3D Printed Switch Panel for Sunglasses Holder

[TiN]

Any progress? This looks like it could be a great option for these rigs. I've had a priapism since I saw this thread...

Just sent a test unit to Momo so he can check for functionality and usability; basically I just wanted another owner to make sure I didn't look over any detail.

So hopefully the final product will be ready to go in about a week or two :thumb3:

 

[rokr1292]

Looks awesome, wish something like this was available for mounting my scangauge

 

[aika1]

Looks awesome, wish something like this was available for mounting my scangauge

that would be slick. I have an ultragauge that would look great in that spot too, but I used a stick on velcro pieces and have it to the left of my gauge cluster. out of the way except for line of sight.

 

[4RunAmok]

I think my mirror is higher than yours. Because I can see the bottom of the console in the mirror now!

Maybe I have a replaced windshield.

Would it be possible to make the forward part flush, and angle upward the rear part to mount the SPOD control head?

 

[Anonymous4Runner]

TiN, can you please post a picture from the outside looking into the windshield area? I'm curious to see how it looks from the outside. They should be compatible with OEM Toyota switches once installed right?

I would definitely be interested if it works with OEM switches and its angle of depression is reduced significantly where it is close to being flush with the rest of the interior pieces, assuming it is possible!!

Looking forward to hearing back from momo regarding his review of this prototype

 

[TiN]

TiN, can you please post a picture from the outside looking into the windshield area? I'm curious to see how it looks from the outside. They should be compatible with OEM Toyota switches once installed right?

I would definitely be interested if it works with OEM switches and its angle of depression is reduced significantly where it is close to being flush with the rest of the interior pieces, assuming it is possible!!

Looking forward to hearing back from momo regarding his review of this prototype

I think my mirror is higher than yours. Because I can see the bottom of the console in the mirror now!

Maybe I have a replaced windshield.

Would it be possible to make the forward part flush, and angle upward the rear part to mount the SPOD control head?

It may be possible to make it completely flush; I would have to try it. Once we hear back from Momo, I figure we'll have a little focus group in this thread and decide which orientation is preferred.

The switch holes are currently designed to fit Carling Contura-V rocker switches (from OTRATTW.com). IIRC I think the factory switches may be too deep to comfortably fit in this location.

 

[South-O 4RnR]

I think my mirror is higher than yours. Because I can see the bottom of the console in the mirror now!

Maybe I have a replaced windshield.

Would it be possible to make the forward part flush, and angle upward the rear part to mount the SPOD control head?

Your mirror is higher than his. We both have our mirrors angled to the highest point (where you can see the bottom of the console in its' reflection).

I will say that there is room for the switches if with them installed flush with the console. The only issue I have with a flush install, is the switch images/labeling is not visible. If you want to be able to read your switches while in the 'off' position, there needs to be a bit of an angle. IMO, since I'm tall, I'd rather have a flush install and maximum visibility through the windshield and my rearview mirror over being able to read my switches.

I'd suggest prototyping a flush 'as possible' option.

 

[rokr1292]

that would be slick. I have an ultragauge that would look great in that spot too, but I used a stick on velcro pieces and have it to the left of my gauge cluster. out of the way except for line of sight.

I had an ultragauge in my Sport Trac before I upgraded to the t4r. hid that wire so well I didnt bother uninstalling it when i traded it in. my scangauge is currently mounted in the same area, using half of a blendmount the previous owner included with it.

I ordered a small 3d printer this morning and my first project will be finding a better way to mount the SGII. I'm also thinking printing a hood for it to prevent sun damage would be nice too.

 

[4RunAmok]

Your mirror is higher than his. We both have our mirrors angled to the highest point (where you can see the bottom of the console in its' reflection).

I will say that there is room for the switches if with them installed flush with the console. The only issue I have with a flush install, is the switch images/labeling is not visible. If you want to be able to read your switches while in the 'off' position, there needs to be a bit of an angle. IMO, since I'm tall, I'd rather have a flush install and maximum visibility through the windshield and my rearview mirror over being able to read my switches.

I'd suggest prototyping a flush 'as possible' option.

I think it would be possible to flush mount the part closest to the windshield and still have room to angle upward the side closest to the map lights. The pocket itself is very deep.

You could even remove material from the console itself at the top if you need, to fit traditional switches, but this wouldn't be necessary for an sPOD button pad.

 

[TiN]

Your mirror is higher than his. We both have our mirrors angled to the highest point (where you can see the bottom of the console in its' reflection).

I will say that there is room for the switches if with them installed flush with the console. The only issue I have with a flush install, is the switch images/labeling is not visible. If you want to be able to read your switches while in the 'off' position, there needs to be a bit of an angle. IMO, since I'm tall, I'd rather have a flush install and maximum visibility through the windshield and my rearview mirror over being able to read my switches.

I'd suggest prototyping a flush 'as possible' option.

I think it would be possible to flush mount the part closest to the windshield and still have room to angle upward the side closest to the map lights. The pocket itself is very deep.

You could even remove material from the console itself at the top if you need, to fit traditional switches, but this wouldn't be necessary for an sPOD button pad.

Working on a hellaflush version based off input from you guys, so I should have pictures on that soon.

More Importantly: Momo has notified me that he will not have time to test the switch panel in the near future, so I'm looking for someone who is willing and able to test these items and give feedback within a reasonable amount of time. If you are interested in trying out this product before anyone else, just message me and we'll sort out the details. I plan on sending both the angled version and the new flush version to whoever does the testing.

I may also offer a blank panel so you guys can drill the required holes to mount whatever devices you want. Just a thought.

 

[Flash Runner]

More Importantly: Momo has notified me that he will not have time to test the switch panel in the near future, so I'm looking for someone who is willing and able to test these items and give feedback within a reasonable amount of time. If you are interested in trying out this product before anyone else, just message me and we'll sort out the details. I plan on sending both the angled version and the new flush version to whoever does the testing.

I may also offer a blank panel so you guys can drill the required holes to mount whatever devices you want. Just a thought.

Have you found someone to send the prototype too yet?

 

[TiN]

Have you found someone to send the prototype too yet?

Nope! Shoot me a message if you're interested.

 

[Flash Runner]

Nope! Shoot me a message if you're interested.

Damn.... as much as I love too be the first to try them out, I've only got 2 cheapo toggle switches right now. So myself testing it out wouldn't yield the best results for everyone. More switches OEM will come soon enough

At Least this acts as a bump for anyone else to see to try them out!

 

[Anonymous4Runner]

Bump so this thread can be on the front page today in hopes of locating a volunteer

 

[rokr1292]

I may also offer a blank panel so you guys can drill the required holes to mount whatever devices you want. Just a thought.

I dont have any switches worth mounting up there, but a blank one has my attention.

I'm considering trying to print myself something for my scangauge, but my CAD skills arent what they used to be.

 

[TiN]

Important Update:

I've been in contact with [MENTION=133610]ParkerSmith[/MENTION] over the past week to get the low-profile version tested (big thanks to him for taking the time to help with this project!). Now that I have received his feedback, I'm going to go ahead and start taking orders on these. As with my other items, they are made to order so it may take a few weeks until an order is processed and ready to ship. The Paypal transaction is conducted at that time.

I'll update the front page with all the details in a bit, but for those who want their's the soonest just shoot me a PM.

Here's some basic info:

• You will receive one mounting bracket and one low-profile switch panel (both 3D printed in ABS), along with 2 M3x20 machine screws and 2 M3 nuts
• Installation will require some perminant modification to the sunglasses holder (full instructions below)
• For now, I am only offering one option: A standard 4-switch panel constructed of black ABS. Additional colors (tan and gray) and configurations ("blank DIY" and "SPOD") will be added shortly
• The price is $40 shipped (in the continental US)
• The switches to be used are the Contura-V series. If you find that other Carling switches are compatible, please let me know

Installation Instructions:

1. Remove map light console from headliner
2. Remove the damper roller and coil spring from the outer side of the sunglasses door
3. Remove the sunglasses holder door from its pivots either by popping it out or drilling out its studs
4. Pop out the rubber bump stops in the open sunglasses holder area
5. Wire up the switches on the switch panel
6. Place the switch panel in the sunglasses holder, popping the rearward protrusions into the pivot holes one at a time
7. Use the supplied M3 Bolts (x2) and M3 nuts (x2) to bolt the frontward portion into the bump stop holes mentioned earlier
8. For easier removal, epoxy the nuts to the backside of the sunglasses housing. This should allow for the removal of the switch panel without taking out the whole map light console.
9. If more clearance is needed for your wiring and connectors, cut-away some of the upper housing (black plastic) with a rotary tool. Be mindful not to cut away the mounting holes.

Pictures:

Low profile switch panel installed in the vehicle (Courtesy of [MENTION=133610]ParkerSmith[/MENTION] ). This item was printed on a different machine and is not representative of the final print quality of the product, however, it does show the convenient size and placement of the switch panel

Low profile switch panel w/o bracket. This item is a production piece and is representative of the items that will be shipped.

 

[TiN]

Color Update

I was able to source a plastic color that is very similar to the interior tan color (the one labeled khaki in the picture below). I am now taking orders for those who would like their switch panel to be in the tan color. The price is the same; $40 shipped in the continental US. Just send a PM to place an order!

 

[dsieber]

Just have to say it’s great you’re doing this. I just need to figure out what color I want now. I’m definitely in for one.

 

[The Nothing]

Looking forward to the blank configuration. Hoping I can stuff a MICtuning gang switch and VGA cable up there.

 

[TiN]

First customer installed his switch panel and sent me these pictures. Take a look! I have a new 3D printer arriving tomorrow, so I should be able to crank out more of these as well as my other 3D printed items. PM me if interested.