Custom Switch Panel

Check out my build for more details and pics.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/az2013-spruce-build.401321/

For a long time I had this idea in my brain for a custom switch panel that I've never seen before. There's so many really cool designs and ideas from guys on here but I really wanted to be unique and have something that has never been done before.

So I found a switch I really liked and started brainstorming with @XPOTRPR to see if I was crazy or if it would even work. Josh graciously offered to help me with the design using his 3D printer at work and off we went!

My idea was basically to eliminate the entire clock/airbag sensor/hazard switch unit and replace it with a unit to accommodate all my switches. The whole piece is really worthless anyway. I could care less if I have a clock. Don't care about seeing the light that tells me the passenger air bag is on. Only thing on the whole unit I need is the hazard switch and I will be retaining that anyway with the new panel.

Biggest problem I ran into is the fact that the entire airbag system runs off the circuit board inside the unit I want to replace. Because of this I am forced to keep that unit plugged in and stuffed up inside the dash. No big deal really since there is plenty of room.

Took the piece off and sent it to Josh who got to work right away. Here's a couple shots of his progress.



Huge props to Josh for taking his time to make this thing perfect. He printed several test pieces to make sure the fitment was absolutely perfect and to make sure I approved before sending me back a final product.

Once I had the final piece back it was time to epoxy it into place and get the switches I stalled. Because of the nature of 3D printing, the texture of the piece was rough and I wanted it smooth to match the trim. So I hit it with a sander till it smoothed out and then 3 coats of flat black krylon. It matches damn near perfect now.

Switches installed and the piece epoxied in place.





And installed back into the head unit piece.


Up to this point the process had been relatively simple. The wiring process, however has been nothing short of "stick a screwdriver in my eye" frustrating. Lol

The terminals on these switches a very small which means solder connections only. Not the end of the world but a lot of added work. Add the fact the the space between terminals and between switches is almost nonexistent, and the fact that I don't solder all that well and you have a recipe for shit getting thrown around the house and breaking.

I wanted them lit up all the time so I looped all positives together and all grounds together. Pretty basic stuff so far.





Finally all back installed and powered up.





Took me a couple hours to get the wiring figured out for the individual switches but I finally figured it out. Still haven't figured out how to wire the hazard lights to the switch though. I've isolated the wire from the old harness but I can't get it to work. My assumption is it has to some how do with the relay the switch is currently wired to?? I'm far from an expert so I really don't know.

So far it's working great but I do forsee an issue in the future when all the switches are wired to accessories. It will be a mess of wires and disconnects stuffed back there. So my plan is to learn how to build a single wire harness plug to be able to easily removed the unit when necessary.

Thanks again to Josh and also to Andrew @snowtank for the wiring help!!!

 

This looks so clean! I like this a lot. The only thing is I'd get confused as to what button is for what, but it still looks really good.

 

@dcsbtaco

 

Thank you sir!! I appreciate it!

 

This is badass I like the look a lot. Any chance of making any more panels to sell?

 

You'll have to ask @XPOTRPR I believe he may be offering them for sale.

And thank you! I'm pretty happy how it turned out.

 

Have you figured out how to wire the hazard yet?

 

Honestly I haven't even tried. I've been way too busy to set aside the time.

 

Bumping an old thread, But are you able to share the drawing file? I would like to make the same thing. my hazard switch is busted.

 

Can we get a file to 3d print these?