What type of switch?

[rumrumm]

I want to hide a switch under the car to roll down my driver's side window. Does anyone have a recommendation for a switch that would withstand an outside application? Thanks.

[Beck]

Years ago I built a window switch for under the car from a couple of stainless steel bolts and some fiberglass sheet. I didn't use a door fob in those days. I had the fiberglass sheet located at a convenient place for me to reach under the car with my toe. There was a bolt in each of the pieces of fiberglass. When the bottom piece was pressed it flexed the fiberglass to make the bolt heads contact. If I recall I had power to the down position of the window and the bolt contact provied the ground. That way there was never a possibility of a powered short under the car. One bolt was wired to the window ground the other to a chassis ground. If you have enough ground clearance you could just use one insulated sheet with a contact and use the frame for the ground. The stainless bolts were nice because the didn't rust, but they did have to be cleaned occasionally.

[jaybee]

Lynn, here are some possibilities;

http://www.cyber-tech.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=products.details&subID=51
http://www.westfloridacomponents.com/SW117PD/Push+Button+Momentary+Waterproof+Switch+4A+125V.html
http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/rockers/waterproof/kf_waterproof.htm
http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productdetails.asp?RecID=1487

[kb426]

I'm not much help but on page 98 of the Waytek catalog, they have Contura rocker switches that are marine application. On page 101 is a momentary push button that is listed as water resistant, part no. 44006.

[Digger]

I would think that most any implement place or Farm & Fleet would have what you need. On "glass" cars I have used a magnetic alarm switch glued to the inside of the car and carried a small magnet on the keychain (you need a relay with this setup) it was just used for door solenoids but should work for windows too. It will however only work one direction.
Good Luck

[34ford]

Lynn,  

In this picture is a small micro switch with a rubber screw on boot. This is what came with my remote and I hid one under the car too,  (if I could only remember where).. Might be able to get one from Yogi. It is small and works well. Might even be able to pick one at an auto parts store. Needs to be a momentary switch that only makes contact when pushed.  Just Google Momentary switch and a lot of options come up.

bob

picture link http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm?ptype=results_w&mode=zoom&image=prd_zm_89.gif

http://www.westfloridacomponents.com/SW117PD/Push+Button+Momentary+Waterproof+Switch+4A+125V.html

http://www.amazon.com/Momentary-Button-Starter-Switch-Boot/dp/B001715TYS

[phat rat]

Too be on the safe side you should do the other side also. Otherwise how will you get in if there's a malfunction on the drivers side? I use a remote fob for both of my windows and the trunk. Although the trunk also has a key lock

[wayne petty]

i would think that this...

after attaching the wires properly.. and covering the back half of the switch in epoxy... to seal the wires and the connectors..

http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/product-info/en/US/wl2/LS1156/image/4/

available at autozone for 24 bucks... usually special order..

duralast item LS1156...    wow that an easy number to remember..


one might also want to check the various switch suppliers...

newark electronics...

mouser electronics...

there are various switches that are totally water proof..



if i were to do it personally...  i would probably use a reed switch...

have a magnet embedded in a custom ring for hot rodding..   the tiny rare earth magnets could be embedded on the palm side of the ring.. so you just wave your hand across it... and the window comes down...

might make holding wrenches easier also...


most window switches leave the  ground connected when the switch is in the center position...

this would allow you to  tap into one side of the motor wiring to allow you to roll the window down with just a single push button...


there is always the ultimate high tech...

have an RFID chip implanted in you hand.. and a rfid reader embedded in the door ... or the antenna in the rubber weather strip...  with that one could even possibly use their mobil gasoline speed pass dongle..  

but then the electronics would be drawing power..

[348tripower]

Watsons Street Works has a bunch of switches for that application.
Don

[rumrumm]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I had a major brain fart moment on Saturday. It was raining quite hard when I drove home from our local car show, and as I pulled into the driveway, I got out to open the garage door, and shut the car door, leaving the engine running. As soon as I shut the door, I realized--I can't get back in! The safety feature on the keyless entry will not function with the ignition switch on. I knew this, but always made sure I rolled the window down or shut the car off. I have to fix this so it won't happen again.

[Mikej]

What happen if your inside the car and something happens to the battery. Can you get out?

[rumrumm]

What happen if your inside the car and something happens to the battery. Can you get out?

My inside door handles are mechanical. No problem. And since the battery is in the trunk and is opened with an electric opener, I have a place under the car to jump it if the battery goes dead.

[enjenjo]

I have a small magnetic switch at the corner of the windshield to open the door on my Marlin. I also have a waterproof push button switch hidden under the hood. In the past I have used a key switch hidden in the gas filler door to actuate doors or windows.

[Digger]

Another thought. I usually hide a mechanical release some where on the car just in case of a short or dead battery.

[papastoyss]

Speciality Power Windows has the switch you are looking for.