I am about to install some rally lights and want to use Toggle switches instead of the switches provided with the kit. I'll most likely put them on either side of the mirror adjustment switch. Questions are:

1) I realize the stock toggles aren't really switches (rather they press onto contacts on a PC board), but has anyone successfully used them for this type of application? I'd like my toggles to look like the stock ones...

2) Are there toggle switches on the market that resemble the stock MINI toggles than can be used for this application? Preferably with the LED tips?

3) Assuming the answer to the above are both no, I'm considering using these switches. Will these work? (I like the look of the safety switches being an old flier).

Thanks!

 

Check out Ian's Auto-Up circuit board. See info below from his recent post.

Auto-up windows for R50/R52/R53
Almost everyone has heard of Ian Culls Auto-Up Windows Circuit, which offers double-click auto-up of either or both front windows in any non-R56 / non-Clubman MINI ... the latest V6 circuit also offers optional Track Mode DSC and AutoFrontFogs (track mode DSC automatically turns off DSC each time you start your car).

Due to continued demand from NorthAmericanMotoring members, I've had another batch of circuits built - in stock now @ $45 each (+shipping)! Orders can be placed by following this link

Many thanks to everyone for their continued interest

Ian Cull / GBMINI.

 

I already have one of those installed...but not sure how that helps me with my quest.

 

If you have an unused toggle switch in your panel, you should be able to use it to control your fog lights. If you have a blank space in your panel where you could add a switch, you can add another Mini toggle switch to the panel. You will need to obtain a switch (see the WTB or for sale forums), take apart the panel, and drill a hole for the switch. I have added two switches to my panel.

I bet that Ian can tell you exactly how to connect the fog lights and use the panel switch. I am not exactly sure if you would connect into his circuit card or somewhere else.

 

Ahhh. Like the garage door piece? I'll have to ask, but it sounds like a non-trivial job.

 

You are correct that it is non-trivial. Just for the switch panel mod. I had to remove the switch panel, carefully disassemble the panel without breaking the little clips, carefully drill a hole the same size as the other holes, smooth the hole so that the switch moves properly, color the hole edge black (used a marker), reassemble the switch keeping all of the switches and plastic push rods in place. Time consuming but doable. Most clean installation.

Then you will need to wire the lights to the switch. I suspect there is a connection/connector already in place on the vehicle harness. If not maybe you have to solder wires to Ian's board.

 

It's really not that hard. Here's my toggle panel mod with pics...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ggle+panel+mod

 

Nice Work Big Daddy. Do you know were the light for the rear fogs comes from. I noticed from my original toggle panel that there is a hole behind the switch that goes all the way through the panel? So where does the light originate from?

 

Hmmm..the spare switch assembly I have has all of the LEDs already installed. Must be a CDN thing. I have this switch panel and some extra toggles for sale if you want it all..$60 shipped (or delivered to the Dragon).

 

To clarify...I'm installing rally lights on separate harnesses (2 sets of lights in fact requiring 2 toggles), so there won't be any existing wiring or circuitry to tap into. I can't visualize how the auto-up module can help me here. Not worried about the panel mod...that seems challenging but straight forward. I'm concerned about the electrical connection to the light harnesses.

 

I was looking at an extra one I had last night and it seems like you might be able to wire your new lights to the correct needles in your toggle switch. I'll try to get a good pick of what I am talking about.

I'll also get a picture of what I am seeing on my panel.

 

Any new developments on this. I'd like to wire some LEDs to an existing toggle......

 

MC2 Magazine Issue 24 (February/March 2010) has a step-by-step guide on installing driving lights. Maybe you can borrow someone's copy.
http://www.mc2magazine.com/Issue__24.cfm

 

WHere can I get that mag?

 

I do not think the magazine is available at newstands. I have a subscription. Check the mc2magazine.com website to see about obtaining a copy. I checked the Mc2 website to see if the article was posted but it was not.

 

Could you possibly scan the article and post it on here because i am hoping to hook up some leds this way

 

I would be glad to scan and email the article to you if you PM me with your email address. However, I am not sure the article will help. I reviewed the article last night and it is based on adding a separate switch, not part of the toggle switch panel, so the article does not discuss any mods to the toggle switch panel.

If you are looking to control something with an additional toggle switch added to the stock toggle switch panel you will need to get to access that specific switch signal at the rear of the switch module or wiring harness. I have installed the Auto-Up circuit board at the rear of the switch module so I get a switch signal from the Auto-Up circuit card. I use a switch I added to control my garage door opener. The Version 7 of the Auto-Up circuit appears to include two channels for controling any items you want. It is only $50 and adds various great features, such as window auto-up. Here is a link:

http://www.fes-auto.com/products_det...p?productid=35