Dino L/M series Engine Light wanted for possible reproduction.

Thanks for your reply Rob. I looked high and low for the flat-headed screw when the issue was brought up a while back, but could not find anything that would fit. I would make the screw using an existing bolt, a file, possibly a welding machine, a file again and lastly a trip to the galvanizing plant...This way the end result would be exactly as ugly as the original. BUT I know your approach is much more professional and perfectionistic and that you would lay restless for nights just considering this sorry route. Any way you could always consider putting the light assembly on the market without the screw, though it is a scary thought….-

Best

Peter

 

Peter that screw is merely the last in a series of endless problems this switch has tolled out. For sure your technique could produce an excellent result for one piece but we are looking to produce a small batch of switches each needing a screw so a manufactured part or production solution is required. The screw also acts as the electrical ground and is integral to the assembly making it difficult to add later.

I added it up today and believe it or not the switch is made up of 15 different parts and of them more than half have had to be specially manufactured. In addition the original switch is a terrible design and incredibly fragile which explains why they are almost all missing. The challenge has been to improve the materials used to increase the durability of the switch while not changing the look at all from original. We are happy with our results so far but fundamentally it is a poor design. The original switches that have survived really have beaten the odds.

Had I known then what I know now I never would have started but now it has become an issue of pride and we will get these done for Dino owners to have. Counting my time I'll never come close to making a dime on this project but this was undoubtedly the toughest part to source on the Dino so I feel the sacrifice is worth it.

 

Put another way, Rob `took one for the team'...

 

Hi all,

I have just received my engine switch from Rob and I can guaranty that it was worth waiting for. Such a perfect replica that I find it hard to believe that it can be differed from the original. Very impressive job done by Rob (again) and appreciated that he and others spent time and money on developing spares for our lovely cars!

Happy new year to all.

Peter
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Peter,

Glad to hear that you are happy with the switch and Happy New Year to you as well.

Full credit indeed is owed to Rob who has been pushing this project along for the past 3+ years in his spare time. Getting the small volume plastic parts to an acceptable standard was the biggest single challenge but there were issues everywhere. The switch consists of 14 individual parts many custom fabricated by vendors all over North America specifically for this application. Rob then assembles each switch himself in a process that takes about an hour and which resembles a small volume watchmaking operation

All in all a huge investment of time and expense that will never be recovered. Still we're really happy with the result and glad to take another part off the endangered list. I ran the first production version of the switch on a 1200km road trip in California after the FCA meet in August and can report that it performed very well.

The good news is that Dino owners who need this switch don't need to go through any of our trials. All they need to do is PM either Rob (Nuvolari) or me. The switches are now available at a cost of $295 USD plus shipping. Unlike most of our other offerings these will be made in very limited quantities. When we exhaust our current supply of parts, we will not be making more because of the costs and time involved to do another run.

Best Regards,
Paul

 

I received my five switches and one for Götz today... yes they look great..
Thank you Rob and Paul!
Regards Matthias
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I would like to order two of these switches. How to best proceed?

Wilhelm

 

I've responded to Wilhelm and to others who have contacted me about ordering a switch. Since I have been asked about the ordering process a few times I'll clarify it here for the benefit of anyone else interested.

PM either myself or Robert (Nuvolari on F-Chat) with your contact info and preferred shipping address. We will respond promptly with a total for your order inclusive of shipping along with payment options. Of course we'll be happy to answer any questions as well. Switches are $295USD ea.

Thank you to those who have ordered so far.

Best Regards,
Paul

 

I realize I'm more than a little late to this game, but does anyone happen to still have one of these switches that they would be willing to part with?
Thanks.

 

My eternal gratitude and a cash transfer!
David

 

Yes, I have figured that out! Hopefully someone else will reproduce them…