Bridged Double Pole Switch 50-505

OVERVIEW

When you are tearing through the dunes in a high-performance sand rail or pushing your air-cooled Beetle to the limit on the track, the last thing you want to worry about is a cheap, plastic electrical component failing under pressure. The QuickCar Racing Products Bridged Double Pole Switch (Part #50-505) is engineered specifically for those demanding environments where reliability is non-negotiable. At Appletree Auto, we know that air-cooled Volkswagens are notorious for vibration and harsh operating conditions, which is why we recommend this heavy-duty toggle switch. Unlike standard consumer-grade switches that can arc or melt under high current loads, this QuickCar unit features a robust internal construction designed to handle the rigors of 12-volt racing electrical systems. It provides a crisp, positive engagement that you can feel even through a pair of racing gloves, ensuring that your ignition, fuel pump, or cooling fan stays exactly where you set it.

What sets this specific switch apart is the "bridged" double pole configuration. By connecting the two top poles and the two bottom poles together, QuickCar has effectively doubled the contact surface area within the switch. This design significantly increases the amperage capacity and provides a layer of redundancy; if one contact point were to face resistance, the other is there to carry the load. This makes it an ideal choice for high-draw accessories in your Baja Bug or custom off-road buggy. The 1/2-inch mounting diameter ensures a universal fit in most dash panels, while the sleek, durable toggle lever stands up to repeated use without loosening over time. When you are building a wiring harness from scratch or upgrading your vintage VW''s electrical panel, incorporating professional racing-grade components like the 50-505 is the best way to ensure your machine stays "Appletree Tough" on every adventure.

FITMENT

This QuickCar Bridged Double Pole Switch is a universal-fit component designed for 12V systems, making it a perfect upgrade for the following air-cooled Volkswagen models and custom applications:

• VW Beetle (Standard & Super): 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979.
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974.
• VW Bus / Type 2 (Split & Bay Window): 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979.
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973.
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973, 1974.
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, Baja Bugs, Meyers Manx replicas, and all tube-chassis off-road race cars.

SPECS

• Manufacturer: QuickCar Racing Products
• Part Number: 50-505 (QRP50-505)
• Switch Type: Toggle Switch, Double Pole (Bridged)
• Circuit Function: ON/OFF (Single Throw)
• Voltage Compatibility: 12-Volt DC Electrical Systems
• Amperage Rating: Heavy-Duty Racing Grade
• Mounting Hole Diameter: 1/2 Inch (0.500" I.D.)
• Terminal Configuration: Bridged connections between top poles and bottom poles
• Material: High-impact housing with metallic toggle lever
• Application: Universal panel mount
• Sold As: Individually (Each)

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Maximize Conductivity with Proper Termination

When installing the QuickCar 50-505 in your VW, always use high-quality heat-shrink terminals. Because this switch is bridged to handle higher current, the wiring leading to it must be equally capable. We recommend using at least 12 or 14-gauge multi-strand copper wire for high-draw accessories like external oil coolers or electric fans. After crimping your connectors, slide a piece of marine-grade heat shrink over the terminal to seal out dust and moisture, which are the primary enemies of electrical systems in off-road buggies and sand rails. This ensures that the low-resistance path provided by the bridged poles isn''t compromised by a poor connection at the terminal end.

Tip 2: Stress-Relief for High-Vibration Environments

Air-cooled engines produce significant harmonic vibrations, especially when mounted in a lightweight dune buggy frame. To prevent the weight of the wiring harness from tugging on the switch terminals and causing premature failure, always provide a "service loop" or stress-relief bend in the wire immediately behind the dash. Secure the harness