Looking for a bespoke dash switch set up

[stephen low]

Following on from my last thread I am on the hunt for a local manufacturer that might be able to make me a bespoke dash switch fitting to allow me to properly complete my dash layout.

Currently the dash layout is as below:



With a useable but makeshift and ugly switch set as:



As mentioned in the other thread I now need to move my speedo closer to the tacho to be able to see my road speed.

I also need to lift the stereo body slightly, as the back of the stereo hits the tunnel and stops it being pushed all the way into the dash.

So the last planned amendment would be to fit up some sort of SS or billet rotary switch arrangement in a row above the stereo but which is also backlit if possible. A big ask I know but not impossible.

Vintage Air sell something like this as below:



So the manufacturing is clearly possible but the VA setup doesn't quite fulfill my switch operational needs and is not back lit, but the black look is what I am after too.

I have struggled also to find suitable rotary switches in my research.

My set up needs 1 x on/off switch, 1 x three position off/low/high and two variable switches to meet my needs.

So does anyone have manufacturing contacts that might be able to help design up and make something suitable?

Look forward to some contacts being suggested, located in Melbourne would be even better!

Cheers

[kyleb]

G’day Slowy
Interested to see how you go with this as I’m after a similar setup for my GT40.
Niddrie nameplates initially comes to mind but I hadn’t gotten around to talking to them about it.
Cheers

[Tenrocca]

Go to a local engraver with a laser cutter. Get them to cut the backing plate out of Trolase or similar. Youll need to draw it up in a cad program or illustrator. They could probably even engrave blank black knobs for you.

[stephen low]

Thanks guys for the ideas.

Kyleb don't think the Niddrie crowd might quite set up for what I need as I am looking for a source of switches too.

I need to ask VA if they can do a special order I guess, it never hurts to ask.

I only need to replace one switch with a simple on/off variant and I'm almost there.

I'll wait and see what they reply with.

[Eeley Eagle]

It's just a thought, but try " Element14 " if it is only a switch you need. They are an electronics supplier to the public and has probably too many items to choose from so you will have to use the search box to narrow it down. They are in Australia as well. Used to be know as Farnell in One until the name change a few years back.
Andrew

[kyleb]

Possibly worth checking with Jaycar for the switch you want.
Get someone with a lathe to machine the knobs and have them anodised black.
Niddrie nameplates (They used to make full panels for our aircraft) will make the backplate for you and you’re good to go.��

[stephen low]

So after some unsuccessful research I came back to the VA dash option shown earlier in this thread.

It turns out it has backlighting capability, so I discovered the local retailers and bought one unit.

The exposed body photo shows how the knobs are essentially opaque plastic.

The led lights positioned between the knobs throw light up the knob shafts and side light the face and graphics on the dash plate when this is fitted on top.

[IMG][/IMG]

What is not visible is a small hole at the end of the groove visible on each knob face. Light shines through these holes to highlight how far each switch has been turned. Quite ingenious and simple too.

So not a cheap option but it has given me the basis to move forward.

With local engineering contacts I have facilitate a CAD drawing of the face part and with new graphics engraving I can have a part that suits my needs.

Graphics planned are as per the attached hand sketch below that I've provided to my engineer.

[IMG][/IMG]

I am planning on having two faces made, one to be anodised black like the original, the other I am just going leave as a brushed alloy finish.

This lets me choose which coloured variant best suits the dash layout and style.

But given I have to now move my speedo location and re-position my stereo all these changes are going to tie in together nicely!