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Lighted Window switches!

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Old 03-30-2007, 10:38 AM
  #16  
Imo000
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Originally Posted by linderpat
Imo000 - good point about the switches and warped consol - this is the exact problem I am having - I'm on my second pass window switch - can't figure out what is causing the problem exactly or how to fix it. The switch starts out fine, but then it only works to put the window down. It won't work to put it up again, unless I press real hard. And after awhile that doesn't work anymore either. How can this be corrected? thnx
This is what I have done: Pull the switch out, take a small file and slowly file down the corner under-lip of the switch. This will make the switch go lower and will not effect the look when installed into the console. I've seen this done on the parts car by the PO too so I'm not the only one doing this. Seems to work fine and makes the window switch work as it should. Does this make any sence or shold I make some sort of a sketch?
Old 03-30-2007, 11:51 AM
  #17  
SteveG
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Imo, I could use a sketch.

Zaner: I guess I might go for the lighted idea if I could see the night effect, however I would want switches that differentiate function. That is, I know what the two outside ones do; even if I solved the confusing the sunroof and rear wipe question w/simple memory, the idea of generic looking switches isn't something I would do in this car.
Old 03-30-2007, 11:55 AM
  #18  
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Chris,

I like the idea of the lighted switches. I also respect the fact that you're maintaining the classic look of the 928 instead of using the switches used on most import conversions.

I do have a couple of questions:

1. Where do you tap in to the power?
2. Are these only on when the lights are on?

I wonder if you can use something like these:

They are from a mid 80's Mercedes Benz 126 body. I just don't reacll if they were lighted...although I'm pretty sure they were.
Regards,
Roger
Old 03-30-2007, 11:59 AM
  #19  
tv
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Originally Posted by 928ntslow
I will never understand the dislike of the original 928 center switches. They are in the best possible spot and you don't have to look at them to use them, they are fit so well into the scheme of things that they actually disappear as part of the swooping console...AND you cannot accidentally use them unless you're just all thumbs.

I agree and the rest of our interior layout is the same design used by all the best cars being made now. Imo's trick sounds like it would help functionality, a sketch would help.
Old 03-30-2007, 12:01 PM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by Imo000
This is what I have done: Pull the switch out, take a small file and slowly file down the corner under-lip of the switch. This will make the switch go lower and will not effect the look when installed into the console. I've seen this done on the parts car by the PO too so I'm not the only one doing this. Seems to work fine and makes the window switch work as it should. Does this make any sence or shold I make some sort of a sketch?
Yeah, I've done that and within a year or so, it sticks again. So, I have done it over and over. My console is not visibly warped, but the rear edge of the right side switch catches on the console. The PO complained about it over and over to Porsche and they did the same thing.
Old 03-30-2007, 12:04 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by Zaner
Just fooling around with the idea of of getting rid of my dreaded Porsche window switches! These light up at night as well! Any comments ( Positive or Negative ) are welcome!
Wow! You have 4 roll-down windows! Er, what about the rear wiper and sunroof switches?

I think these would look fine, maybe slightly less popped out, and I do agree these should have been lighted in the firstplace, so I support your efforts.
Old 03-30-2007, 12:50 PM
  #22  
linderpat
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Imo - I think I know what you mean....file down the underside lip of the plastic piece (top part of the switch, where the finger presses)....This makes sense. What about bending the spring metal on either the switch or the little metal tags in the consol itself that hold the switch in?
Old 03-30-2007, 01:10 PM
  #23  
Imo000
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Originally Posted by linderpat
Imo - I think I know what you mean....file down the underside lip of the plastic piece (top part of the switch, where the finger presses)....This makes sense. What about bending the spring metal on either the switch or the little metal tags in the consol itself that hold the switch in?
Yup, you got it! Here's a quick sketch. The circled red areas are to be filed off.
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Old 03-30-2007, 01:37 PM
  #24  
RichS 1986928
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Hey Thanks for the Sketch! I can't wait to try that. I bought all new switches to try and
help my worn interior and I was really pissed that I have to push so hard to get a brand
new switch to work... A lot of money for lousy results...

To clarify.. Will this work with the Pre-87 style switches and the newer versions as well?
The new switches are definitely different than the old ones.
Old 03-30-2007, 01:38 PM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by CaseyH
I wonder what 993 switches would look like in a 928?

Unfortunately, those are not the window or sunroof switches for a 993, The window switches are on the door and are not illuminated.
Old 03-30-2007, 01:48 PM
  #26  
Evil Patrick
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Why not go with the "clap on - clap off" design?

Old 03-30-2007, 02:18 PM
  #27  
Imo000
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Originally Posted by RichS 1986928
Hey Thanks for the Sketch! I can't wait to try that. I bought all new switches to try and
help my worn interior and I was really pissed that I have to push so hard to get a brand
new switch to work... A lot of money for lousy results...

To clarify.. Will this work with the Pre-87 style switches and the newer versions as well?
The new switches are definitely different than the old ones.
Well, this will work with all the pre-S4 cars. I don't know how much the switch changed with the S4 but if they are the same as the OB then it will work for them too.
Old 03-30-2007, 02:42 PM
  #28  
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Well........ Lots of interesting opinions!

Let me first state that, this is a working prototype. The details are not worked out yet! i.e. the wiper switch is disabled in one direction,the depth of the switch housing is critical and therefore does not allow a "flush" integration into the console,etc,etc.

I wanted to accomplish 2 things first! (1) I wanted "lighted" switches. (2) I wanted a reliable switch (my 928 switches have always been problem prone) I will work on the aesthetic details as my project proceeds.

Thanks to all who responded! Lots of good ideas to consider, as i continue to refine my little project
Old 03-30-2007, 03:13 PM
  #29  
Alan
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Chris

Interesting work!

The early switches and later switches are electrically equivalent except for load current - the older ones are heavier duty. The newer switches have a more pronounced click as they operate in either direction. The old ones are wired with heavier duty wire and more connections for changeover direct drive to the motors. The newer switches never see any load in operation (relays). But these Mercedes switches could easily replace the newer types also.

Good for trying and these at least look somewhat like the originals -- the extra profiling looks a bit fussy... but as you say its a prototype.

Are there additional switch types (button tops) for other things/ sunroof etc.?

The second switch for the wipers is probably redundant unless you wanted to change how it works (e.g. on AND off buttons maybe??) of course you could also use it for something else...?

Alan

Last edited by Alan; 03-30-2007 at 04:02 PM.
Old 03-30-2007, 03:23 PM
  #30  
Jerome Craig
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Originally Posted by linderpat
Imo000 - good point about the switches and warped consol - this is the exact problem I am having - I'm on my second pass window switch - can't figure out what is causing the problem exactly or how to fix it. The switch starts out fine, but then it only works to put the window down. It won't work to put it up again, unless I press real hard. And after awhile that doesn't work anymore either. How can this be corrected? thnx
You can use a small screwdriver or knife blade and pop the switch back up. I put a styrofoam block under the switch and have never had another problem. The switch leads are soldered on and point forward, and styrofoam does not conduct electricity. A properly working switch takes almost no pressure to operate.

My $0.02


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