Headlight dip switch

[Roger King]

Hi Paul,

This is the original Lucas diagram, which is a scan of the wiring diagram in the original 'Cobra 427 Chassis Instruction Book' which was offered as a reprint by Cobra Restorers. I don't know if they still do it, but anyway the diagram shows the usual wiring and the lighting section appears to be the same as the 289. Toggling between dip and main on the VW stalk button, which is simply spring-loaded in one position, would require a change-over relay. There isn't one in this diagram.

Original book:



Foldout:


Repro scan:



Hope that helps. Don't claim to know much about 427s!

Roger

[Paul Blore]

Yes, that's the same one I have, but it doesn't say anything about which components do what. It's a schematic rather than a wiring diagram.

Paul

[Karl]

Paul, if you are interested to switch between main and dipped beam and flash when the lights are off, all from the one button on cour VW switch, you have to use BOSCH relay 0332515009. I worked with the HELLA relay in the past, but they stopped manufacturing it. As I also want to convert the Jaguar in the future from the foot operated switch to the flash contact in the indicator stalk I also need one. The price has more than doubled since 2008, when I ordered the last one!

[Roger King]

Yes, that's the same one I have, but it doesn't say anything about which components do what. It's a schematic rather than a wiring diagram.

Paul

Um, it says 'Electric Wiring Diagram' at the top...

it's got colours and all the usual stuff... what do you expect from a wiring diagram? Looks like one to me...
And whilst it shows the horn relay, it doesn't show a change-over relay for the lights. I've never had a sixties car of any make that had a switch like that, all have been either rotary or up/down dip/main or a foot switch.

But as I say, I don't know 427s!

[nikbj68]

Paul, the schematic/diagram shows all we need to know about the dipper switch, which is a simple changeover switch, carrying the full lighting current. The thin wire and non-latching nature of the stalk switch make it totally unsuitable for carrying that kind of load, and you'd have to hold it on for main beam, whilst it wouldn't switch off dip.

What Karl said. Momentary operation latching relay is the only way to use the stalk to main/dip/flash.
Thanks for the Bosch number, Karl, I had a note of the Hella unit, didn't know it was unobtainable!

[StewbieC]

I know it's not original, but having driven a 60's landrover with a foot operated dip switch you realise how much of a total pain in the butt it is to try and find a toggle switch or otherwise on the dash board when it's pitch black. Roads where I live are mostly without street lamps and are just busy enough to require constant switching between main and dipped beam.
So this winter I'll mostly be fitting one similar to the one in my landrover.

[peterc]

Stewbie,
As it happens I have an old Lucas foot mounted dip switch but didn't think that there was sufficient space for it. I have used that type many times in old Austin's and it works well providing you are not in the middle of a gear change?
I felt that a switch close to the steering wheel diameter would be more easily accessed by the finger tips and certainly better than my current push switch on the dash which could be mistaken for another. I now have the P6 switch in question and just need to work out how to mount it at the correct angle to protrude through an existing hole!
Also got to see how it dismantles to get the stalk through the relatively small hole.
Peter C

[Roger King]

You just pull the end off, Peter.

The Mustang's interesting when it comes to pedals. They have six functions... from the right, throttle, brake, clutch, dipswitch, flickwipe and screenwash.
Bit like playing a church organ if it's raining at night.

[Paul Blore]

I'll concede the point about the lack of headlight relay.

I need to investigate further.

Paul

[peterc]

Thanks Roger,
I can see that the plastic end is pushed onto a spline but I was concerned that it might breakup.

I have used the floor wash/wipe before but not with a dip switch as well. At least the footwell is a little bigger than the Cob.
Peter C