BX Customizing

[RET]

Adding toys to BX recently....just for fun.
Added forward facing trap. light on top of ROPS along with an extra taillight on backside of ROPS. Added cigarette lighter outlet to back. Thinking of adding horn this evening (just to be acting silly).
Next additions for which I am seeking advice (I've done extensive TBN searches, but want to hear more)
1) rear facing light: looking for one (similar to what I've seen on police cars) that is on an articulating arm and has a length of "springy cord" so you can detach it from the monting and use it as a hand-held light around the tractor. Saw similar one on an ATV site a while back...but can't remember where. Anybody got one of these? Website? model #?
2) Anybody replaced the BX boa-constrictor seat belt with an aftermarket one that doesn't ratchet back in? I'm tired of using the clip-method to keep belt extended....busted a hand grab and gnarled up the belt a while back when the flailing belt got caught up in a back wheel.
3) Electrical question: To minimize the wiring mess, I would like to install ONE ignition-enabled relay for all my 'toys' I'm adding. I am thinking of protecting the relay by installing a fuse on its power supply that is sized with the relay rating. Then, I would appropriately fuse each individual load coming off the relay. Is that OK? Is the a more-better way than using one single large relay?
4) Where are some good sources of relays and related electrical gear? Am having a hard time finding potted relays in my area. Should I just open the hood of my car, find a relay that is similar to what I need, write down its part number, then go down to the auto parts store and buy it?
In addition to the Delcity website, what are other electrical sites you buy from? Where do I find good, weather proof toggle, rocker, pull, etc switches?
5) Anybody replaced the BX2200 seat with other than the B2410 seat? I want a seat with hydraulic shocks and arm rests. Nothern has some nice looking ones, But I can't get enough details from their web site to evaluate their suitability to the tight confines of the BX. Web sites? model numbers?

Thanks and Merry Christmas to All!
Roger

 

[RET]

The portable light I'm looking for is something like this. Anybody have one of these?

http://www.caddventure.com/atv/lights/rack-mounted_spotlight_desc.html

Roger

 

[pcmem]

Roger,

Regarding #1, I replaced the SMV sign with a bracket, light, switch and coiled cord. This way I can remove it when not needed or needed elsewhere, it adjusts up and down, left and right. I can even stick it in the ground when I don't want to hold it. Here is a picture....

Have fun,
Michael

 

[RET]

Thanks Michael.
I just removed my SMV sign a few days ago 'cause it was in the way. Was thinking I could use the bracket for something. Was at Wllyworld a while ago pondering over the same idea you had in your pic.
have a good one,
roger

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hi,

<font color=blue>Is the a more-better way than using one single large relay? </font color=blue>

Some people want to use a relay, other's may not. If the relay is controlled by the ignition switch, it is a good idea.

One needs to ask what advantage the relay offers. There are times when a relay offers real advantage.

The advantage of the relay in your application would be that current supplied to all the devices that you might connect would not flow through the ignition switch. And since the voltage to operate the relay would come from the ingnition switch, you would not have to worry about fogetting to turn any of the accessories off. They would all go off when the ignition switch was turned off.

If you would wire up your accessories independent of the ignition switch, then a relay would be excess baggage in my opinion. Fused protection for the devices would be enough.

More than one realy would buy you little other than unnecessary circuit complication, in my opinion.

The existing fuse protection will cover the relay operating coil, which is activated by your ignitions switch.

Be sure to fuse the circuit feeding the relay contacts, which will supply the power to your accessories.

I think using ONE relay is the best thing to do. More than one would not offer any realy advantage.

I think you plan is right on. In the past I thought a relay was overkill, but it is not if it is used to shunt current around the ignition switch. Especially if the ignition switch is not robust enough to handle the extra current demanded by the accessories you will install.

Have fun and Merry Christmas!

Bill in Pgh, PA

 

[RET]

Bill...your comments were exactly why I wanted to add a 'master relay'....power off when ignition off....and isolation of power from the original OEM stuff (like the ignition, existing circuits, etc).
Thanks!

BTW...anybody remember what the standard BX alternator (or should I call it a generator, or a dynamo, or simply thinga-ma-jig that charges the battery) is rated for? Seems like I remember some tiny number like 15 amps. Seems like a 45 amp was an option that I had fully intended to order when i bought the tractor...but forgot during price negotiations. I guess I'll find out when I get all the toys installed and fire them all up at the same time....if the dash dummy light comes on, then I'll know I've pushed a little too far.

roger