High beam foot switch

[guye]

I've always lamented that none of my cars since the first car I owned (XW Wagon) had a foot switch for high/low beam. So I salvaged one from a Kombi we were wrecking years ago for buggy parts, and have it saved away for my cobra (whenever THAT gets started).

Is there a reason we don't have foot switches anymore? Is it illegal now? Tell me it isn't, please!

[dave295]

A quick google search on ADR's said only that a "dipping device" be fitted to change from high to low beam or have low beam only.

Hope this helps

[Donunder]

I suppose a good reason for not having foot-operated dimmer switches in Cobras is the lack of room down there in the footwell.

My car (LHD and a 1979 build) has an ingenious solution to the problem. It's a traditional foot-operated switch, but the switch is mounted on the floor near the left front corner of the seat cushion. The distance I have to move my left hand from the steering wheel to the switch is about 30 cm. It falls easily to hand, as they used to say in the old car mags, -- no hunting around trying to find it -- and it's protected enough so that I've never stood on it or bumped it accidentally.

[damage]

I'm no expert but I thought the requirement was that the headlights need to be able to be dimmed with out the hands leaving the steering wheel?????

[tkb289]

A slight detour to this thread … as noted above, not a lot of room in the foot box of a Cobra. Thought you might be interested, as here are (3) different CSX2000 Cobras with headlight dimmer switches. Interesting that even the race car kept the switch. Probably used now as a dead pedal.


Road Car #1



Road Car #2



Race Car




... now back to your discussion ...

[guye]

Nice tkb!

So, if I DO install a foot switch, my cobra will be a more true replica than anybody else's! Ha!

[dave295]

Hi Guye

Back in 1953 the Poms made motor cars. One of these companies was called AC Cars Ltd. They used to be called Auto Carriers Ltd. They made a model called the AC Ace. It was fitted with two headlights. These headlights had a dip switch that operated both high and low beam and they even had an on/off switch because even the Poms like to drive motor cars after dark. As Mr Shelby and his team did not change the basic cockpit design of his 260 cubic inch V8 engined vehicle it was fitted with a floor mounted dip switch.
It is called a dip switch because you dip your lights, not as others would think, that you dim them.
As long as you comply with the current ADR in relation to fitting a dipping device and that the control is within easy reach whilst in the drivers seat you should be OK.

Just remember that the first Cobras are an AC Ace with a few changes and not an original concept vehicle.

[Jaydee]

I've thought about fitting one. But it doesn't allow you to flash your high beam unless the lights are on. Also, you have to keep hovering your foot above the switch if there is traffic, to constantly change high and low beam. If you have a manual and you are cornering, changing gears, then a car comes around the corner towards you, you are dancing around looking for the switch.
JD

[guye]

Good points JD. I was thinking about still having the stalk switches and wiring them in series, so either one would be able to dip the lights.

[400TT]

You can have a hand or foot control to switch between main and dipped beams. The control just needs to be in reach of the driver in the normal driving position. No requirement to have a flash control.

Guye you a good to go on that idea if you want.

[Wbulk]

I put one in mine. I just have to reach under the clutch pedal with my foot.

[CHANMADD]

Originally ..I had mine down there too........with a stick shift , it just doesn't work......you cannot push in the clutch and operate the dipper switch.......on the column is best......

[guye]

Thanks Craig.

Interesting Wayne - as Chanmadd says don't you find that annoying under the clutch? I think my foot would be too fat/big to easily do that manoeuvre!

[Wbulk]

Nope. Just like driving these cars you have to be coordinated. I do have #13s.
Where I live I don't use it that much. Around town hardly anyone is using their high beams. Maybe on a rural highway.

[DaleG]

Some install the foot switch by their knee.

And then there is something like this: http://www.norcal-cobras.com/store/r...k3/mk3tss.html it allows me to "flash-to-pass" during daytime then controls high beam (off/on) when lights are on.