Where the poo should I put my switches?

[soon2bsick]

Putting on 2 sets of KC's tomorrow and I have no idea where to put my switches. I don't have the full console (see pics) so everywhere on the consoles seems pretty low for a switch, I also don't really want to put a bunch of big holes in my dash.

I checked the lighting forum area but most of what I found were full consoles/explorers

just looking for some ideas,

 

[OffTrac]

I have mine mounted under the steering column. Out of sight, rarely used and easily accessed without fumbling around. Easy to wire, too without any visible wires. Plus, I can tell if it's on or off because it gives a red or green glow on my legs to indicate which.

 

[n2epv]

To the left of the radio. At least on my '97 that panel holding the radio is flat underneath and there's ample room for a switch or two. On a 4WD, that's where the 2H/4H switch goes.

 

[rokr1292]

If you don't smoke, go for the ashtray. Mount them inside, you have hideable switches. Mount them outside, you have easy access to the wires.

You might also consider replacing the little cubby with the cupholder from a ranger with auto trans and 60/40 seats like I did a while back. You gain two cupholders, and thenn you could use the cubbyhole on that cupholder assembly for your switches, maybe make a plate to fill it in.

Just some ideas.
Are you going to use one switch for the 4 lights or 2 switches, 2 lights each?

 

[soon2bsick]

If you don't smoke, go for the ashtray. Mount them inside, you have hideable switches. Mount them outside, you have easy access to the wires.

You might also consider replacing the little cubby with the cupholder from a ranger with auto trans and 60/40 seats like I did a while back. You gain two cupholders, and thenn you could use the cubbyhole on that cupholder assembly for your switches, maybe make a plate to fill it in.

Just some ideas.
Are you going to use one switch for the 4 lights or 2 switches, 2 lights each?

ashtray area is where my CB radio is going, but that is a good idea

2 switches, one for each set

 

[MidnightRebel07]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=320489

 

[05dakotatrac]

you could always mount the CB to the front of the arm rest in between the cup holders and the cubby under the ashtray. then mount the switches in the ashtray or if you wish do a second gen EX suv and two fog switches your call

the second gen sploder with 2wd, and at least rear defog will give you one switch if you want two switches find the same criteria above plus factory fogs and then it will give you two switches (make sure to replace the rear defog switch to a fog switch other wise your switch wont latch on and off)

 

[LONO100]

check out rebels link. ive already got my second bezel with extra switch. just waiting to get my lights in. great idea for a clean factory look and you dont even have to punch any holes in your dash

 

[mwweimer_2001]

I had an idea yesterday on the way to work. I reached up to open my sunroof and realized how much open area there is in my overhead console. I think that would be an excellent place to mount a couple of switches. Just a suggestion...

 

[Clusterpup]

Here you can see where I put the master switch for my air compressor and button for my air horn.

 

[soon2bsick]

Here you can see where I put the master switch for my air compressor and button for my air horn.

How did you run the wires? I mean once you get the kick panel off can you get to the back of that area to hook up the wires to your switches and what not? (I've never taken the kick panel off of this vehicle)


I plan to add actual fog lights in the future since my truck did not come equipped with them, so getting the bezel with the fog light switches will be for a later install.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Find a V8 AWD Ex or Mounty, '95-01. They have two (foglight/ rear defroster) switch holes but no 4wd hole since you have a 2wd. Perfect solution for anyone with a 2wd.

 

[interscope8]

How did you run the wires? I mean once you get the kick panel off can you get to the back of that area to hook up the wires to your switches and what not? (I've never taken the kick panel off of this vehicle)


I plan to add actual fog lights in the future since my truck did not come equipped with them, so getting the bezel with the fog light switches will be for a later install.

I've run more wires than I prolly needed thru the back of the kick plate... I had some cheap yellow strobes mounted behind my windshield tucked up into my headliner, ran those through the same way he did.

One you take off the panel, there's the metal plate behind it. Take that off as well and there is sooooo much room to run wires. Then it's just a matter of running it nice and neat and keeping it all tucked up and run it through the firewall. I have my 10 Meter radio, my strobes, my aux lights, and my 2 gauge amp power wire ran through the same firewall port and everything except my amp wire running behind the kick plate!

 

[Radio-Active]

This is what I had in the Jeep. (see pic below) I plan on putting one in the ST. They come in 4 to 8 switch set ups. I ordered a 4 switch box off e-bay and plan on putting it in the center console where the black bag should go.

 

[interscope8]

This is what I had in the Jeep. (see pic below) I plan on putting one in the ST. They come in 4 to 8 switch set ups. I ordered a 4 switch box off e-bay and plan on putting it in the center console where the black bag should go.

link?

 

[Radio-Active]

The box I bought is a Federal Signal, but if you search ebay for # Function Switch Box #=the number of switches you want. You should come up with a few options.

here is the one I bought.
Federal siginal switch box

 

[soon2bsick]

This is what I ended up with guys,

Feel free to check out my light bar thread


http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=353997&page=2


ignore the dirty, wire infested mess. It will be cleaner tomorrow

Thanks for everyone's ideas

 

[LONO100]

where is your sleeve of cd's going to go now!? jk

 

[interscope8]

where is your sleeve of cd's going to go now!? jk

hmmmmm... if he put a hinge on the switch box and made a compartment to run wires inside the box he could prolly fit the CD sleeve in the box too! Just a thought for ya sick

 

[soon2bsick]

haha nah the cd sleeve is gone, It was only there because it has the CDs I use to adjust my amplifier and I don't feel they are as helpful over an MP3 player

I'm gonna get an iPod mount here soon, finish my audio setup