Aux Panel Wiring

I have been faffing with the aux plug wiring for a while.  There are a couple of issues:

-  I was sent a hazard warning light switch for the aux panel when the Ford wiring is designed to use the switch on top of the steering column.  I didn't realise until I had already fitted the switch to the aux panel.

-  I was inspired by Richard Lincoln and want the Savage switches to illuminate with the side lights.

Once I had the plug wiring set up for the hazard lights switch, I set about modifying it to include wiring for the LEDs.  Here's the schematic I ended up with:

It is simple in principle: there is a 5K6 resistor from aux plug pin 1 (side lights) to the +ve terminal on the LED along with gratuitous use of diodes to stop the current flowing back where it shouldn't go.  The diodes are orientated so that current can only flow INTO the LED +ve terminal.  The net result is that the LEDs illuminate dimly with side lights on.  Then:

-  The horn switch LED remains dim regardless of what's happening. 

-  The fog light switch is dim with the fog light off or bright with it on - the fog light feed comes from the dipped headlight signal, so only works when the headlights are switched on. 

-  The hazard light switch now flashes bright / off with the side lights off or bright / dim with the side lights on. 

Overall, it looks great and now I'm happy.

Aux Panel

In an attempt to prove that men can multitask, I managed to trim the aux panel and install switches at the same time as cooking a BBQ.  The finished results:

Some things to note:

-  I have a Ford steering column surround which already has a hazard warning light switch.  I now have one on the aux panel too, as this was designed for a Mazda but I'd fitted everything before I realised.  This means that 2 mods are now required: remove the hazard switch from the steering column and make provision for hazard switch wiring to the aux panel as it is not included on the lower dash loom.

-  The top of the aux panel is designed to mate with the bottom of the dash.  This is unnecessary as there is plenty of support from the bottom attachments...  And GRP doesn't hold rivnuts very well.

-  The leatherette covering has a small amount of stretch.  I made a template from paper and had to put several nicks into it to get it flush to the panel - this wasn't necessary with the leatherette which stretched nicely around the aluminium form.

-  It turns out I cannot multitask after all :(