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K5 Center console DIY switches, etc…

Chris Ziemer

Chris Ziemer

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Hi all, looking for ideas for DIY consoles to house the switches for my 82 K5. Mostly lights, but would like to maybe house a CB also. Right now, I have a little bungee cord holding a gaggle of switches against my kick panel!
I have an automatic w/the 4wd shifter on the floor, so not immediately sure how that would all fit.
Any pics/ideas you have would be appreciated. Where do you mount your switches?
 
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1990 K5 Duramax Blazer (BroDozer)

So first of all! I hope everyone had a great Memorial weekend! I thought i would share my new water bottle sticker with you guys, because I'm pretty stoked on it LOL
ck5.com ck5.com

Fabricated a new switch panel to replace my ashtray

I have had all of these things hanging out of my ashtray for years and decided to finally get it cleaned up. Plus I just recently installed an ARB locker in the rear so I needed a place for those switches. Front locker maybe later.
ck5.com ck5.com

couple of threads with ideas and solutions peps have used
 
Wes Harden said:

1990 K5 Duramax Blazer (BroDozer)

So first of all! I hope everyone had a great Memorial weekend! I thought i would share my new water bottle sticker with you guys, because I'm pretty stoked on it LOL
ck5.com ck5.com

Fabricated a new switch panel to replace my ashtray

I have had all of these things hanging out of my ashtray for years and decided to finally get it cleaned up. Plus I just recently installed an ARB locker in the rear so I needed a place for those switches. Front locker maybe later.
ck5.com ck5.com

couple of threads with ideas and solutions peps have used
Click to expand...
Thank you!
 
Desert_K5 said:
Desert_K5 said:
Here's mine. Grab a couple pieces of 060 aluminum, some rivets and bend it up. If you want it cut out I could dig up the files. (I think)

View attachment 430762

View attachment 430763

View attachment 430764
Click to expand...

Here's mine. Grab a couple pieces of 060 aluminum, some rivets and bend it up. If you want it cut out I could dig up the files. (I think)

View attachment 430762

View attachment 430763

View attachment 430764
Click to expand...
Desert_K5 said:
Here's mine. Grab a couple pieces of 060 aluminum, some rivets and bend it up. If you want it cut out I could dig up the files. (I think)

View attachment 430762

View attachment 430763

View attachment 430764
Click to expand...
Wow, that’s a great idea. Super nice job getting that together.
Kain said:
just an idea. instead of a stereo put cb in it. There are several companys that make this style of consol

Click to expand...
That’s a great idea too. I’m a little partial to my plastic behemoth, but a change may be in order.
 
 
You know what, I was looking at the Amazon unit Kain had sent and I saw a few different styles on there. I thought I was partial to the original unit, but there are some huge benefits to them. Looking at the one below. I’ll be spoiled if I can set my coffee cup somewhere besides on my left leg haha.
I’m not sure it solves my switch problem, but its a nice upgrade all the same.

Rampage Locking Center Console | Grey Denim | 31511 | Fits 1976 - 1995 Jeep CJ & Wrangler YJ https://a.co/d/84iNyWF
 
Chris Ziemer said:
You know what, I was looking at the Amazon unit Kain had sent and I saw a few different styles on there. I thought I was partial to the original unit, but there are some huge benefits to them. Looking at the one below. I’ll be spoiled if I can set my coffee cup somewhere besides on my left leg haha.
I’m not sure it solves my switch problem, but its a nice upgrade all the same.

Rampage Locking Center Console | Grey Denim | 31511 | Fits 1976 - 1995 Jeep CJ & Wrangler YJ https://a.co/d/84iNyWF
Click to expand...
I didn’t even know I made a center console. :doah:
 
Chris Ziemer said:
You know what, I was looking at the Amazon unit Kain had sent and I saw a few different styles on there. I thought I was partial to the original unit, but there are some huge benefits to them. Looking at the one below. I’ll be spoiled if I can set my coffee cup somewhere besides on my left leg haha.
I’m not sure it solves my switch problem, but its a nice upgrade all the same.

Rampage Locking Center Console | Grey Denim | 31511 | Fits 1976 - 1995 Jeep CJ & Wrangler YJ https://a.co/d/84iNyWF
Click to expand...
You'll want to make sure the width is what you're looking for.
 
Chris Ziemer said:
Hi all, looking for ideas for DIY consoles to house the switches for my 82 K5. Mostly lights, but would like to maybe house a CB also. Right now, I have a little bungee cord holding a gaggle of switches against my kick panel!
I have an automatic w/the 4wd shifter on the floor, so not immediately sure how that would all fit.
Any pics/ideas you have would be appreciated. Where do you mount your switches?
Click to expand...
Doesn't answer the radio question, but I noticed the ashtray assembly is screwed into the dash. Would be cool if someone made a panel that replaced that whole assembly , designed for switches and flush-mount USB/cigarette lighter plugs.

Edit: not talking anything complex...either a metal panel that matches the contour of the dash, or a squared off piece. Either way, something that attaches using the same screw holes as the ashtray assembly.

Also be really nice if it had a "slot" that held a cell phone.
 
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dyeager535 said:
Doesn't answer the radio question, but I noticed the ashtray assembly is screwed into the dash. Would be cool if someone made a panel that replaced that whole assembly , designed for switches and flush-mount USB/cigarette lighter plugs.

Edit: not talking anything complex...either a metal panel that matches the contour of the dash, or a squared off piece. Either way, something that attaches using the same screw holes as the ashtray assembly.

Also be really nice if it had a "slot" that held a cell phone.
Click to expand...

Now you got me thinking about what to do with that ash tray... maybe i leave the door alone and modify the actual ash tray for a couple of switches, or storage or something... still be able to flip it up and hide away inside the color matched factory cover...

I have a CB bolted to the front of my factory console... its in a good spot, but all I can fit with the gear shifter swinging around that area.... and the left side cup holder is useless, because if I put something in it, it is in the way of my wrist while shifting in and out of 2nd and 4th... (or 1st/3rd depending on if you count that granny gear as a regular forward gear or not)
 
I really like the ashtray idea too. And I may bolt my CB to the front of my console too. Automatic, so plenty of room. I had found another thread on consoles and copied this picture. I think I’m going to use the same concept only move the cupholders towards the console lid as far as I can, which will leave me plenty of room for toggle switches.
787DECA2-B6EB-488E-886E-8C0D8257D6BE.jpeg
 
Chris Ziemer said:
I really like the ashtray idea too. And I may bolt my CB to the front of my console too. Automatic, so plenty of room. I had found another thread on consoles and copied this picture. I think I’m going to use the same concept only move the cupholders towards the console lid as far as I can, which will leave me plenty of room for toggle switches.
View attachment 431042
Click to expand...

I dig the cyborg GM console! mine is all cracked... and recently found out my "spare" has just as many cracks :frown

had thought i was gonna need to do the Chinamazon jeep console at some point, but maybe i just need to reinforce mine with some aluminum and add stuff to it???
would match the emergency cut off on my seat frame!

seat side (1).jpg
 
Haha, cyborg GM. Has a ring to it. Mine was cracked some as well. Some resin epoxy and paint was all she needed.
I feel like I’m knee-deep in projects right now, so it’s probably going to wait a few weeks. I just bought a roll bar for my 82 out of Nebraska from off-road LTD. Putting that in now.
 
dyeager535 said:
This individual makes an ashtray replacement "panel". https://www.etsy.com/listing/688027846/73-87-square-body-chevy-gmc-ashtray

I've asked if one could be made that replaced the whole assembly but haven't heard back.
Click to expand...
dyeager535 said:
This individual makes an ashtray replacement "panel". https://www.etsy.com/listing/688027846/73-87-square-body-chevy-gmc-ashtray

I've asked if one could be made that replaced the whole assembly but haven't heard back.
Click to expand...
That’s a good find. I did see that panel in my searching, but clearly didn’t catch onto the fact it was for the ashtray.
I think it’s a great start, but a contoured fixed panel would be preferable. It’s got me thinking. Nicely remove the ashtray/lighter portion, leave the pivot point and maybe a magnetic closure - if necessary? 5 switches and a 12v in the ashtray door?
Man, these are exactly the problems I love, but don’t need!
83 Blazer, you’re ahead of your time!
 
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