakes. Use Kunifor brake pipes, Never copper and good quality flexible hoses or Aeroquip. My Granny has a single pipe system the same as your Vixen and with regular inspections I have never had any problems. I change the brake fluid every 2 years,it is hygroscopic and water in the fluid is the biggest cause of seal failure and brakes boiling.

You can get "extensions" for the reservoirs to give you more fluid and although I dont have any them only thing you can fit to warn of fluid loss are float switches to fit in the master cylinder lid which warn of low fluid. Regular visible inspections help.

[tomtrout]

Thanks Steve - good advice. I have already fitted the kunifer pipes and I have purchased new master cylinders. I know some will wonder why I have gone for the original single line system, with all the potential for catastrophic failure but I have every confidence it will be fine provided it gets regular maintenance. I've had single line systems in many of my cars - always got the handbrake as a back up! Before I get lectured by anyone about having a death wish, that was supposed to be a joke! I'm not worried about a lack of servo - I will just have to use a bit more leg muscle!

Unfortunately I still don't know what the little blue light on the RHS of my dash was for - air con or bluetooth perhaps!!