Dimmers for Dash Lights

[dave harris]

Has anyone installed a dimmer pot for the dash switches? I would like to use one, but would prefer to use a "thumbwheel" type instead of one with a knob. I'm having trouble finding a new one (alternative is going to a junk yard and pulling a used one). Can anyone suggest a supplier?

thanks

dave

 

[Tom_Hughes]

BMW's use a real nice thumb-wheel for dimming the dash lights. May try one of their later models.

 

[Brett James-McCall]

Ford use it one in their Mondeo (Taurus) here in Europe.

Brett

 

[Bill Bayard]

Dave,

Are you planning to have a cover plate? Most factory thumb

wheel type dimmers are recessed into the existing dash

panel. Or are you that good with a Dremel? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif


Bill

 

[dave harris]

Thanks for the ideas everyone!

Bill, I plan to recess it from behind the dash and, as you suggest, if it comes out good (clean cut hole) leave it "as is". If the hole is an issue, I'll make a simple cover plate and cover it in leather trim to blend in. I plan to mount it on the lower portion of the dash (the curved portion) so that it is basically out of site on the bottom.

dave

 

[Lynn Larsen]

Dave, I used a basic .5K varistor (rheostat) which does happen to have a knob, but have you looked at the various electrical supply sites for a thumb wheel version?

Regards,
Lynn

 

[dave harris]

Hi Lynn,
yes I've looked at a number of electrical supply shops, but none of their thumbwheels "looked the part" for a car. I was just looking for inputs on car types that had them so I could go buy a new one (instead of wrecking my back trying to fish one out of a junkyard car!

thanks

dave

 

[Mike Inglis]

My Range Rover has a thumbwheel light adjuster. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

Worked on a 97-01 Honda CRV today, it has one, I seem to remember the 94-00 integra having that as well.

 

[Brett James-McCall]

This any good?

 

[Jim B]

Pontiac Grand Ams 92-95 and IIRC the entire GM N body line used the Thumb wheels for dimmers. The non fog light cars had only the thumb wheel in the snap panel, the fog light optioned cars have a rocker switch in the same snap panel.
I would suggest pulling a clean used one, over getting a new one if you go this route. Gm is very proud of thier parts.
Jim

 

[Lynn Larsen]

Dave, I have not found the switch yet, but I have a whole loft of boxes to go through yet (yes I am a packrat.) Out of town for the week. I will start looking when I get back. The ones pictured above look a lot better than mine, as I recall.

Regards,
Lynn

 

[Ron Earp]

Modern VWs use a nice thumbwheel, check them on Passats, Jettas, Golfs, etc.

 

[Nathan]

My 88 Stang GT has a nice one
Nathan /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[dave harris]

Lynn, No rush as I will be visiting my son and his wife in Canada for the holidays and will not be back in town until Jan. 5th.

To everyone else, I thank you all for your inputs - It seems that all I have to do now is price some and find one that is in the right $ range and plunk down some cash.

thank everyone & have a great holiday season!!

dave harris /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif