4 Position Headlight Switch?

[thefladge]

I'm wondering if anyone here is using a 4 position headlight switch typically sold for hot rods and kit cars.

It's a single pull out style switch that activates the high beams when pulled all the way out.

The switch would eliminate the need for the floor mounted high beam switch.

I'm looking for advice from someone using the switch.

Does it work well? Are there any problems?

Thanks.
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1957 Vintage Baja Bug.
2110cc engine, 40 IDF Webers on Gene Berg manifolds, Engle 110 cam, Bugpack 40×35.5 Street Pro Heads, W8CC plugs, 12.5 pound Flywheel, Kennedy 1700 pound pressure plate.

[heywebonya]

Why not install a floor switch? Cheap and easy - plus young people don't know what is is for.
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If I knew what I was doing; I wouldn't be building a buggy!

[thefladge]

The question is concerning a 4 position headlight switch.

Thank you.
_________________
1957 Vintage Baja Bug.
2110cc engine, 40 IDF Webers on Gene Berg manifolds, Engle 110 cam, Bugpack 40×35.5 Street Pro Heads, W8CC plugs, 12.5 pound Flywheel, Kennedy 1700 pound pressure plate.

[TSFR]

I had one in my first buggy and it worked, but there was no flashing the highbeams. It was a good option for what it was and made wiring easy to where I didn't use relays. If you are not a high beam flasher type of person then its a solid solution. Also it seems to be a better switch than the cheap pull switches that are sold at the local parts stores.
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Thanks,
Jeff

Manxter 2+2 #160

[EVfun]

I'm using one in my beach buggy that I bought from Speedway Motors. It works fine but would be less fun if I was switching between low and high beams all the time. If I switched back and forth more I would be temped to wire low beams as all the way out (position 4) and high beams and position 3, making it a quick flick to switch to low beams.

The terminals on the switch are simple enough.
1. Power in
2. ON in positions 2, 3, and 4 (tail lights)
3. ON in position 2 (front parking lights)
4. ON in position 3 (low beam)
5. ON in position 4 (high beam)
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[thefladge]

Thanks.

If I go with this switch I might hook it up so the front running lights stay on with the headlights.
_________________
1957 Vintage Baja Bug.
2110cc engine, 40 IDF Webers on Gene Berg manifolds, Engle 110 cam, Bugpack 40×35.5 Street Pro Heads, W8CC plugs, 12.5 pound Flywheel, Kennedy 1700 pound pressure plate.

[MrGoodtunes]

[Wolfgangdieter]

Headlights should be hooked up through a relay (one for low and another for high beam) - don't use the switched to directly turn them on and off as the switch won't last long.
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CMC '57 Porsche Speedster Replica and Dolphin boat tailed full pan VW MOD-T Street Buggy

[thefladge]

[slalombuggy]

When I build a car I use 2 relays for the lights.

One relay powers up all the park lights and a pair of fog lamps that are on all the time when the ignition is on.

A second relay powers a 30amp (@120V) DPDT toggle switch that I use to control the headlights that I mount so it switches vertically on the dash. High beam is up, low beam is down.

I also use a toggle for the signal lights, but that's another story.

brad

[EVfun]

I've been using the 4 position switch from Speedway Motors without any relays for several years. The contacts, at least on positions 3 and 4, seem to be of sufficient size to handle standard H4 halogen headlamps just fine.

There is nothing special about a relay that makes it better than a switch. Either way works equally well if you have contacts sized for the current involved. Relays can be used.to reduce wiring length as wire has resistance, or they can allow you to use a small low power switch. Sometimes they are used to allow the use of an old switch with failing contacts.
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[thefladge]

[EVfun]

That is the one I used, I remember that ugly brown knob. Speedway offers a nice aluminum knob to replace it, that I also bought.
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[Makua Kane]

[thefladge]

I ordered a 4 position headlight switch today. I will follow up with the results after I install it.
_________________
1957 Vintage Baja Bug.
2110cc engine, 40 IDF Webers on Gene Berg manifolds, Engle 110 cam, Bugpack 40×35.5 Street Pro Heads, W8CC plugs, 12.5 pound Flywheel, Kennedy 1700 pound pressure plate.

[thefladge]

Installed.

_________________
1957 Vintage Baja Bug.
2110cc engine, 40 IDF Webers on Gene Berg manifolds, Engle 110 cam, Bugpack 40×35.5 Street Pro Heads, W8CC plugs, 12.5 pound Flywheel, Kennedy 1700 pound pressure plate.