Relocating Headlight Switch

Discussion in 'Cosmetic' started by mav1970, Jan 30, 2011.

  1. mav1970

    mav1970 Bob Hatcher

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    I am planing on relocating my headlight and wiper switches to a center console and have a question.

    Does a Maverick headlight switch create any heat when the headlights are switched on? I'm using a plastic console and wonder if heat is something that I will have to deal with.

    Thanks :Handshake
     
    mav1970, Jan 30, 2011
    #1
  2. rthomas771

    rthomas771 Member

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    Let the light switch trigger relays then not worry about it getting hot. Your headlights will be brighter too.
     
    rthomas771, Jan 30, 2011
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  3. mav1970

    mav1970 Bob Hatcher

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    Wasn't thinking in that direction - thanks :Handshake

    I just bought a nice black 91 Taurus SHO console on Evil Bay and its made of 100% natural plastic LOL!
     
    mav1970, Jan 30, 2011
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  4. starsky74

    starsky74 Technician

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    i have a 93 sho and will love to see pics after you get it installed:thumbs2:
     
    starsky74, Jan 30, 2011
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  5. injectedmav

    injectedmav Member

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    I second the relay option. cuts out all the load on the switch.
     
    injectedmav, Jan 30, 2011
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  6. mav1970

    mav1970 Bob Hatcher

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    Now thinking in the relay direction, I don't need the stock Maverick headlight switch at all. Wire in a couple of nice aftermarket switches - one to handle the headlights on-off and another to trigger the parking lights on-off. Maybe the ones that light up when they're in the on position.

    Possibly a seperate roller switch to deal with the dimming of the dash lights and a second roller to do the dome lights. :idea:
     
    Last edited: Apr 15, 2012
    mav1970, Jan 30, 2011
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  7. mercgt73

    mercgt73 Member

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    Its a good idea, just remember the headlight switch is a junction for more than just headlights and dome lamps. Just check your re-design against the wiring diagram to make sure everything will still work:
    http://1bad6t.com/Maverick/repair/70maverickwiring.pdf (second page at the bottom)
     
    mercgt73, Jan 31, 2011
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  8. mav1970

    mav1970 Bob Hatcher

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    Thanks for the diagramatic. I can see where it intertwines with other functions. I'll be using a large fuse/circuit breaker box from a Crown Vic police car so I'll just have to mimic the fuctions and routing of the stock headlight switch with a new aftermarket switch.
     
    mav1970, Jan 31, 2011
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  9. MNTony

    MNTony aka Godzirra

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    I did the relay thing and it REALLY makes a difference!
     
    MNTony, Jan 31, 2011
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  10. mashori

    mashori Member

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    don't they make small compact aftermarket light switches
     
    mashori, Feb 1, 2011
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  11. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    Yep... http://www.nkkswitches.com/Toggle-Switches/

    ...as stated, the lightswitch does a lot more than just turn the lights...on/off.

    ...it controlls...

    headlights
    tail lights
    parking lights (grille)
    side marker lights
    license plate light
    radio light
    heater/A/C bezel light
    cluster lights
    dome light
    dims dash lights
    dims dome light
    lights on - buzzer
    also some other...powered on...stuff

    ...:yup:...
     
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2011
    71gold, Feb 1, 2011
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  12. mav1970

    mav1970 Bob Hatcher

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    Thanks for the list, Frank. :Handshake

    In stock form, the headlight switch certainly branches out throughout the car. I was planning to break it down to a few different switches, fitting into the Taurus console, and so far this is what I came up with.


    Switch #1 - ON/OFF - headlights-tail lights-front parking lights-license plate light
    Switch #2 - ON/OFF - dash lights (cluster-wiper/headlight switch lights (on new switches if available) - radio light)
    Switch #3 - ROLLER DIMMER SWITCH - dash lights (newer cars have these seperate dimmers)

    side markers are deleted
    no A/C bezel light
    no lights on buzzer
    no dimming dome light and the main on/off switch is on the new dome light



     
    mav1970, Feb 1, 2011
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  13. 74 GRABBER

    74 GRABBER Member

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    Very interesting, I look forward to seeing the progress ;)
     
    74 GRABBER, Feb 1, 2011
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