TheSamba.com :: View topic - OEM-looking dash accessory switches

Fri Aug 02, 2024 7:02 am

Hi all! Looking to see if anyone has information on some aftermarket (or repurposed OEM) dash switches that can be used to drive accessories? I've tried searching but can't find anything on this topic aside from some other questions.

I'd like to get a simple OEM-looking 2 or 3 position pull switch, similar to the headlight switch, that I can put in the dash for some accessories. Rather than run unsightly rocker switches, it would be neat to keep the OEM look.

Is it possible to use a headlight switch for this purpose? Are there aftermarket options that I could use?

Thank you!

Fri Aug 02, 2024 7:08 am

In my bus I used the rear defroster switch to power the electric windshield washer pump I installed.

Fri Aug 02, 2024 7:12 am

richparker wrote: In my bus I used the rear defroster switch to power the electric windshield washer pump I installed.

Helpful! I should clarify, this is for a '63 so my switches are the old knob style versus newer black plastic.

Fri Aug 02, 2024 7:23 am

Yes, a head lamp switch can power other items. look in the samba want ads for a good used oem unit. if you have an automatic choke Bug, you may place the switch in the location of the choke knob (right of ash try) for a clean stockish look or put in on a bracket under the dash

Fri Aug 02, 2024 7:24 am

A switch.. is a switch .. Makes or breaks a circuit.
A headlamp switch or wiper switch will be your best options.
A headlamp will allow two functions (two positions) a wiper switch allow one function.
The headlamp knob can be made to fit the wiper switch .

Plus a head lamp knob will fit many other universal switches

.

Fri Aug 02, 2024 8:14 am

zerotofifty wrote: Yes, a head lamp switch can power other items. look in the samba want ads for a good used oem unit. if you have an automatic choke Bug, you may place the switch in the location of the choke knob (right of ash try) for a clean stockish look or put in on a bracket under the dash

Yes! This is exactly where I wanted to put it. I've seen that on other Beetles but did not know that was for the manual choke. TIL

VOLKSWAGNUT wrote: A switch.. is a switch .. Makes or breaks a circuit.
A headlamp switch or wiper switch will be your best options.
A headlamp will allow two functions (two positions) a wiper switch allow one function.
The headlamp knob can be made to fit the wiper switch .

Plus a head lamp knob will fit many other universal switches

.

^This is exactly what I would need! Is that a universal pull-type switch?[/i]

Fri Aug 02, 2024 8:43 am

Note that although a non early Bug switch may accept the old type VW knob, that modern switch may not accept the old style VW switch bezel. The one pictured in above post appears to have a non VW bezel. for cleanest look, use a switch that has a VW bezel, the bezel is highly visible.
Using a stock VW switch will look period correct in both knob and bezel from the cabin and even from the truck side the switch will look right. again the want ads are a good source of stock OEM switches

if you have the wrong bezel, it will stand out like a sore thumb, even with the correct knob.

many stock options here...

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/search.php...amp;page=1

have fun!

Fri Aug 02, 2024 8:53 am

The headlight switch seems like a good candidate for that I'm looking to do. I am leaning towards an Off/On 1/On 2 type of setup. I'm unsure if the dimmer rotation would cause issue here? Maybe I could use my current one where the dimmer is burnt out :lol:

Would it be possible to wire an OEM hazard switch in either the Off/On 1/On 2 or Off/On 1 configuration? I think this should be possible if I don't wire in a flasher and just use a prong with continuity through it when the switch is engaged?

Fri Aug 02, 2024 8:55 am

i used a wiper switch in my dash to turn on a electric fuel pump . i put it in the choke cable hole . fit perfect with no modification

Fri Aug 02, 2024 9:34 am

my3bugs wrote: i used a wiper switch in my dash to turn on a electric fuel pump . i put it in the choke cable hole . fit perfect with no modification

It is a safe idea to equip an electric pump with an automatic cut off switch for event of a crash or roll over. You never want the keep running in these situations as a massive fire may result. If the driver is incompasitated then the drive cant work the switch, thus an auto safety shut iff switch is needed. Impact sensor, tach signal sensor or such will trigger the auto shut off. Stay safe!!!!!

Fri Aug 02, 2024 10:19 am

thanks for the advice ZERO . that was a LONG time ago , recently i been putting these in my bugs . so i will eliminate that switch and be safer .

Fri Aug 02, 2024 12:11 pm

kludgekevin wrote: Would it be possible to wire an OEM hazard switch in either the Off/On 1/On 2 or Off/On 1 configuration? I think this should be possible if I don't wire in a flasher and just use a prong with continuity through it when the switch is engaged?

Emergency switch is off on only.

Headlamp switch can be on off, on on, off off, off, on.. :wink:
Don't use the dimmer circuit (56b) unless you have something low amp that you want to vary the voltage to.

First position
30 (input power)
56 OFF (headlamps)
57 ON (F park)
58 ON (tail)
58b ON (58b dimmer variable low amp)

Second position
30 (input power)
56 ON (headlamps)
57 OFF (F park)
58 ON (tail)
58b ON (58b dimmer variable low amp)..

Fri Aug 02, 2024 6:23 pm

VOLKSWAGNUT wrote: kludgekevin wrote: Would it be possible to wire an OEM hazard switch in either the Off/On 1/On 2 or Off/On 1 configuration? I think this should be possible if I don't wire in a flasher and just use a prong with continuity through it when the switch is engaged?

Emergency switch is off on only.

Headlamp switch can be on off, on on, off off, off, on.. :wink:
Don't use the dimmer circuit (56b) unless you have something low amp that you want to vary the voltage to.

First position
30 (input power)
56 OFF (headlamps)
57 ON (F park)
58 ON (tail)
58b ON (58b dimmer variable low amp)

Second position
30 (input power)
56 ON (headlamps)
57 OFF (F park)
58 ON (tail)
58b ON (58b dimmer variable low amp)..

This is amazing. Thank you so much! I snagged a universal switch and have a new headlight switch to replace my old one so I'm going to toy with both and see what works best.

Sat Aug 03, 2024 12:05 pm

Wiper switch is great for low amperage accessories. Meaning, anything other than headlights or foglights if you aren't using a relay. A headlight switch can be used for just about anything you want.