My original dash switches (window, lights, etc.) are getting tempermental. Is there a type of aftermarket switches that fit in place? I don't want to hack up the dash to get something newer to fit.
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All the vendors carry replacement switches of better than original quality. I got mine from Hall. The bezels are slightly different, though.
Will
Will
You seem to be at the bottom of the Pantera learning curve as those switches are known to be standard trouble spots - but of course there are now standard fixes. 
Stock window switches are few and far between. Most gave up the ghost years ago. Replacements are fairly cheap requiring just minor modification to openings.
Your light switches if still factory wired are carrying the FULL amperage load of the lights and will fail with the stock headlights. If you/previous owner have upped the headlight wattage, they will fail faster.
You MUST, not should, upgrade and add relays to the headlights. This info is available with a simple archive search and at Panteraplace.
http://panteraplace.com/page116.htm
At least two Pantera owners sell a plug and play relay board, and it is pretty easy to gather the parts and do it yourself. (Hmmmm, checkbook vs. doing it yourself. Which WILL you choose?
)
You could wait until the headlight switches fail completely, and guess when that will happen?
At night out on the road - not your ideal situation.
Larry
Stock window switches are few and far between. Most gave up the ghost years ago. Replacements are fairly cheap requiring just minor modification to openings.
Your light switches if still factory wired are carrying the FULL amperage load of the lights and will fail with the stock headlights. If you/previous owner have upped the headlight wattage, they will fail faster.
You MUST, not should, upgrade and add relays to the headlights. This info is available with a simple archive search and at Panteraplace.
http://panteraplace.com/page116.htm
At least two Pantera owners sell a plug and play relay board, and it is pretty easy to gather the parts and do it yourself. (Hmmmm, checkbook vs. doing it yourself. Which WILL you choose?
)You could wait until the headlight switches fail completely, and guess when that will happen?
At night out on the road - not your ideal situation.
Larry
quote:Originally posted by LF - TP 2511:
You seem to be at the bottom of the Pantera learning curve as those switches are known to be standard trouble spots - but of course there are now standard fixes.
The switches were one of the first thing on my list to replace. Not sure why that puts me at the bottom of the learning curve...?
I installed relays on my Porsche and Corvette when I upgraded their headlights.
So...what switches do I use?
quote:Originally posted by 4NHOTROD:
All the vendors carry replacement switches of better than original quality. I got mine from Hall. The bezels are slightly different, though.
Will
Yeah, I know the vendors sell switches. Just wondering if there is some standard switch that will fit. Not too concerned about "originality" or paying the "Pantera tax".
quote:Not too concerned about "originality" or paying the "Pantera tax".
Radio Shack
quote:Originally posted by LF - TP 2511:quote:Not too concerned about "originality" or paying the "Pantera tax".
Radio Shack
Great, thanks. I'll get those cheap Chinese switches that have the red glowing handles!
Could use anything, I'd think. One guy has a panel made up with toggle switches.
I really don't think the replacement switches are too expensive.
I really don't think the replacement switches are too expensive.
Danny,
Your question isn't that dumb, we are all often trying to find alternatives to costly original parts.
The answer is yes there are alternative rocker switches very close to the originals, that will provide the correct 'look and feel', without 'pimping up' your ride with led's.
The Pantera switches are Lucas rocker switches of which many 70's British cars used similar versions. For instance my wife's '74 MGB has a number of similar switches (Fog & spot, Lights, Hazard, Heater fan etc.) that would slot right in the original Pantera gauge panel. The MGB restoration shops sell them for around $28 ea. new or they are frequently on ebay used for a few bucks, you'd just have to check which are single pole and which double pole for your requirements. I'm sure you would also be able to get blank ones with no symbols on if you wish by doing a little searching of British car (Jaguar, Triumph, MG etc.) restoration suppliers.
Good luck
Julian
Your question isn't that dumb, we are all often trying to find alternatives to costly original parts.
The answer is yes there are alternative rocker switches very close to the originals, that will provide the correct 'look and feel', without 'pimping up' your ride with led's.
The Pantera switches are Lucas rocker switches of which many 70's British cars used similar versions. For instance my wife's '74 MGB has a number of similar switches (Fog & spot, Lights, Hazard, Heater fan etc.) that would slot right in the original Pantera gauge panel. The MGB restoration shops sell them for around $28 ea. new or they are frequently on ebay used for a few bucks, you'd just have to check which are single pole and which double pole for your requirements. I'm sure you would also be able to get blank ones with no symbols on if you wish by doing a little searching of British car (Jaguar, Triumph, MG etc.) restoration suppliers.
Good luck
Julian
quote:Just wondering if there is some standard switch that will fit.
There is a bosch switch that wirks and looks right. Searcg the POCA list archives to find out a part no.
Bosche replacement window switches, which look identical to any other replacement window switches I've seen:
Autohaus Arizona (www.autohausaz.com)
Part # 0343302003
$22.79 each
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/productx.aspx?sid=erx0...artnumber=0343302003
Reference and wiring diagram here:
http://www.tandemproductions.com/PowerWindowSwitchReplacement.htm
As far as the other switches go (lights, fan, courtesy, etc) you can order them from any of the vendors. Just be sure to specify whether the switches have icons or text to describe their function. And whatever you do, don't mix switches with text on them with switches with icons on them. They'll all look out of place.
Autohaus Arizona (www.autohausaz.com)
Part # 0343302003
$22.79 each
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/productx.aspx?sid=erx0...artnumber=0343302003
Reference and wiring diagram here:
http://www.tandemproductions.com/PowerWindowSwitchReplacement.htm
As far as the other switches go (lights, fan, courtesy, etc) you can order them from any of the vendors. Just be sure to specify whether the switches have icons or text to describe their function. And whatever you do, don't mix switches with text on them with switches with icons on them. They'll all look out of place.
Thanks all. Great advice. At least now I have a starting point for my switch search.