Creating A Switch Panel To Fit In Ash Tray

[Asugolf14]

I am trying to create a switch panel for all of my lights in the spot for the ash tray. I was just wondering if anyone else has done this, and if they have any picts of it. Thanks-

 

[mattadams]

not quite, but Joe Dietz (jdietzjr) created a panel there for his ARB locker switches. Seems like a decent place to put them actually . Basically he just took the ashtray out, and put a piece of color-matched plastic (with the proper switches already instaled) into it's place, looked pretty slick.

 

[Asugolf14]

Yeah, so far, I have actually tried getting some thin black metal for in there, I got it to fit, but trying to get the toggle switches on there, which I wanted, has been tough. I think I'll be able to figure something out, just wanted to know if anyone had anything similar to that. Thanks!

 

[Alec]

I have a later model with the full center console. I put some switches in the rear of the main console:

I know this isn't what you're thinking about doing, but that middle part is similar. It's a plate of ABS plastic with the holes drilled through it. Basically if you take your time and pay attention to details, your install should look good.

When I get my gauges, I might get some of the same plastic and mount the gauges in the center console pocket below the A/C.

 

[Asugolf14]

Alec-where did you get that plastic from?? Did you form it to fit yourself, or did it come formed that way? Thanks-

 

[DarkFox1]

I hafta post this... I didn't say anything at the time. but that picture you just posted inspired me to do this:

I had plans of emailing you or something.. but it slipped my mind.. the pic you posted just reminded me.. that was a great idea man.. thanks

 

[Alec]

My friend who was helping me with the installations had some extra black plastic lying around in his garage. Its a rectangular piece that's glued to the back of that console piece. You should be able to get that plastic at a bunch of different types of stores, for sure a glass store (if they carry plexi). It's basically black plexi. I can ask my friend where he got it, though.

Darkfox, sweet! I'm glad I was able to influence someone Lookin good, man! Do your passengers like playing with the switches? Mine love playing with the horn. lol

 

[DarkFox1]

oh yea.. they like mesin with em.. they always turn them off at night tho.. they say they don't like the way it lights up their cups in my cupholder.. then get out! hehe...

what I did with this was took the kleenex box out and put 2 halves of a 2/4 in it, then took a peice of plexi, cut the holes, sprayed it black from behind, popped the switches in and mounted the plexi to the boards with screws.. you can't see the boards.. and the whole thing is removable for easy wiring.. as far as the piaa switch.. that was a shop error.. I told them to wire it to one of the blue switches.. IE 2 neons to 1 switch.. the piaas to the other.. but they had a different idea.. 1 neon per switch and then an Xtra piaa.. I like it now tho, the piaa switch is easy to get to and isn't really that much of an inhibiter of the vanity of the whole thing.

 

[RytM1]

Asugolf, Gall's makes some universal switch panels that you might be able to use. They don't show them in their site, but they look like a new product in their catalog.

3-switch panel : $69.66 part #D-SE064
4-switch panel : $84.99 part #D-SE063
5-switch panel : $89.99 part #D-SE067

 

[Asugolf14]

I am not looking to spend that much, but thanks for the info

 

[IgotTwo]

Alec
very slick!
trashing that tissues thing is a good idea.
Those tissues dangle out and are a fire hazard front seat smokers.
I was thinking about a simple console lite. Driving at night and trying to find anything in that center console is a pain. Yeah, I got the overhead console lights but a well placed very dim neon courtesy lite tied into the headlights was what I was thinking would work best. Trash the "t box"! I just got inspired. Set it up with room for something else later.

Someone asked:
"Do your passengers fuss with the switches"
Well, mine are always fussing with the tissues...I keep buying em and they keep getting going for em.
The T Box Conversion Method is looking real good, at least I would have to be buying tissues all the time.
Besides manly men keep a rag under the seat or use their shirt sleeve. haha

Did someone say tack some "black leather" (vynal) over the mounting plate and mount the panel switches over it
You can get the stuff at any fabric store... it is thin but thick enough to show a "little raised look"around rocker switches when you tighten em down... easy "tack" job too......use any type plastic or metal mounting plate ... I think it could work.

maybe if Alec goes on a long vacation i can catch up to +900 post - just kidding big guy
Good going on the panel switches

 

[punisher]

Alec,
Did you run a wire under the console because I can't seem to take it out. Is there any trick to it? BTW, you have a lot of switches... What are they all for?

 

[LLSTRIKES96]

Wow, that console switch is sweet. Dido on the previous post. Wiring? Usage?

 

[Alec]

The wiring is run through the console, under the black plastic but over the lower portion of the console. If you pull hard enough, it will come off. Starting from the bottom middle: black toggle: amp, then fogs, then driving lights. The top button is a dummy switch (it broke). The side red toggle is the backup lights, and the side pushbutton is for the airhorns.

 

[LLSTRIKES96]

Alec,
When you put your switches in did any of them require a ground running off the switch. The kit that I got today does and I 'm having trouble thinking of a metal surface to ground it on.

 

[Alec]

The center console has metal bracketly that connects to mounting bolts that are bolted to the body. You can either ground to that or:
Run a ground wire to a little cut in the carpet, sand the paint off the body, and use a self tapping screw with a little silicone to fasten the wire end loop to the body, or:
run a wire directly to the battery.

 

[punisher]

Alec,
You also inspired me to add a switch (soon there will be more) to my car. I chose a diffent place though. Thanks for the idea.
Dead Link Removed