Light switches, wiper switches, relays, etc..

I have about 50% of my CMC project wired up using the VS harness. Are the light & wiper switches and relays commonly available from somewhere like an AutoZone or NAPA chain, or do I need to order all of this stuff from VS? It's probably too late to add this stuff to my last order from them and I don't see it listed on their website. TIA

Shuie,
I think JPS uses those "car store" switches. He has some nice chrome bezels made to fit the ones he uses. I can't say what Kirk uses though. I think switches, knobs and bezels are one of those things that adds to the "quality" of the build. The details matter. I have VW switches with aluminum bezels that I buffed shiny and used some chrome washers to enhance their look.

NAPA for the two position light and wiper switches, they have a piggy back fuse on them that you can either leave on it or eliminate the fuse and reply on a fuse block fuse..... Relays from Auto Zone or Advance Auto Parts work fine are less expensive than NAPA.

Marine (as in boats) store have nice switches with chromed brass plain knobs. Even have push button starter buttons. Chrome is high quality - try BoatsUS or West Marine.

Thanks, guys. I'm getting closer. I have lights now, sans the relay in the VS diagrams. I just reused the generic 2 position auto parts store type switches that were in the car when I bought it. Do I need the relay, or is the #2 fuse enough to keep the lights from burning out?

Mickey, can you give some details on that steering column? That really looks great in the car.

Without a relay you most likely are drawing 50 amps straight thru the switch. Probably designed for 15 amps which means the switch contacts will burn together (your lights stay on or don't come on at all --- worse case your switch melts, catches fire and really stinks). Worth using relay for headlights and horn --- plus fog/driving lights if ya have them.

Sure Shuie. The column is a stock VW, 68 I think. I used a 68 Bus turn signal switch and the wheel adapter is a Grant Billet painted to match the column. TC was working on a new adapter for me but I haven't heard from him since he got suspended (bad boy ;) ).
I hope that answered your questions. Feel free to hit me up again if I left anything out.

Thanks, Mickey. I have a '68 steering column in my car also, but it has the keyed ignition switch. It looks awful since my ignition switch is mounted in the dash. Does the bus turn signal switch use a different housing without the keyed ignition switch? Do you have a pic from the other side of the wheel that shows outer part of the steering column on your car?

I also like the early 56 Ford truck switches that also offer the recessed labeled chrome bezels that look perfect on the dash. Very very similar to the mustang ones but a schose larger. They also work on the 92 ford truck wiper switch wit Intermittent wipe the Vw motor can still be used but you have to compare diagrams

I couldn't transcribe the connections from the VS diagram w/the relay connections to the generic (2) position auto parts store light switch I have, so I went ahead and picked up a relay and a '68-'70 bug light switch from a local VW shop today. I also went ahead bought a flasher relay. Alan and all, do you use the flasher relay in your builds? It's not covered in the wiring diagrams that came with my harness, so I guess it's not really needed.

Shuie, I recently rewired my turn signals and added a 4-way flasher circuit. This attached file is the basis for my wiring, except I used 4 single pole relays instead of 2 double poles. I used a single relay, wired differently, to give me the turn indicator on the speedo. The way it shows, the indicator light doesn't flash. Two more relays working together activates the 4 ways, so 7 in total. My Spyder never had a 4-way switch. You may think it's a little complicated, but it isn't too bad if you take your time.

I got the photo here, LOTS of good info for us(main page):

http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/

Specific page for turn/hazard circuits:

http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/htm/flashrly.htm

Here's what I have for the flasher relay:

http://www.oldvolkshome.com/6870turnswitcht1_OVH.pdf

I just wired my turn signal up sans flasher relay and I get nothing. Whoohoo! Now I have a good excuse to buy something like Mickey's.

Hey Shuie.
There are some pics in my file but if they don't show what you're looking for let me know and I'll take a few more, or I may have some already.
It's been 5 years since I got my car and I recall the turnsignal switch being one of the first things I changed. I don't recall there being and ignition switch on the column because it was on the dash already. I DO remember removing the old turn signal switch though. How? Not sure, but it wasn't terribly difficuly if I did it. ;)

Did some research and talked with the parts guy at a local VW shop today and I need a pre '68 steering column. Also got a line on a '57 bug column. Good juju as my car is a '57 replica :) I'm also wired with the light relay now and working on the registration. Fun stuff.

Hey, I forgot, my flasher relay is a 2 prong, and it is used for both turn signal and 4 way duty. Also, my column has the 3-wire turn switch, a common and a L and a R.