I want to keep the dash and interior of my '52 as stock as possible while still adding a few modern conveniences. Cruise control is one of the must-haves for me. I'm not going to need the throttle and choke controls anymore with the powertrain I'm planning and I'd like to install a couple switches with '52 style ***** in those locations to operate the factory transplant cruise control I'm using. I'm having a tough time coming up with suitable switches, though. What I need are switches that are 3-position momentary with spring return to center. Either left-right rotary or push-pull would work. Something that would easily mount to the through-holes on the dash and has a stalk that I can mount factory style **** to. Circuit current is negligible, so that's not a concern. They just need to be tough enough to handle automotive duty. I looked through McMaster Carr and Newark, but most of what they have in that type of switch is more industrial in nature and too bulky for a light-duty dash switch. Most of what I've found from the automotive suppliers are push-pull maintained switches. Anybody got another source for this kind of stuff that I can check out? How about a lead on a car that had this kind of a switch for something? Maybe a tuner switch out of a radio? Thanks for any help!

 

Try Radio Shack. They have a lot of different types of switches in stock. If you don't see what your looking for ask to see their catalog, they can special order for you.

 

cole hersee, standard ignition (automotive and marine) and buss companies.

 

Carlin is another auto switch maker.

 

There are many sources for these devices but here are a couple that I have used in the past:

Mouser Electronics - Electronic Component Distributor Toggle Switches

Digi-Key Product Index

Dakota Digital also manufacturers aftermarket kits for cruise controls...they may hae something that would suit your needs as well.

 

Ding! Ding! Ding! 1oldtimer wins the prize! I found something that I think will work in Cole Hersee's online catalog. Pricey at $37 apiece, but it's an odd switch, so I guess I've got to go with it to get what I want. Thanks for the responses and leads!

 

CH is who I thought of... great to hear you found something... I've used their stuff a couple of time, and liked them all...

 

I realize you already found a switch that will work but....
Sometimes I've had decent luck looking for that kind of stuff at the local army surplus stores. We have a couple here in Albuqueruqe, we even have one that deals specifically with electronic items.

Here's another great site;
Edmund Scientifics: educational toys, gifts, hobby supplies & science equipment

Bobby

 

I was ordering some boat stuff and spotted these at West Marine:

COLE HERSEE 009_275_001_500 at West Marine

Dan

 

Thanks for thinking of me, Dan, but I'm trying to avoid toggle switches to maintain the stock dash appearance. I did make another pass through the Cole Hersee catalog though. I turned up a different part number that will work out a little better for me than the first one I came up with. They have a nylon housing which I'm not really kicked about, but they don't have massive 20 amp contacts or a $37 a pop pricetag either. They were rated at about 10 amps and only cost $16 each - a little closer to what I really need for what amounts to a low current computer input.

 

If the switch can't handle the load you could wire in some relays

Bobby

 

Check CarQuest - I have their engine controls catalof thats about 2 inches thick and it's full of switches/controls going back to the 50's

 

Cole hersee are good solid made switches, use the part number and check ebay. I've found a few switches way cheaper like that and sometimes you'll get multiple switches for the same price as one.