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Naio's avatar
Naio
Explorer II
Aug 17, 2015

Safety cover for a switch on curved surface?

Hi guys, I need your expertise again :).

When my van was at an alignment shop for a month (long story) I asked there about the possibility of installing a switch to unlock the rear hatch from inside. They emailed me (a week later) that it would cost $350 and did I want to do that, and I promptly emailed back, 'definitely not'.

Well, they installed it anyway, but didn't charge me. The upshot is I don't feel I can complain to them about HOW it was installed.

But it's danged problematic. It's a momentary switch (no way to tell if door is locked or unlocked) and is a 1.5" stick that pokes up from the curved plastic trim under the hatch glass -- right level with the mattress on the bed.


Now that I will be traveling with a cat, I am pretty much 100% sure he will be popping that lock without me knowing it. Not to mention blankets, pillows, elbows, etc.bumping it.

Is there some sort of cover I can put over this switch-stick, that would still allow easy access, but prevent accidental bumping? Something nicer looking than duct taping a yogurt cup over it?

Thanks much for any ideas!

26 Replies

  • It kinda looks like it's an extra long regular toggle switch that you could change to one that would have one of those red "rocket" Covers over it. The kind you have to flip up before pushing the switch sometimes used on ignition switches in race cars.
  • Naio's avatar
    Naio
    Explorer II
    Attempting to post from imgur on my phone...

    Ok, that didn't work, trying from a real computer:



    linky.
  • They make switch cover for that purpose. you should be able to get them from Lowe's, Home Depot, Ace, True Value. If the paddle switch is to long you might be able to cut it shorter. JMO
  • Mechanical lever? How about a 1-1/2" diameter plastic ABS (white) plastic pipe COUPLING from Home Depot. To plastic glue it with genuine GOOP. Big enough to get your fingers into to throw the switch.