Headlight Switch

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bill detamore

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Hello gents.
I will be building myself a new dash. New gauges etc. Couple of questions.
1. Can I use a toggle switch for the headlights instead of the push pull stock switch?
2. What is the best thing to do for blinkers on the new dash.
Thank you everyone very much.
 
HI Bill

1) Yes toggle switch is OK, but you will also need a circuit breaker for the headlights.
2) Keep them clean and functional.
 
I would run the headlights off a relay. Use the toggle switch to switch the relay.
 
Bill, if you use a toggle switch and relay you would still need a circuit breaker.
 
Yes, either a fuse or breaker for the main. Headlights do not have a relay in stock configuration. The power runs through the bulkhead, through the switch and back through the bulkhead to the headlights. Running the headlights off a relay will increase the brightness of the lights and eliminate the chance of melting the bulkhead connector.
 
One way to do this is to use a double pole, double throw, center off switch. use one pole to power the park/ tail lamps, and the other to activate the headlights. Jumper the outer posts of the switch together on the side for the tail /park, and only use an on/off function on the other pole to run the headlights. Feed the two center pole terminals from SEPARATE power sources. A small breaker for the headlights, and a fuse to the tail/ park center teminal large enough to supply them

You want separate power sources because you do NOT want a fuse/ breaker/ short in the tail/ park circuit to kill the headlights !!!!!

This way, lights are all off when centered, one direction brings on headlights and tail/ park, and the other direction just brings on tail/ park

Take the headlight power off the switch, run it through the dimmer switch, then run each of those outputs to separate (two) relays. One for hi, one for low Put breakers in the power to the relays
 
From what I have read here sounds like you dont have clear understanding of how the electrical system works. That said you would be better off buying a new switch and not try putting in a toggle. the conversations I read are confusing a breaker with a relay. the original switch does the dash lights, parking lights, dome light, and head lights. if you are doing an all new wiring system for the car it will take a couple of toggle switches to replace the original and several relays so you can use smaller wire to the switch and larger where you actually need it.
I recently refurbished my 74 dart sport dash and needed a new switch and got one off ebay for about $20 be careful there are several different switches and shop around the prices were all over the place for the same switch. I also liked the effect of LEDs in my dash
Mike m
 
Oh yes your other question Check ebay for "dash indicator lights" scroll down a bit and I saw two green ones that would look great.
Mike m
 
If you are going to use a toggle switch to control them. Get ahold of Crackedback, and order one of his headlight relay harnesses. I bet if you were to tell him your plans, he would customize the length of the wire needed for your application. Top notch product he has.
 
What Mike said above. The headlight switch has numerous functions besides just turning the headlights on and off. It might be easier to just use the switch.
 
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