Offroad Trailblazers and Envoys

MOD: Custom Switch Panel

Breaker 1-9, anybody got a copy? Any discussion or mods relating to electrons and wires go here.

by Trail X » Thu Oct 29, 2009 10:51 pm

(I made this a while ago, but thought people may want some ideas regarding where to put switches, especially since there isn't a lot of good space in the cockpit.)

I needed a place to put a couple switches because my number of accessories outgrew my number of switches. So I looked around for a place to put them. I wanted to put them all together instead of having a few switches here and there... but I also want it to look like it's part of the vehicle... not just a random panel that doesn't fit in. I also wanted expandability, in case I needed to add more switches later. So I needed a large unused space; which doesn't really exist in our vehicle.

So I decided to make my own panel. I started with a paper mock up which was easy to trim, then I transferred the outline to a thin sheet of aluminum and shaped it to the proper fit:

Image

Lots of test fitting:

Image

Wiring and foam vibration dampening:

Image

Painted and labeled:

Image

Final installation:

Image

So, with a little ingenuity and some sweat equity, I think it turned out okay. Let me know what you think.
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by irishboy02 » Fri Oct 30, 2009 12:02 am

Awesome setup! Love it :cheers:
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by cbbryan » Fri Oct 30, 2009 12:21 am

It looks really good; I wish I would have put some more thought into a switch panel insted of just rushing into it to get it working. Currently I have my switch for my four roof lights in the side plastic below the shifter. I like it cause it is a place where only I can reach for the most part. It's location also helps hide the blinding blue led in it. I sense that I will be unable to put more switches in the same spot int the future. I would like to figure out how to do an overhead switch panel, but I have yet to figured out how to do that unless I do it where the factory garage opener is located.
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by cowboy63645 » Fri Oct 30, 2009 3:08 am

I think it turned out great, and the idea of making a panel for the same spot has crossed my mind more than once. I have also thought about making the sunglasses holder into a compartment for my switches, but it might be more work than it is worth to...I guess trial and error will play a role in my decision!
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by janesy86 » Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:21 am

cbbryan wrote: unless I do it where the factory garage opener is located.


Thats what I was thinking about for when I do some aux lighting and whatnot...

Looks great James! :cheers:
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by bgwolfpack » Fri Oct 30, 2009 12:10 pm

:thumright: When will you be listed as a vendor also? :thumleft: Many uses for that set up, with or without switches. But those damn cup holders are still in a rotten place. Seriously, a mod not just for here but the os also without the liability that someone like Mark carries. Have you patented this idea or is it free/clear for to open duplication and marketing? :poke: :coffee2: :raspberry:
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by A-Train » Fri Oct 30, 2009 2:34 pm

i really like this setup...about what was the total cost and time put into the panel if you don't mind me asking?
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by Trail X » Fri Oct 30, 2009 2:57 pm

Haha... There's no way I could make money off selling the panel. Feel free to make your own version... just don't sell it without sending me royalties!

I want to say the total cost was like 50-60 bucks. Most of the cost is in the switches.

Plus, I had originally gotten blue LEDs for the light switches as a color differentiation... bad idea as the blue destroys your night vision. Go all red.
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by cbbryan » Fri Oct 30, 2009 3:00 pm

Plus, I had originally gotten blue LEDs for the light switches as a color differentiation... bad idea as the blue destroys your night vision. Go all red.


I have a blue and the only reason I like my current location is because the led is covered by my leg. I want to move it.
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by skawtydog » Sat Oct 31, 2009 1:42 am

That looks really good!!
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by Zero » Sat Oct 31, 2009 8:33 am

i love this set up, my only concern is how low it is. if i do something like to my ride, i want it up on the roof liner. there is a flat spot on my just above and slightly further back from the rear view mirror i have been thinking about using.
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by foosh » Tue Nov 10, 2009 2:44 am

JD I really like it but where do you put the pens??? :poke: I'm in the process of thinking were I'm gonna redo mine in... I was thinking about where a good place to put it without disturbing anything is...
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