Triumphrat

LandRover

Hi Lads,
I've been playing with the idea of installing a toggle switch or possibly a lucas style headlight switch on the top of my Scramblers headlight bucket.I like the idea of having the option of turning off the headlight and tail light(I have my reasons).Has anyone else here on the forum done this? I can't imagine this to be a major undertaking,but I'd like to keep thinks looking somewhat original.Any ideas?

longjohns

drill a hole in the bucket and route a toggle between the power wire going to the bulb.

Pokeyjoe

I do believe that if you buy a non-North America ignition switch, you can control the lights with the key. Might be a cleaner solution.

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John
3-7-77
Some people are like Slinkies. They're really good for nothing. But they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

CAPTDON

I had the same idea myself! If nothing else -would help to pop start on a run down battery?
I like the idea of being able to control the headlight- not it just HAVING to be on all the time! I like the idea of the toggle switch vs the new ign switch (Big $$)! Let me/ us know if/ how it works?

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CAPT D

Calliway

All you need is a 2 pront toggle that is rated for the same amperage that is going to the headlight. Make sure it is weather proof, wire it inline, drill a hole in the bucket, snug down the switch bezel and away you go.

LandRover

I was thinking about one of the old style lucas turn on/off switches,but it might look a little clunky on the smaller Scrambler headlight bucket.I'm going through some of my vintage british bike magazines to get some more ideas.There seems to be a few aftermarket options out there. There is always the all weather rubber covered plunger type push switch which is very low profile.

johnny black

I,ve been thinking that too ! The bonnies headlight is begging for an on/off switch,let us know how you go........J.B.
p.s. will it switch the tail light too ?

Daveski UK

Earlier Triumph models, I think about pre 2003 has an on/off switch for the lights. The current bikes have a blanking plate where the switch used to be. If you can find an older R/H switch in a breakers yard, this should do the job [I am looking for one myself]. Dont forget the Triples as I think they had the same switchgear.

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2007 T100, Blue & White, Mototwin S/S Reverse Cone Megas, AI removed,T140 back light & Indicators, K&Q seat, quick detach rack, mainstand, D9 Clock bracket.
1961 Matchless G2 250cc,Standard.

LandRover

Funny you should mention that blanking plate.I was just out in the garage partaking in a cold bottle of Steamwhistle(local micro brew) and happened to notice that very blanking plate...it popped right out with my fingernail.I'm sure it would be no problem to find an early switch for it,but after pondering(over a second Steamwhistle),I thought it still would be kinda neat to have a "what does this do?" switch on the headlight bucket.I'm still amazed every time I look at a vintage British bike when it comes to the nifty doodads.Remember the trouble light that pulled out of the gas tank on the pre units?...cool! I'm still rifling though vintage bike magazines to come up with the perfect switch.I pulled the headlight out to size things up and its gonna be easier than I thought....just a matter of unplugging one headlight lead,plugging that into my switch,and then plugging a "pigtail" or jumper wire back into the light from the remaining terminal,and Bob's yer uncle!

justbrian

You'd be best off wiring the toggle into the circuit supplying the relay. If you wire it inline with the bulb you won't have control over the tail light. The amperage of switch needed will also be much lower and likelihood of burning something up less.

The feed from the ignition switch terminates to the main harness inside the headlight bucket. There should be a lead off the ignition switch you can tap into for both.

I don't have the wiring diagram handy (manual's in the shop) but if you want I can look it up tomorrow if you like.