Breeze Dead Pedal with Headlight Dimmer Switch

[gkp200]

I've always liked a pedal dimmer as the old cars had. I also did not want another switch on the dash. I'm not sure if others have tried this, but it looks like this will work.





I installed the dead pedal after drilling two 1/4 inch holes for the mounting hardware and one 7/8 inch hole for the switch. I needed 1.5 inch bolts to mount the switch to the pedal. I still need to move the contacts to the inside to protect them. If I was doing it again, I would move the switch further out from the wall to allow more room for the wiring.

[DadofThree]

Looks good. I'm glad to read that your considering moving the contacts to protect them. I agree that they would get damaged if left in the same position. My dimmer switch is mounted on the foot expansion aluminum that is shown behind your dead pedal. It is sometimes hard to locate while driving because it is recessed behind the round frame tube. That round frame tube has actually become my dead pedal in my car. I like what you've done, and think that you'll have an easier time getting to the switch when you want it.

[Papa]

Lots of options for a foot-operated headlight dimmer. Here is what I did and it works perfectly.

1. Fabricated a bracket to mount on the front of the foot box





Here is a 1:1 scale CAD drawing that you can print and use to create the bracket.



2. I wired the dimmer through a relay as follows:



Wired like this, if the switch ever fails, I'll still have low beams.

3. Finally, when addressing the carpet I just bought a headlight dimmer carpet grommet:





Dave

[gkp200]

Dave,

I’m not talented enough to make my own box for the switch so I had to make it simple. Thanks for the wiring diagram.

Gary

[Papa]

Dave,

I’m not talented enough to make my own box for the switch so I had to make it simple. Thanks for the wiring diagram.

Gary

That should work great. Easy access right where your foot is. I didn't mean to hijack your thread, but it seemed like a good place to offer additional solutions. Do the contacts on your switch exit to the side? It's hard to tell from the picture. Just be sure to keep them well insulated so they don't contact any of the nearby metal. I had the same concern with mine, but the contacts are about 3/4" from the foot box. Your approach will be much easier to service if the switch ever fails. I'll need minor surgery to replace mine.

Dave