High Quality Toggle Switches for Dash

[BrewCityCobra]

So I'm particularly picky when it comes to the dashboard elements - given you touch and stare at them every time you are in the car - and was hoping to upgrade what comes with the kit. I'm generally looking to do a Competition dash layout with a few minor tweaks here and there (glove box, Russ Thompson turn signal, etc.)

That said, anybody have any suggestions or suppliers where I can get my hands on some Lucas-like toggle switches that are a bit higher quality than those that come in the kit? Looking for something with a little more weight behind it - rubber or metal instead of plastic kind of deal. I'd prefer to keep the Lucas look but would be open to anything relatively simple that is high quality.

Also, any suggestions for good LEDs? - same thoughts - metal/stainless instead of chromed plastic and the like.

[Papa]

Best advice would be to look at Mil-Spec switches like these:

https://www.mcmaster.com/toggles/specifications-met~mil-s-3950/specifications-met~mil-s-83731/

Plenty available from other sources as well in many different styles.

[nuhale]

try period correct... these are LUCAS but just keep in mind LUCAS wasn't known for quality... I used them on my build in place of the FFR supplied ones. I like them and have had no issues (only 1500 miles in tho)

https://prdcrrct.com/

[GWL]

I agree with you on the dash board. It is what you look at all the time, it is in your face and others too. I also come from the '60's & 70's having driven sports cars for some 20+ years before I got married in '82.

Some builders like a different look but I wanted the original look and wanted more reliability than the Lucas ones. I found Holden in the UK to carry a good quality Lucas look alike with a good looking bezel.

Holden Switches from the UK

Lucas Switches at top of page, then it gets into the look a likes at the bottom and next page:
https://www.holden.co.uk/c/electrical/switches/toggle_switches/toggle_switches_lucas_lever

Example of a switch rated at 15 amps, some others are rated at 10 amps: https://www.holden.co.uk/p/toggle_switch_off_on_on_with_lucas_lever_6_termina ls

Video describing their switches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZdZKTCa86s

About 6 or 7 years ago I tried to source these elsewhere but was unsuccessful. I found the switches but they were at wholesale quantities, I think from the manufacturer.

George

[boat737]

I used these from Ron Francis. Very stout. https://www.ronfrancis.com/prodinfo.asp?number=DS%2D05C

[PaulProe]

This might make some good reading for you:

https://prdcrrct.com/cobra-lucas/

Paul

[CDXXVII]

I can fully relate with regards to the dash. Shortly after my Mk4 was delivered I saw an original 427 s/c with the competition dash and I had to have it. I spent weeks getting my design just right and I was no where near needing a dash yet. My dash is one of my favorite modifications. All my switches are Lucas but while they look and feel great I do not trust them. I am not running any load through my switches. My switches energize relays and I let the relays do all the work. 8000 miles and still perfect.

I sourced all my Lucas items from these guys.
www.autoelectricalspares.co.uk/

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142084&d=1563580292

[Andrew Davis]

I drove a 64 TR-4, great car, and the Lucas hardware never once failed in the off position.

[edwardb]

I too like the look of the Lucas switches and used them on several builds. I'm careful to buy only actual Lucas branded switches. In the green boxes and the switches have the Lucas name on them. Many sold are reproductions as has been mentioned, which I've found to be lower quality. In the past I've purchased them here: https://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/product_list/255. Order process and delivery was fine. But good to see there are options without crossing the pond. Having said that, I have had two Lucas switches fail. I'm very careful to have either very limited current or a relay. So never an issue there. The failures I've had are mechanical. Something inside breaks or they just fall apart. And not on high use switches either. One was a hazard switch. The other a fan override. On my Coupe build I went another direction completely and will do the same on the truck build.

[nuhale]

I used 2 different LUCAS switches. One SPB200 for 4 way hazard (lights converted to LED) and 2 S-31788 3 way that I used for seat heaters. Both are not connected to relays. The seat heaters draw about 5amp each on high. I bought these switches from ********** (sorry Paul, before I knew you were launched) and they are listed as 20amp rated. Looked at other sources and also see the SPB200 is 5 amp which is fine for 4 way. S-31788 3 way Is 20amp spec. Haven’t had an issue... yet

[BrewCityCobra]

Wow, this is great. It seems like the green box is the way to go. Appreciate the links!