What functionality would I lose..
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Austin, TX
What functionality would I lose..
if I used the original light switch and ignition switch on my 12 volt restomod?
I know I wouldn't have a dimmer or dome light function but I don' think I really care about that.
Did the original ignition switch have an accessory position--I don't really remember. (yes, it's been THAT long!)
I am thinking about using the original start button, headlight switch, and ignition switch unless I find a compelling reason not too. I will be using a Painless harness.
How bout some pros and cons.
Tim
I know I wouldn't have a dimmer or dome light function but I don' think I really care about that.
Did the original ignition switch have an accessory position--I don't really remember. (yes, it's been THAT long!)
I am thinking about using the original start button, headlight switch, and ignition switch unless I find a compelling reason not too. I will be using a Painless harness.
How bout some pros and cons.
Tim
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I don't think I would use the original light switch unless you are doing a restoration. The switch will not give you parking and headlights at the same time like modern switches (if that is something you want) and it's nice to be able to operate the dome light from the light switch. I think the original dome light might have had it's own switch (my 48 F-3 did).
Vern
Vern
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From: Austin, TX
Originally Posted by GreatNorthWoods
The switch will not give you parking and headlights at the same time like modern switches (if that is something you want)
Vern
Vern
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From: Valley Center, CA
On my 54 I ran a jumper wire from the headlight terminal to the running light terminal on the switch. (the wire was about two inches long). That way my park lights were on with the headligts. 
Good luck, Jag
Good luck, Jag
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From: Austin, TX
Originally Posted by Jag Red 54
On my 54 I ran a jumper wire from the headlight terminal to the running light terminal on the switch. (the wire was about two inches long). That way my park lights were on with the headligts. Good luck, Jag
Good luck, JagTrending Topics
Lead Driver
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by 51dueller
On my '51 if you turned the light switch all the way to the left it would turn the dome light on and you could also use the switch on the dome light to turn it on.
Vern
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I don't think the ignition has an accessory, I also used a jumper wire on the original headlight switch I can have my park lights on by themselves or when the head lights are on. If you turn the not to the left the interior light will come on or if the doors are open.
Jaye
Jaye
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From: Jane Lew, WV
Originally Posted by jaye
I don't think the ignition has an accessory, I also used a jumper wire on the original headlight switch I can have my park lights on by themselves or when the head lights are on. If you turn the not to the left the interior light will come on or if the doors are open.
Jaye
Jaye
Bike
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From: Austin, TX
Originally Posted by Bikewrench
Excuse this old fart electrician but, it seems to me that if you ran a jumper from the parking light terminal to the headlight terminal on the headlight switch without using a diode, you should have both sets of lights on both positions. What am I missing here?
Bike
Bike
Tim
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From: Durham NC
What is it you are trying to accomplish here? Using the old switches because you have them? In that case you would have the same functionality as original. Using the original switches for the esthetics of the ***** but would rather have the functionality of modern electricals? Then replace the switches with ones that have the functions you want and adapt the ***** to them.
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From: Austin, TX
Originally Posted by AXracer
What is it you are trying to accomplish here? Using the old switches because you have them? In that case you would have the same functionality as original. Using the original switches for the esthetics of the ***** but would rather have the functionality of modern electricals? Then replace the switches with ones that have the functions you want and adapt the ***** to them.
Ditto with the ignition switch. Would love a new switch with same "footprint" that would give me an accessory position.Actually, I think I have found one at PepBoys but the bezel is not chrome. Cost = $14.95.
It's been so long that I really could not remember what the old stuff would do and not do!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
There are plenty of headlight switch variants out there and the rotory ones seem to be quite compact with a separate thumbwheel dimmer that could be hidden mounted (how many times have you adjusted your instrument brightness?), most have a removable **** or **** and shaft that the stock switch **** could be adapted to. JB Weld is great stuff for bonding the **** to a removable shaft. Bezels are often interchangable.
I'm using the generic black **** switches since they go with my interior design, but the light switch is pretty compact. I got them from EZ wire, their switch prices were ~ 1/2 what Ron Francis et al wanted for them.
I'm using the generic black **** switches since they go with my interior design, but the light switch is pretty compact. I got them from EZ wire, their switch prices were ~ 1/2 what Ron Francis et al wanted for them.
Last edited by AXracer; Jun 2, 2006 at 08:57 AM.