DMCH Reproduction Window and Defrost Switches - Any Experience?

[jawn101]

So I bought some stickers from another forum member here to try and breathe new life into my window and defrost switches, but I'm just still not terribly pleased with the results. Switches are fine but caps are trashed from years of actuation and arm-resting.

Way back when, the only other option was the DMCH LED switches, but I remember they were slightly taller and some folks had issues with getting them to stay put in the console as a result. I now see they have reproduction non-illuminated switches as well.

Are these also taller? The illuminated ones are only an extra $20 - are they worth it? What color is the illumination inside?

I also see there is now a reproduction defroster switch. Anyone running one of those? Mine is again functionally fine, just kind of worn looking.

Thanks for sharing any experiences you might have.

[Kukem]

I have the LED ones. They fit fine for me. They looked almost the same inside as far as I could tell. The light is a green colour that matches the cig lighter ring.

[Delorean Industries]

On stock restoration cars we use switches from DeLorean Europe. We have been very happy with his window switches and defrost switch offerings. These are different than what DMCH offers.

[Christian Dietrich]

I have the updated led window switches and defrost switch. I had to file down the sides with a notch to fit better. I heard you have to do that on occasion. Its no big deal really plus I have Rob Gradys Mattiligner that holds the switches better and act's as a arm rest so you dont bump the switches while shifting. The led switches light up green but i had them removed and changed to blue. They're worth it if you dont mind filing it down if its tight https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170503/e4afae756e757240987c2c7922e78be8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170503/dca0dc6576aba4e5e58d1ba4e97a1ebe.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170503/5d0e0d634abae1ebfc65411396108580.jpg

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[jawn101]

Wow, lots of replies really quickly - thanks!


On stock restoration cars we use switches from DeLorean Europe. We have been very happy with his window switches and defrost switch offerings. These are different than what DMCH offers.

Josh - do you mean these? http://www.delorean.eu/catalog/mobile/product_info.php?products_id=158003 - I just assumed they were the same as DMCH since the description doesn't say anything to the contrary. What's different about them?


I have the updated led window switches and defrost switch. I had to file down the sides with a notch to fit better. I heard you have to do that on occasion. Its no big deal really plus I have Rob Gradys Mattiligner that holds the switches better and act's as a arm rest so you dont bump the switches while shifting. The led switches light up green but i had them removed and changed to blue. They're worth it if you dont mind filing it down if its tight https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170503/e4afae756e757240987c2c7922e78be8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170503/dca0dc6576aba4e5e58d1ba4e97a1ebe.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170503/5d0e0d634abae1ebfc65411396108580.jpg

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Looks really good - I have been considering a Mattaligner. I worked with Matt to come up with the first prototypes for this part (still have several of the early laser cuts somewhere in my garage!) but the final version is much cooler. What had to be done to change the color inside the switches? Is it just a removable LED or is it a more complex operation to change? I asked about the color because I'd also probably like to go blue, if they were lit at all.

[Christian Dietrich]

They first started off his green and then I just unsoldered the green light and change them to Blue. Thanks btw! I only had to file down the defroster switch but the window switches fit perfectly in the Mattaligner. The defroster switch always did stick up until I did that and now they all line up perfectly.

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[jawn101]

They first started off his green and then I just unsoldered the green light and change them to Blue. Thanks btw! I only had to file down the defroster switch but the window switches fit perfectly in the Mattaligner. The defroster switch always did stick up until I did that and now they all line up perfectly.

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Were the LEDs surface mount or something easier to remove?

[Bitsyncmaster]

The DMCH LEDs are a "deep green" color. They are surface mount LEDs and constant current circuitry so no there is no standard "bulb" you can buy to replace. I will replace the circuit boards with blue LEDs or can sell you the assembled board if you can solder them into the new switches.

[jawn101]

The DMCH LEDs are a "deep green" color. They are surface mount LEDs and constant current circuitry so no there is no standard "bulb" you can buy to replace. I will replace the circuit boards with blue LEDs or can sell you the assembled board if you can solder them into the new switches.

Ah, OK. So not a job for an amateur used to through-hole joints only :)

Sounds like a bit of a hassle. Would of course try the as-built green first if I went with the lit switches. Just not sure if I want that or the stock style reproductions yet.

Are any wiring mods needed for the illuminated switches or do they just work as-is?

[Bitsyncmaster]

Ah, OK. So not a job for an amateur used to through-hole joints only :)

Sounds like a bit of a hassle. Would of course try the as-built green first if I went with the lit switches. Just not sure if I want that or the stock style reproductions yet.

Are any wiring mods needed for the illuminated switches or do they just work as-is?

The DMCH switches have a little metal jumper on the switch so no wiring changes are needed. They are "plug and play" but are a little longer. Robs Mattaligner lifts the switches a little so the longer switches may not be a problem if you use it.

[dmcnc]

I purchased a repro window switch and the plastic cover does not perfectly match the original as depicted above. The guts worked though, so I carefully swapped the switch covers with my non-functional OEM switch and problem solved!

[jawn101]

I purchased a repro window switch and the plastic cover does not perfectly match the original as depicted above. The guts worked though, so I carefully swapped the switch covers with my non-functional OEM switch and problem solved!

Well, the caps are the only part I care about. But I figure if I get a pair it won't matter if they are perfect matches for OEM.

[Chris 16409]

Jon, if you don't mind a narrower switch, you can get a Renault switch. The have a nice click action

Renault 7700705925

51282

Here's the part number for the defrost switch

Renault 7701348546

51283

[jawn101]

Jon, if you don't mind a narrower switch, you can get a Renault switch. The have a nice click action

Renault 7700705925

51282

Here's the part number for the defrost switch

Renault 7701348546

51283

That's interesting. Anyone have any pics of them installed? Would probably prefer to stay as OEM as possible but always open to new ideas.

[Chris 16409]

I actually have these in my car. I can understand it may not be to everyone's liking.

51284

51285

[Gregadeth]

When I installed a new window switch, it also didn't have enough room to be seated in properly. But I cut a small piece of wood and put it under the center console next to the ashtray, and it helps keep the switches flush.

5128651287

[Mark D]

I was not impressed with the DMCH reproduction defrost style switches. I purchased two blank switches (no defrost printing) to replace the dummy blanks in my car. I wanted to be able to control the power antenna manually to prevent it from coming up every time I turned on the radio. I was using an FM transmitter for my ipod at the time.

Anyway, the shape of the switch does not match OE. It's close in shape but looks slightly out of place next to an original switch. The worst part though is how the switches function. They feel clunky and sticky and sometimes do not click on/off without a very deliberate press. I removed them from my car and replaced with OE defrost switches painted SEM trim black to cover up the defrost logo. Those look and feel "right" and match perfectly.

[jawn101]

I was not impressed with the DMCH reproduction defrost style switches. I purchased two blank switches (no defrost printing) to replace the dummy blanks in my car. I wanted to be able to control the power antenna manually to prevent it from coming up every time I turned on the radio. I was using an FM transmitter for my ipod at the time.

Anyway, the shape of the switch does not match OE. It's close in shape but looks slightly out of place next to an original switch. The worst part though is how the switches function. They feel clunky and sticky and sometimes do not click on/off without a very deliberate press. I removed them from my car and replaced with OE defrost switches painted SEM trim black to cover up the defrost logo. Those look and feel "right" and match perfectly.

That's good feedback, thanks Mark. I wonder if they'd look ok next to the reproduction window switches if I did all 3. It sucks these are so hard to get right!

[jawn101]

When I installed a new window switch, it also didn't have enough room to be seated in properly. But I cut a small piece of wood and put it under the center console next to the ashtray, and it helps keep the switches flush.

5128651287

I've seen this trick elsewhere too. I feel like it is a known mod, are there specific dimensions for the wood block or is it a "snowflake" situation?

[jawn101]

I just tried these stickers again (from jamesrguk here on the forum) and took about 20 minutes to prep, position and place it. The result is actually pretty darn good this time around. I'm less confident I can do this on the window switches since I'd need to align the up and down arrows (they are separate stickers) and of course it would need to be identical across both switches to allow me to sleep at night.

I think for now my defroster switch is handled at least.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170504/c40869d5d92e9f5ba320563b03a2a0e7.jpg

[Gregadeth]

I've seen this trick elsewhere too. I feel like it is a known mod, are there specific dimensions for the wood block or is it a "snowflake" situation?No specific dimensions, I just kept trimming until it was able to fit under the console.

[John U]

No specific dimensions, I just kept trimming until it was able to fit under the console.

Just did this a couple days ago. Used a 2x2 piece of wood 5" long. Combined with the mattaligner, the LED switches stay flush

[jawn101]

Just did this a couple days ago. Used a 2x2 piece of wood 5" long. Combined with the mattaligner, the LED switches stay flush

Awesome. I ordered the LED switches and a Defroster as well. I forgot that taking the cap off the defroster switch effectively breaks it, and I lost patience trying to fix it yet again.

[BABIS]

I've seen this trick elsewhere too. I feel like it is a known mod, are there specific dimensions for the wood block or is it a "snowflake" situation?

here an older reply from dmc Dave :


Your console is too low - the console is made of paper often collapses from age and/or people climbing over them. Also the new switches are microscopically longer than the old ones which contributes to the problem (This is not an issue on a console that is at the original height, BTW).

Remove the ash tray, and pull up on the console. You'll probably note that the switches will now fit (check under the switches to make sure you are not hitting the other wiring bundle).

We often insert a small piece of 2x2 wood cut to about a inch long, just forward of the ash try hole, to hold the console back at the correct height. Others have actually re-formed the fiberglass body below the switches, but that's really overkill as opposed to just lifting the console slightly.

[Mark D]

That's good feedback, thanks Mark. I wonder if they'd look ok next to the reproduction window switches if I did all 3. It sucks these are so hard to get right!

I think if you replaced everything (Blank switches, window switches, and defrost) then everything would at least look uniform. I'm not sure if the blank switches I got were just a bad batch that they functioned kinda clunky, or if that's how they all are. From what I've heard the window switches have a better feel to them but I haven't had two side by side to compare.

The defrost switch label looks good, so at least you've got that one done. Do the vinyl labels come on a piece of contact paper or are you having to peel and stick? I'd think he best way to get the arrows for the window switches would be to have the place cutting them have them spaced a the correct height when they are cut. Then you'd just have to weed out the center of the arrow, apply to contact paper and then it would be easier to apply to the switch and have the arrows parallel.

[jawn101]

here an older reply from dmc Dave :

Thanks! Silly as it sounds that's exactly the level of detail I needed


I think if you replaced everything (Blank switches, window switches, and defrost) then everything would at least look uniform. I'm not sure if the blank switches I got were just a bad batch that they functioned kinda clunky, or if that's how they all are. From what I've heard the window switches have a better feel to them but I haven't had two side by side to compare.

The defrost switch label looks good, so at least you've got that one done. Do the vinyl labels come on a piece of contact paper or are you having to peel and stick? I'd think he best way to get the arrows for the window switches would be to have the place cutting them have them spaced a the correct height when they are cut. Then you'd just have to weed out the center of the arrow, apply to contact paper and then it would be easier to apply to the switch and have the arrows parallel.

The stickers are peel and stick and quite fragile, which is why it takes some time to position them correctly - lots of tiny little lines to get arranged just so. It would be better if they were on contact paper, you're right - but that's not how these were made, sadly. Ultimately I ordered replacement switches anyway (went with the LED ones) because I forgot that taking the cap off the Defrost switch dooms you to spending hours in rebuild hell. I managed to rebuild it one time, but had no luck this go around and took it as a sign that a new one would be $40 well spent.

[jamesrguk]

Thanks! Silly as it sounds that's exactly the level of detail I needed



The stickers are peel and stick and quite fragile, which is why it takes some time to position them correctly - lots of tiny little lines to get arranged just so. It would be better if they were on contact paper, you're right - but that's not how these were made, sadly. Ultimately I ordered replacement switches anyway (went with the LED ones) because I forgot that taking the cap off the Defrost switch dooms you to spending hours in rebuild hell. I managed to rebuild it one time, but had no luck this go around and took it as a sign that a new one would be $40 well spent.

I could send them out on contact paper, I have successfully used masking tape in place of contact paper, you could give that a try. I sell loads of these and I have to sit weeding the waste material from between each sticker with a craft knife, you need a lot of patience!

At least people are finding them useful, I sell quite a lot to non-DeLorean owners too.

James

[jawn101]

I could send them out on contact paper, I have successfully used masking tape in place of contact paper, you could give that a try. I sell loads of these and I have to sit weeding the waste material from between each sticker with a craft knife, you need a lot of patience!

At least people are finding them useful, I sell quite a lot to non-DeLorean owners too.

James

Yeah, they're beautifully made. But it's down to the skill of the person installing them I guess :)

If they did come on a switch-cap sized sheet of contact paper with the arrows (in the case of a window switch) properly aligned and spaced it would be a much simpler job to apply them and get consistent results, for sure!

[Christian Dietrich]

No specific dimensions, I just kept trimming until it was able to fit under the console.
Thats what i did. Its not really a big deal.

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[jawn101]

Ok, I got my new switches and they're very nice. The defroster switch is a little too black compared to the window/dummy switches, but such is life. That's minor. Waiting on my Mattaligner to come before I judge for sure, but I'll definitely need to prop up the center console a bit for everything to fit properly. Does anyone else have a few pics of the wood trick they did? I have a bit of hardwood 1x1 laying around the garage I could trim to fit but just interested in the positioning others used.

[Christian Dietrich]

Ok, I got my new switches and they're very nice. The defroster switch is a little too black compared to the window/dummy switches, but such is life. That's minor. Waiting on my Mattaligner to come before I judge for sure, but I'll definitely need to prop up the center console a bit for everything to fit properly. Does anyone else have a few pics of the wood trick they did? I have a bit of hardwood 1x1 laying around the garage I could trim to fit but just interested in the positioning others used.
No wood tricks, just new switches and the Mattaligner. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170511/45133e81a950c0a4db6abce122259cb6.jpg

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[jawn101]

No wood tricks, just new switches and the Mattaligner. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170511/45133e81a950c0a4db6abce122259cb6.jpg

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Thanks, Christian. Will check it out tonight.

Hey, I just got the Mattaligner and there is a drill bit included. Not sure what that could be for. There are two small holes in the plate but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do with those - no instructions in the box. What am I drilling? What am I attaching? No hardware was included.

[bueller]

This link has instructions for installing the Mattaligner. I have one waiting to install right now and it looks very straightforward.

http://www.awildermode.com/2016/10/the-mattaligner-console-switch-retainer.html?m=1

Good luck!

[jawn101]

This link has instructions for installing the Mattaligner. I have one waiting to install right now and it looks very straightforward.

http://www.awildermode.com/2016/10/the-mattaligner-console-switch-retainer.html?m=1

Good luck!

Yeah, never mind. I'm a dolt. There were a little baggie of screws sliding around in the box, which I found later. Once I found those it was pretty clear what to do, and I have to say that is a really primo part. Installed easily and the switches are perfect now. So tightly installed and aligned, and it even straightened up the console a bit, when I didn't even realize it needed it!

[Christian Dietrich]

I was just gonna reply and read this! No big deal. I thought the same thing a year ago lol

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