Dashboard mods

[Derek Smith]

I want to change the three press button side/head/high intensity rear switches on my 94 Chim to a rotary dial. However, I want to do it in a way that is easily changed back to the original.

The later switches used by TVr require some major modification to the wiring, so I'm told. Does anyone know of a source of a quality rotary light switch? Demon Tweeks don't carry one.

Further, has anyone done any modifications to their dashboard on any TVR?

Derek

[tubbystu]

Don't all Vauxhall's have rotary light switches ? Get down the nearest scrappy...............

[Chimjunkie]

I'm considering a carbon fibre dash with an Oil temp guage and a boot release (enabled when alarm deactivated) button.

In fact the boot release button could go on the door pilar or somewhere really easy to get to...

Jon

[Ballistic Banana]

Rs compenents have some. I guess you would only need the main body and then have a bespoke knob made...perhaps banana shaped as your a Chimp owner

BB

[Derek Smith]

Ballistic Banana said:

Rs compenents have some. I guess you would only need the main body and then have a bespoke knob made...perhaps banana shaped as your a Chimp ownerBB

I have considered a bespoke knob.

My problem with the original set-up of three press-buttons is that they are out of sight and, in feeling around for them, I often press the wrong one. Further, they've pushed the veneer away, presumably when fat fingers have messed with them.

What I'm after is a simple switch that feels different, doesn't look too bad, and doesn't require a lot of modification to the wiring. I suppose I could go for a couple of relays and use a microswitch.

I'm also going to put a manual radiator fan override switch in there somewhere, with a warning light so four press buttons would be a bit OTT I feel. I'm quite happy with the hazard warning switch as it is easily recognisable by all and sundry as such.

The carbon fibre dash sounds interesting.

[Chimjunkie]

The manual override switch is a great idea. I have mine connected to the dash light switch under the steering column. Great idea to mount on dash with an indicator as well.

I'll be making the carbon fibre myself so i can chose a high quality weave and decide on the weave orientation and the exact finish i want. Some cheap efforts look a bit washed out. Also think the carbon look only works with the lighter interiors and dials IMHO

[Ballistic Banana]

Button lick this Jon

They also have a fan one you may be interested in Derek



http://www.speeding.co.uk

Dont have a three way one there mind, I am sure I have seen a nice ali/ss one somewhere

BB

Rotary switch here guess you would have to have bespoke knob made as that would look awful
http://www.classic-car-accessories.co.uk



Putting "rotary switch" on ebay search to will list a few

Edited by Ballistic Banana on Thursday 3rd January 19:31

[Chimjunkie]

Now thats worth a pint!

Cheers!

[Derek Smith]

[quote=Ballistic Banana]
Rotary switch here guess you would have to have bespoke knob made as that would look awful
http://www.classic-car-accessories.co.uk

/quote]
I might have a look at that rotary switch to see if it's easy enough to modify to something not quite so repulsive. It is awful, isn't it.

I though I'd move away from the press-buttons but, if I can find a rotary then I'd give it consideration.

What classic car would be seen dead with such a device in it?

I actually quite like toggle switches but they seem a bit passe. They are easy to feel whether they are on or off and take up little room. I don't know if I'm being a bit bottless by ruling them out because of what others might think.

Edited by Derek Smith on Thursday 3rd January 19:54

[Gooner]

The Pagani Zonda uses toggle switches, in the centre just below the ICE, they look pretty cool (probably not from Maplins though)

[trackcar]

Ballistic Banana said:

Button lick this Jon

They also have a fan one you may be interested in Derek



http://www.speeding.co.uk

Dont have a three way one there mind, I am sure I have seen a nice ali/ss one somewhere

BB

Rotary switch here guess you would have to have bespoke knob made as that would look awful
http://www.classic-car-accessories.co.uk



Putting "rotary switch" on ebay search to will list a few

Edited by Ballistic Banana on Thursday 3rd January 19:31

we have these switches in the race car, they look great but aren't terribly reliable as switches ..

Edited by trackcar on Friday 4th January 11:38

[Derek Smith]

trackcar said:

we have these switches in the race car, they look great but aren't terribly reliable as switches ..

Thanks for that. You are the second chap to suggest I avoid them and for the same reason. The other chap also said they look superb so he's left them in.

I've sent off for a couple of rotary switches, only £10 each, and smaller push buttons with illuminated tops which will allow me to save a bit of space for a couple of toggle switches. I'll try a few dummy dashboards and see how they look and feel.

You don't want to rush these things.

Thanks for everyone's help. It's shown me the way to go.

Derek

[Markh]

Chimjunkie said:

The manual override switch is a great idea. I have mine connected to the dash light switch under the steering column. Great idea to mount on dash with an indicator as well.

I'll be making the carbon fibre myself so i can chose a high quality weave and decide on the weave orientation and the exact finish i want. Some cheap efforts look a bit washed out. Also think the carbon look only works with the lighter interiors and dials IMHO

Just a thought, I made a carbon fibre dash for my old Chimaera, looked great I thought, until Tim at ACT made me a proper one for my latest Chimaera, no contest really , him looks so much better and not all the money in the world either

[im]

Markh said:

Just a thought, I made a carbon fibre dash for my old Chimaera, looked great I thought, until Tim at ACT made me a proper one for my latest Chimaera, no contest really , him looks so much better and not all the money in the world either

Got piccies of both or either?

[Derek Smith]

Quinny said:

Why is it that decent looking switches are so hard to find?

The ones above look ok, but if they don't function very well it sort of defeats the object.

Loads of modern cars have nice touchy feely switchgear, but there's very little to choose from for the likes of us

Totally agree. I was willing to part with a bit of cash for something nice but could not find it.

I'm going to 'hide' the switchgear as much as I can.

One option that my son suggested was to raid old electronic gear, such as music centres or old tape decks, for dials to use as covers. I spent half an hour in the loft and found an old amplifier from the early '80s. The switches are pure quality - and so they should be, it cost a fortune. 144 watts per channel. They are a bit worn though as I only stopped using it around 2000.

[tubbystu]

Derek Smith said:

One option that my son suggested was to raid old electronic gear, such as music centres or old tape decks, for dials to use as covers. I spent half an hour in the loft and found an old amplifier from the early '80s. The switches are pure quality - and so they should be, it cost a fortune. 144 watts per channel. They are a bit worn though as I only stopped using it around 2000.

re you switching a relay ? or the lighting cicruit ?

Audio switch ratings may be too low.........

[Ballistic Banana]

You could use the Heater Switch ali Knobs from a Griffith, They look pretty cool

BB