Waterproofing switches question?

[benVFR]

I guess this is mostly for Randy...

I need something I can shrink wrap over the toggle switch I put on my bike for the heated grips.

I rode through some really heavy rain a couple weeks ago and it didn't short but I still feel like I should try and make sure water can't get into it...

Anyone know anything about doing this? Worst case I can put a new switch in if that is the only way to waterproof it but I don't want too unless I have to.

Ben

[SSearchVT]

Two options... You can replace the switch with a weatherproof one, shouldn't be too hard to find at Napa, etc (worst case McMaster Carr). Or you can look at commercial products like tool dip over the switch portion, and an adhesive lined heat shrink over the connections in the back. I hope this helps. Good Luck

[benVFR]

The connections in the back are OK, they are inside the paneling of the bike.

I'll take a look at the tool dip stuff. That sounds promising.

The reason I don't want to change the switch itself unless I have to is that I drilled out the panel and have the switch mounted in it, so if I change switches I need to get another one that fits perfectly in that hole.

If I have to start over and order a new panel it will cost like 10x any other solution, I think the panel is like $60.

[SSearchVT]

Take a look in McMaster or granger for the little nipples to cover the switch. It would be a lot cleaner then tool dip. Good Luck...

[TheIglu]

easy cheap way?

Cut the finger off of a latex glove. Slip it over. Done.

[RandyO]

Ben, I used the tool dip stuff, first I took the panel off my SV gauge cluster that I was mounting the switch to. then I mounted the switch and poured some tool dip in a bottle cap deep that was deep enuf to allow me to dip the switch (I didn't use the huge switch that came with the grips, rather a 10amp mini toggle from radio shack) in the end, the toggle and securing nut were completly covered in tool dip, very neat job, looked like it coulda been factory.

the tool dip has held up fairly well, it's been a couple years, but it's getting frayed now and I'll prolly pull the panel off and dip it again soon

I looked for waterproof switches, but either they were too big, or they were very low amp

[Wayne-o]

Ben.............If this is on the Veefer..........do yourself a favor.......Drive the freakn thing offa bridge and collect the insurance.

[benVFR]

Hey aren't you worried if you ride that Italian thing tomorrow it's going to fall apart from the salt?

[Wayne-o]

You gotta point there!

Originally posted by benVFR
Hey aren't you worried if you ride that Italian thing tomorrow it's going to fall apart from the salt?