Dash switches...........stock bug ones won't fit?

Hey guys

I've started mounting the wipers, head lights and spot light switches that I got from an early bug and because the dash is glass fibre and about 5mm thick, I'm having issues mounting the switches that are meant for thin steel. The outer screw threaded section is too short..........bugger, any ideas?

Just grind the fiberglass thinner on the back side. Dremel tool works great. Or get chrome boat switches.

I cut a hole in the fiberglass for the round part of the switch. The rectangular part of the switch fits against the back of the dash. Then I used a polished stainless washer under the bezel.

wolfgang - that is exactly what i did, but i used a little tiny "drum" sander on my dremel. worked super fast and the switches fit perfect.

I used a dremel tool on the back side,you can only remove so much material and still came up short. I then cut a spacer out of 1/4 inch soft copper to fit over the switch shaft for the knob to tighten down on. It worked for me.

Thanks for the advice guys. I think that a dremel is going to be the best option. I was just a bit nervous about using one, i didn't want to go too thin. I guess it's little bit little bit until it fits I guess.

Usually, where-ever they sell Dremel tools they also sell a grout bit and/or a miniature rotary rasp and an adapter that can allow you to set the depth of the bit. It looks like a funnel-shaped device that screws onto the working end of the tool. Using that (it just fits up behind the dash) you can set the depth of material that it'll take out behind the dash panel and you won't have to worry about pushing through.

I made a depression on the back that's big enough around to allow the switch body (at east on the headlight switch) to fit into the depression.

From the front, it looks like a factory switch (because it is!)

Awesome Gordon, I was a bit worried about going too far. I'm wondering if I can include these parts in my next shopping spree. I'm at that stage where I'm sneaking stuff into the trolley in order to get it passed my wife.......lol.

Gary:

Peter McEwan, one of the other "Speedstah Guys from Beaufort" (my Winter home) is over in South Africa on Holiday visiting his Sister right now. Peter grew up in SA and Namibia and tries to get back every year or so, usually during the winter to avoid the Summer heat.

He drives a very custom, Baby Blue Speedster, complete with Ostrich leather inserts in the door panels and a hard tonneau cover.

If a slight gentleman with white hair and a BIG smile comes walking up to you and your Speedster in the next couple of weeks, it might just be him!

Gordon?

Do you know whereabouts he is? We actually have a HUGE car show this coming weekend in the capital city which I'll be attending with the speedy...........so who knows.

I'll keep my eyes peeled.

- G

Not sure where he's headed, but I left him know about the car show via email.

You never know where he'll show up!!!!

Well yesterday was an AWESOME day, for the middle of winter it was actually sh*t hot. I got the speedy done enough to make her presentable to the masses, but there is still a heap of work to do on her.

I got the dash switches mounted. I went over to a mates to use his airtools and sat there for the better part of about 2 hours grinding away the area behind the switches. The headlights have to be trimmed again this weekend, but they are all mounted and all looking the part.

The front bumper and trim is on, the engine compartment section is complete, I treated the car to a new set of plates as the old ones looked like poo and also fitted the last of the badges and trim on the car. She's looking great, I also got some compliments from the Porsche owners club on the colour.......all good.

Gary -

Sounds like you're reaping the rewards/satisfaction one gets from driving a nice car that you've built or refurbished. Here's wishing you many more miles of smiles!!

Peace - Out!

Thanks guys.

Here's what she looks like now..........

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/4965/dsc06109jg5.jpg