Aftermarket toggles switches?

[dalaigh]

I'm in the process of putting gauges in my car, and part of it requires some custom dash work. To make it a little cleaner install, I was thinking about putting aftermarket toggles in to control things like e-Fans, headlights, wipers and such. My question is, is there anything I should be aware of before I attempt this? I'm not much of a wiring guy and I don't know if I can just wire the toggles straight in or if I need fuses or relays to make them work. If anyone has a diagram on how to wiring them in that would be great. I was thinking of using a three way toggle for the headlights and two speed wipers, and just 2 way toggles for the fans and anything else that's just an on/off application.

[HandOverFist]

Yes, use relays whenever possible. Most switches you find are absolute junk from the start...go to a small engine repair shop and have them order some chainsaw toggle switches. This is what we use in all our race vehicles...likely nobody has ever heard of or seen a toggle switch failure in a chainsaw no matter what the age and they sport screw terminals to boot. Good reading here... http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml

[ilikeike]

What kind of car are you building ? unless it's an aluminum interior race-car, I wouldn't think a bunch of toggle switches on the dash wouldn't look very good at all,and the wiring behind the dash probably would't look great ether. You can buy a panel with toggle switches mounted.https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mor-74133

Factory switches and relays where needed would be best, for your fans get an adjustable fan controller, Summit racing sells dozens of different fan controllers,you should be able to get one for your application.https://www.summitracing.com/search?SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending&keyword=fan%20control

[parsonsj]

I've used these guys in the past. They make custom labeled rocker switches. Prices are good, and you can make 'em all match in look, font, and color.

http://www.dirtyparts.com/gallery/thumbs.cfm/custom-laser-etched-switch-rockers/aid-50

[Jerems]

I've used these guys in the past. They make custom labeled rocker switches. Prices are good, and you can make 'em all match in look, font, and color.

http://www.dirtyparts.com/gallery/thumbs.cfm/custom-laser-etched-switch-rockers/aid-50

+1 on this, I am using the Contura V series switches, IP67 switches and you can get them lasered how you like with LED Colour choices. I am privileged to have access to a laser engraver so I have been making my own designs.

I got my switch bodies from Over the River and Through The Woods http://www.otrattw.net/home.php again, good prices and big selection of rockers / switches

[dalaigh]

Thanks for the help guys. The factory switches are toast and won't work with the new aluminum dash panel, so I'm going to install simple toggles. I had thought about those switches from Contura, but I person find they are too bulky for what I want. And I like a simple industrial look.
I have an e-fan controller, but like to have an over-ride switch just in case.

[Tincup]

I have all toggles in my car. If you are going to use one switch for headlights and running lights, you'll need a DPDT switch, and you'll have to install a diode between the two poles. That way you be able to run just the parking lights one way, and parking lights and headlights the other way. Good Luck.

[dalaigh]

Yeah, I was planning on running a on/off/on switch for the headlights. I'm also thinking of running one for my wipers as well.