Need Help with Switches

BMMILLER · #1 (**permalink**) 01-09-2002, 08:47 AM

I am in the process of installing padding on my dash. I'm using 1/4" closed cell foam. I currently have three Lucas 2P switches I purchased from Finish Line. The threaded barrel that goes through the dash is only 3/8" long. In order to make these work I will have to compress the foam so much it will distort. Enzo says that Lucas doesn't make a switch with a longer barrel. I like the look of the Lucas switch and would like to stay with that design if possible. Does anyone have any ideas??

Thanks - Blair

Roscoe · #2 (**permalink**) 01-09-2002, 09:38 AM

How thick is the dash? Mine is pretty thick and I also used 1/4" closed cell foam with leather. What I did was open up the hole in the back end a bit to allow me more room for the nut on the front. In other words I had a, say, 1/2" hole in the front but a 3/4" hole in the back about 1/8" or so deep. I used Forstner bits which gives you a nice clean hole. If you have already drilled a hole then the Forstner bit won't work well. You will have to use the bit around the outside of the hole you drilled (if that makes sense) and open up a larger area.

Also on the foam: if you have a seam or an area that should be rounded just use some 2" wide scotch tape.

I used hot glue for the foam to the dash and to apply the leather.

Roscoe

John McMahon · #3 (**permalink**) 01-09-2002, 10:19 AM

Why are you padding your dash?

I just completed doing my dash with the same switches from Enzo, all Lucas switches and I have had no problem.

If you do not pad the panel, all the switches should fit.

My dash is about 1/16 of an inch thick aluminum and I ordered the Black Jaguar Ambla vinyl from Bill Hirsch (Thanks Steve Sunshine!), it looks great. I used all Lucas switches from Enzo, no problem.

If you want a different dash, you can always order a blank panel from Cobra Restorers.

Roscoe · #4 (**permalink**) 01-09-2002, 10:28 AM

John,

Hayadooon?

Say, you can't be working on that Cobra of yours...are you? You must be helping someone else with theirs.

Fuggedddabadit,

Roscoe

BMMILLER · #5 (**permalink**) 01-09-2002, 10:28 AM

John: When I first did the dash, I did it without padding. You're right, the switches fit fine without the padding. I've since seen a number of cars with the padding - I guess I just like the look of the guages somewhat recessed in the padding.

Blair

John McMahon · #6 (**permalink**) 01-09-2002, 10:31 AM

Roscoe...

You may be a private dick, but I can't still hunt you down! I gots a spot all ready for you near Giants Stadium.

Yes, I am working on the Cobra. I thought everyone felt the ground shake????

Cranky is gonna wire it in about 2 weeks.

Blair,

I like the look without the padding. I got the correct vinyl for it, (really made the difference) this is like the 3rd time I have redone my dash and I think I got it right this time.

mikiec · #7 (**permalink**) 01-09-2002, 10:42 AM

Blair,

Quit working on the car and drive baby drive. You can redo the dash during the summer.

Mike

cobrajeff · #8 (**permalink**) 01-09-2002, 10:44 AM

Big John -

I can't BELIEVE you put vinyl on the dash! What about the extra weight?

I had mine POWDERCOATED - and I told him a "light coat" at that

That makes it look more "original" anyway. BTW, my dash is "real" 'cause it's aluminum, but it's not "original" since it was built in 1995......(no prisoners were used or harmed during the construction of this replica of a 1965 289 Competition Cobra Replica).

Does Cranky know he's got to contend with vinyl on your dashboard?

regards,

cobrajeff

John McMahon · #9 (**permalink**) 01-09-2002, 11:52 AM

Yup.

I had every intention of painting the dash, but I had to make so many corrections to the original dash that Burtis gave me, the damn thing started warping from all the patches I had to put into incorrect holes.

I finally gave up, used some body filler to fix it and ended up covering it. The vinyl from Bill Hirsch loks great though.

The dash is the least of Cranky's worries.