Dash: Buttons vs Switches

[kayentaskier]

I have noticed a few Caterhams with buttons on the dash instead of the more common switches; for example: http://vintageracecarsales.com/portfolio-view/2013-caterham-seven-480/

 

Is there any anecdotal information about which is more reliable? I don't see this change listed as option on the Caterham Configurator, so perhaps it is no longer offered.

Thanks,

Jim

[Croc]

The current standard Caterham fitment is the dash buttons in the linked ad. The older cars used plastic toggle switches.

 

The exception to this is the 620R (and maybe by special option) which have a metal toggle with the protector hoops alongside.

[Vovchandr]

I have noticed a few Caterhams with buttons on the dash instead of the more common switches; for example: http://vintageracecarsales.com/portfolio-view/2013-caterham-seven-480/

 

Is there any anecdotal information about which is more reliable? I don't see this change listed as option on the Caterham Configurator, so perhaps it is no longer offered.

Thanks,

Jim

 

There are at least 4 or 5 different dash configurations that I know of that Caterham has offered between buttons style and gauges or even the CSR style swooping layout.

 

Switches have been (and I believe still are, even according to the Caterham configurator) the standard layout.

 

Button/switch reliability is a bit of a strange question. Typically it's a simple electrical contact adjustment in either style and lasts a lifetime, especially with how little use our cars typically see further compounded by how much less frequently buttons get used. If any external factor like sitting outside would cause one to fail/corrode it would likely cause the other style to fail as well.

 

I will say one thing, typical switches have plastic that tends to fade over time and sun exposure, buttons or metal toggles might be better in that regard.

Edited April 30, 2019 by Vovchandr

[kayentaskier]

Thanks for the responses. The Caterham UK website shows many pictures on new (current) cars with the plastic switches; which both my 2000 Superlight and 2007 Superlight R came with. As Vovchandr mentions, the plastic switches fade over time, which is why I was curious about the buttons. I realize the configuration of the dash changes with the options on the car (eg., wipers, heater, etc,).

[Vovchandr]

I realize the configuration of the dash changes with the options on the car (eg., wipers, heater, etc,).

 

Funny you say that. To my understanding the actual layout is the same regardless of whats on your car due to bolt on nature of our cars. Dash will always have the same amount of holes and they will all be filled with switches regardless whether you bought a heater or ordered a windshield at all.

 

 

Mine are quite faded but honestly after purchase I haven't thought twice about it (that is until I got into this discussion now...)

 

Share what your SL and SLR look like!

 

Here are the variations that I know

http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15317&stc=1

 

http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15318&stc=1

 

http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15319&stc=1

 

http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15320&stc=1

Edited April 30, 2019 by Vovchandr

[kayentaskier]

I have sold both cars and don’t think I have pics of either dash. Now that you mention it, I think the 2000 Superlight came with wiper and heater buttons even though neither options we’re included.

[Brightonuk]

I have sold both cars and don’t think I have pics of either dash. Now that you mention it, I think the 2000 Superlight came with wiper and heater buttons even though neither options we’re included.

 

Yep mine had both