does any one know where to find the old style headlight sitch that has 4 positions off/marker lights/headlights/high beams I have no room for a dimmer switch on the floor and i hate toggle switches. I have looked at all kinds of turnsignal switches with built in dimmers and cant find some thing that has the right shape to fit my colum and wheel.
I don't have interior or parking lights on my roadster so I just put hi and low beam on my light switch as per the Bishop/Tardel book. I've never seen a switch as you describe. I really like hi and low on the same switch. Good luck,
Packard used a 4 position switch. I don't know what years they span, but I restored a 37 that had it. They call it a town & country switch. It was really weird. When you have it in the country position and you step on the high beam switch, it activates both headlights. When it is in the city position and you step on the high beam switch, it only dims the left headlight. It could easily be used for what you want to do, that is of course if you can find one. Call Chirco Automotive in Tucson, AZ. They speialize in Packard parts.I don't have their number, but you could try directory ***istance in the 520 area code.
Who says you have to put the dimmer on the floor. Mine is mounted to the dash support and I push it with my thumb. I know Hotwheel had his mounted on the A pillar at the floor on his A coupe, you activated it with the side of your foot instead of setpping on it. I lost a couple walls to my box and things look different now.
I'm using a 3 position 49 Plymouth switch (rotates-left=OFF-center=LOW-right=HIGH) the tail and instrument lights have terminals on the back that are on with HIGH and LOW. It's a nice heavy duty switch and eliminates a dimmer switch. overspray
I have seen em on ebay, new hot rod part. I mounted my floor style dimmer under my dash, works great...Fido
American Autowire has a four position switch (4th is high beam). Part # 500357. 800-482-wire. I used ine from them on my T.
I have them... $ 25.00 - includes shipping in the U.S. Alliance members get them for $ 22.00 - includes shipping in the U.S. International Orders need to add $ $ 3.50 for shipping and handling. Al 209-481-6496
Slag, I have the same one that Al sells. They're slick'er than snot. I love mine. In a 29 roadster, I have my ignition,and light switchs recessed back under the dash, so it kept the dash clean, just the gauges. Al's price is a steal!!! HellRaiser
If it helps anyone, you would also run your dash gauge illumination wiring to the terminal marked "tail lamps". Some headlight switches have a dimmer for the gauges with a separate terminal, but if you use this type of switch, you don't have a dimmer, so you have to hook up the dash gauge lighting up to the tail lamp terminal.
Al, you need to post more often! I went through and read your old posts...Dang! The H.A.M.B. needs more guys like you! no more *** kissing. I have a question about this switch- can you guesstimate how much Amperage this switch will handle? I run a 158 amp alternator (seriously cuts down on electrical failures) and wonder if That much amperage will cook it off. ( or I can run relays...but less is more.) The alternators I use are built for Ambulances.
Sorry for the delayed response.... I do need to log on more often.... The switch will handle 30 amps no problem... Let me add some tech to this post. When using one of these switches it is a good idea to install a 20 amp (for 12 volt systems) or a 30 amp (for 6 volt systems) automatic reset circuit breaker between the power source and the switch. I don't like the idea of using a fuse on headlights.... Nothing worse than suddenly driving in outer space. A circuit breaker with an automatic reset will leave you with flashing headlights... Not near as scary. If you want to have a dimmer on your dash lights I have a rotary rheostat that can be had with a matching knob. Al
Excellent..just what I'm looking for to replace the cheapo switch (emergency repair) on the Heretic Jag120. also need a rheostat..and that circuit breaker. Wiring up old Marichals SEVs and Carellos P140s. Also might need to add turn sigs..seems the soccer moms think I'm wavin' when I indicate.. Thanks for the heads up..great stuff.
Great thread! Got some good info on relocating my very difficult to use dimmer switch (due to location). AutoReWire - you should post more often, there's a wealth of good info on your site about wiring. I think I might have to order one of your switches as it seems to be the ideal solution for me. Do you also carry the auto reset circuit breakers??
The 4 position switch can be had with a plain black "bar" knob (ie:"plain" = no "Lights" stenciled on it", a plain tan "bar" knob or a 7/8" diameter chrome knob. $ 2.50 extra for the knobs. It has a 10-32 thread.
Yes, I should log on more often.... but I have so damn many irons in the fire I don't have time to scratch my ***.... You can always PM or email me... but it might take a day or two for me to get back to you... The best thing to do is to call me... The phone is attached to my hip from the time I get up in the morning till I hit the hay at night. Yes I do stock the auto reset circuit breakers... They run $3 to $4 depending on the style... Al
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