dashboard switches?

[ptegler]

anyone have a clue what car the switches came from that are on the dash of a Rotus?
Mine are shot, so either have to rebuild, attempt to find new, or swap out to MGB or the like. I need headlights, wiper and fan switches

 

tia

ptegler

[MV8]

Should be some information molded/etched into the switches that could narrow it down. Look like mgb parts except for the stencils.

[wdb]

If the rectangular opening is a standard size you may be able to use switches from the Caterham -- they were probably used in a ton of other British kit cars too. My switches (1995 Se7en) are a similar shape.

[Croc]

Look at the Car Builder Solutions website.  I bet you get a match there.  

[CarlB]

Car Builders Solution is a great resource. If I had known about them, I could have saved myself days of screwing around building a switch panel.  

[panamericano]

You rotten bastards!  Just when I thought I might not spend money on my car, you deviously lead me to check a web site that wants my money.  Right at the top, a compact air conditioning system.  500 Pounds and I have a great mechanic that knows his way around my car and AC.  I could actually use my 7 next summer.

 

I would have to put the windshield back on, and maybe a bikini top, easy enough.  I once drove a cobra replica (Aurora) in our summer heat and with the flat screen the AC was perfectly adequate.  This summer has been intolerable, but now I'm thinking.  

[Croc]

15 minutes ago, panamericano said:

You rotten bastards! 

 

I resemble that remark!

 

I definitely recommend getting the paper catalog sent out.  Absolutely brilliant book of ideas on how to spend more money.    Air conditioning is essential in Texas, just like BBQ and illegal immigrants.  

[ptegler]

thanks everyone that has responded so far.  Even CB site.... no dice.  These (pictured) switches are smaller than any of CB's offerings, and are roughly 2/3rds at most, the size of MG dash switches. The oddest part... the headlight, fan and wiper switches...are fly-leaded into connectors. no terminals on the switch bodies proper.

 

Yes....I'm that type..... windscreen and frame, and entire cowl are off the car so I can work the wiring.  Ulterior motive though... screen frame and uprights will be polished while off, to match the firewall work.

 

Edited September 27, 2023 by ptegler

[IamScotticus]

Caterham rocker switch holes are 30mm x 22mm

[Croc]

3 hours ago, ptegler said:

....are roughly 2/3rds at most, the size of MG dash switches.

 

 

 

If they are MG sized then its a Lucas part.  Thats your clue it is probably sourced from the UK.  But they are slightly more rounded appearance than the MG ones plus the lack of terminals is a weird one. 

 

So do you repair/rebuild the switches you have or replace all out with MG switches to give a consistent look?

[MV8]

I suggest taking a new photo with a light on the transmission and from a lower angle and closer to see the back of the switches below the gauges.

The switch comes out from the side of the instrument panel displayed to the occupants. There should be four (usually plastic) tabs that secure each switch to the panel; two on each short side of the switch body (top and bottom). These must be squeezed against the switch body while lightly pushing the switch from the front. A very small flat screwdriver works well to squeeze one tab at a time while trying to walk/wiggle the switch out of the panel. A narrow blade pocket knife can also work well.

Once you have released and pulled the switches out from the display side, take photos. If you find the switches have individual wire connectors, do not unplug any before taking a picture. Make a drawing of the connector side of each switch, numbering the connections/positions then make a list of each connection by color, number of wires in that one connection. If there are identical connections, use masking tape and a pen to differentiate.

Once labeled, remove the switch, accurately measure the opening in the dash panel and use a light to take photos without shadows. A magnifying glass can be used or good quality setting photos that allow magnification without a glass. Good digital cameras will sharpen a photo about to be taken when the "shutter" button is lightly pressed and the photographer pauses before fully pressing the button.

It is unlikely the wiring is integral to the switches.

Edited September 27, 2023 by MV8

[MV8]

I found five Rotus cars online and compared dashboards. Each was unique for panel layout and switch gear.