Antman
Elite Member
:withstupid:
New Light Setup - Thoughts Please
- Thread starter mace.
- Start date
:withstupid:
mace.
New member
Yeah that pic was an afterthought while I was already under the dash doing a quick test.
Disclaimer: Electrical is not my strong suit. If any part of this doesn't make sense, I'm sure it is unclear explanation on my part and not you. Thanks.
Anyway, the test didn't go so well. I didn't wire the switches correctly so all they did was light up and wouldn't have "switched" anything on or off.
After a couple minutes on Google I think I got it sorted. Initially I had wired up terminal blocks which plug directly on to the back of the switches. I had to abandon them as I didn't have enough of the correct wire terminals which plug into the terminal block after my first botched attempt. Instead I went with blade connectors (not sure what the proper name is) with heatshrink directly to the back of the switch.
Each switch has 2 grounds and 2 12v+ for the lights in the switch alone. Then 12v+ input and output for power to the relay. I did some daisy chaining to try and keep it as clean as I could.
I have only purchased one set of lights so far, but I wanted all of the switches pre-wired and connected to the relay box so I wouldn't have to waste time going through the firewall at a later date.
The project should resume on Sunday as I have prior commitments tomorrow. If I behave myself on Sat and get up early on Sunday I should be able to:
And finally the pics.....
Can't Forget My Helper.
Disclaimer: Electrical is not my strong suit. If any part of this doesn't make sense, I'm sure it is unclear explanation on my part and not you. Thanks.
Anyway, the test didn't go so well. I didn't wire the switches correctly so all they did was light up and wouldn't have "switched" anything on or off.
After a couple minutes on Google I think I got it sorted. Initially I had wired up terminal blocks which plug directly on to the back of the switches. I had to abandon them as I didn't have enough of the correct wire terminals which plug into the terminal block after my first botched attempt. Instead I went with blade connectors (not sure what the proper name is) with heatshrink directly to the back of the switch.
Each switch has 2 grounds and 2 12v+ for the lights in the switch alone. Then 12v+ input and output for power to the relay. I did some daisy chaining to try and keep it as clean as I could.
I have only purchased one set of lights so far, but I wanted all of the switches pre-wired and connected to the relay box so I wouldn't have to waste time going through the firewall at a later date.
The project should resume on Sunday as I have prior commitments tomorrow. If I behave myself on Sat and get up early on Sunday I should be able to:
- Cut the dash and mount the switches.
- Route the wire through the firewall.
- Mount the aux relay box and make wire connections.
- Mount and wire the aux backup lights.
And finally the pics.....
Can't Forget My Helper.
mace.
New member
Not sure yet as far as mounting the relay box. Didn't make any progress today as my dremel crapped out on me then I just lost motivation. Tomorrow I will have access to another and will get the switches in. I was looking today and might mount the box right next to the factory one. It will be tight but it looks like the most logical place considering access to the battery and short path through the firewall to the switches.
4ShoreRunner
New member
The number of things on my positive terminal are starting to add up and I contacted Erik about ordering one of these. Thanks for all the details mace!
Stu-Runner
Member
Great thread....very clean install! Looking forward to updates.
Stu
Stu
gamerc
New member
This really looks great. Part of my trepidation with making changes is to ensure that it looks good and like it fits in the vehicle without sticking out like a sore thumb. These rockers REALLY look good. TY for the link and the project idea. On that note, my wife will likely not thank you (for the very same reasons).
mace.
New member
I've made time to get the switches and relay box in this weekend. I made a template to use for cutting a spot in the dash. I was about to attempt it 2 nights ago but I decided to wait so I didn't have to rush and end up screwing up the lower dash. Will post pics as soon as its in.
tlflow
New member
This looks better than the SPOD ... I can't wait to see how it turns out!
Antman
Elite Member
Man! I was just thinking of bumping this, and on OTRATTW's site drooling. You get me 2 of those switches- and I'll hook you up brotha!
Ps- baked goods?! I'm not that fat, that I need to be bribed with baked goods, am I?! :lmao:
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joneseyyy
New member
Hahaha. Because I have a sweet tooth, I guess I assume it is everyone's weakness. I'd gladly spot you 2 of those switches when the time comes!
mace.
New member
Uggghhh... pretty disappointed with how things went yesterday. Chose to install the switch bank to the right of the single blank switch (left side of the steering wheel). I applied some tape to the dash and traced out the hole with a sharpie. Now I knew there was a metal brace behind the dash but I thought I had enough clearance. Especially since I have seen other pic with the switches there. So away I go with the cutting. In the position I was in the dremel got away from me and the hole came out crooked. On top of that when I finished the hole that damn bracket was there right in the way. I ended up notching out the bracket for clearance and the switches popped right in.
After I was done I knew it looked bad. Then I take a pic of the switches straight on and it looks even worse. My girlfriend sat in the truck and said she didnt notice. I think it's due to the angle you looking at them while entering and exiting the vehicle. Anyway I know its there and it will drive me nuts. Eventually I plan on replacing the lower dash and recutting the hole before I install it. I'll chalk this one up as learning experience.
After I was done I knew it looked bad. Then I take a pic of the switches straight on and it looks even worse. My girlfriend sat in the truck and said she didnt notice. I think it's due to the angle you looking at them while entering and exiting the vehicle. Anyway I know its there and it will drive me nuts. Eventually I plan on replacing the lower dash and recutting the hole before I install it. I'll chalk this one up as learning experience.
phillyd2
Senior Member
Yeah. Would not look so bad if you had black interior. Did you take the panel off to cut the hole?
What I would do is start the left switch over that existing plate. Instead of a Dremel you would have better control from drilling 4 holes at each corner and cutting to them. Dremeling only to trim to fit.
Somebody will post the panel part number which hopefully will not cost too much.
What I would do is start the left switch over that existing plate. Instead of a Dremel you would have better control from drilling 4 holes at each corner and cutting to them. Dremeling only to trim to fit.
Somebody will post the panel part number which hopefully will not cost too much.
Antman
Elite Member
Don't sweat it- I've had my share of oops over the years...
Now- let's see if we can make it fit...
That switch panel has about 1/4" of overlap to cover the hole. You may have juuust enough to make it straight. Since the dash is already f'd it's worth a shot...right? Measure up 3/16" from the top right of the hole and Dremel straight over to the left corner of the hole. You may need to cut the bottom left too, but I doubt it. You will end up with a hole that isn't square, but see if you can level the switch panel without seeing the hole in the dash.
Now, you just need to come up with a way to keep the panel in place. I would use some stick epoxy and mold a piece on the bottom right of the switch panel to prop it up a bit. The original clips will hold it in place.
Or... You could buy a new panel- and cut it up all over....
Now- let's see if we can make it fit...
That switch panel has about 1/4" of overlap to cover the hole. You may have juuust enough to make it straight. Since the dash is already f'd it's worth a shot...right? Measure up 3/16" from the top right of the hole and Dremel straight over to the left corner of the hole. You may need to cut the bottom left too, but I doubt it. You will end up with a hole that isn't square, but see if you can level the switch panel without seeing the hole in the dash.
Now, you just need to come up with a way to keep the panel in place. I would use some stick epoxy and mold a piece on the bottom right of the switch panel to prop it up a bit. The original clips will hold it in place.
Or... You could buy a new panel- and cut it up all over....
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