Need to add some switches for KCs, rock lights and rear lights. I have AC so dash is pretty full. Where do you put a few switches that are easy to reach? Was thinking A pillar somehow but needs ro look good. Ash tray is too far away...
CK5
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Where do you put your switches?
- Thread starter formercruiserhead
- Start date
Are you using the radio? It’s a good spot if it’s not important.
Is the dash pad nice? Would you put something on top of it?
It’s no help but I put a switch panel in the upper a/c vent spot and fit like it’s factory.
Is the dash pad nice? Would you put something on top of it?
It’s no help but I put a switch panel in the upper a/c vent spot and fit like it’s factory.
Switch panel in ash tray fold out door?
I've always been an ashtray mount guy...
I agree that the ashtray is a decent reach.
I put a panel below the radio, but I don't believe that it's ideal.
If the switches are lit in any way, they could be annoying at night if they are on top of the dash pad. IMO.
A panel up between the sun visors would be good, unless you want to switch something while out of the seat, as in standing on the ground with the door open.
On the front of the center console is easy to reach, but would be susceptible to splashes from the drinks in the cup holder. And you would need to leave space for access to the 4wd shifter.
I put a panel below the radio, but I don't believe that it's ideal.
If the switches are lit in any way, they could be annoying at night if they are on top of the dash pad. IMO.
A panel up between the sun visors would be good, unless you want to switch something while out of the seat, as in standing on the ground with the door open.
On the front of the center console is easy to reach, but would be susceptible to splashes from the drinks in the cup holder. And you would need to leave space for access to the 4wd shifter.
This is what I did (Amazon switch panel).
I like that spot, not sure if it would affect the A/C to lose that vent. The '67-'72 trucks only have 3 vents, so maybe it would be ok?This is what I did (Amazon switch panel).
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I put my winch controls in my ashtray. 12vguy made them.
Other switches are under the steering column in that removable panel held on by 2 screws. I have 8 switches there but only use 5. Lights go on one side, engine stuff goes on the left. Makes it easier to just reach down and flip a switch without looking. Helps to not shut off the ignition while just trying to turn on the fog lights
Other switches are under the steering column in that removable panel held on by 2 screws. I have 8 switches there but only use 5. Lights go on one side, engine stuff goes on the left. Makes it easier to just reach down and flip a switch without looking. Helps to not shut off the ignition while just trying to turn on the fog lights
I find the ashtray isn't too bad of a reach, but I do have a pretty good wingspan.
Here is what I made quickly when I needed it ready to go play. I made it bolt onto the bottom section of the dash so that I didn't put holes farther up. My theory is that the dash won't look as bad if I do move the panel somewhere later.
I don't care for the wire routing very much, or honestly the placement. However it is accessible from the seat or with the door open.
I don't care for the wire routing very much, or honestly the placement. However it is accessible from the seat or with the door open.
I was thinking of something similar. Mine is a DIN and a half being an 89' and was thinking of somehow using that space which is an inch or two higher from what you did. I like it.
Thanks. This is a '90 with the adapter for the stereo. The adapter wastes some space, for sure.
@formercruiserhead are you using a radio or is that space available?
I am going to put a single din radio in. Currently nothing there. but will have a thin gap I think of nothing. Was thinking I could make some type of switch holder that sticks out and over hangs below the radio maybe? Or could locate the radio somewhere else and have a ton of room for switches.
I've been thinking of carving a plastic box to fit between the ashtray and radio. Would mount a series of switches on top of each other, like portrait style. The wires could route through the hole for the rear window switch. Could also use a shaped mount there for an auxbeam type of panel. This would actually be a good 3-D printing project.
In my Chevy, 6-4, red to be exact.
The cutout for a Carling switch is less than 1", so theoretically you could have a 1.5 DIN panel that holds switches sideways and a 1-DIN radio. I just checked Etsy and nobody seems to be selling them. It would also be great if somebody was printing a 1.5-1DIN adapter plate that angled the radio face upwards. Since my Kenwood offers bluetooth remote control, if I have the tablet in, I'll use that as the radio display. How are you supposed to search Gigs of folders on a tiny screen in front of your knee with little chicklet buttons? Probably safer to find it on Spotify on your phone while driving.
Really what I want is a miniature head unit that goes in the HVAC control or vent location so you can actually see the thing. Now that we don't have CD drives in them, they can be made almost any size, but I don't see narrow ones available. You can get a marine head unit that is a 3" diameter gauge form factor.
If you can relocate the radio, you can put switches in it's old place: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1019860806/gm-15-din-switch-panel
Really what I want is a miniature head unit that goes in the HVAC control or vent location so you can actually see the thing. Now that we don't have CD drives in them, they can be made almost any size, but I don't see narrow ones available. You can get a marine head unit that is a 3" diameter gauge form factor.
If you can relocate the radio, you can put switches in it's old place: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1019860806/gm-15-din-switch-panel
