Custom switch panels- Let's see them
 

Hey everyone. Does anyone have any custom switch panels (for lights, radios, subs, computers, amps, abs disable or otherwise) that they would like to talk about or even post photos with explanations of how you built it and advice? I am looking at ideas for my truck when I do modifications of the interior in a few months. I will at the very least be adding the minicomputer (already have) with a touchscreen mounted on an arm up front to keep it out of the way and a custom switch panel for the current electronics (GPS, Radar Detector, Sirius, LED lights, Backup Camera) and the new computer equipment to clean up visible wiring inside the inside of the truck once I know how to do that. The computer project is only the start of a larger project that will eventually lead to more computer/car connections which will eventually make the computer able control vehicle systems (EXCEPT Steering/Acceleration/4WD/Brakes for safety reasons). I might even add more computers and networking equipment in a server rack in the trunk if the need arises. I will also be able to add 3G later when prices drop. I already plan on sacrificing the 12v outlet where the ashtray is and rewiring it to a switch panel somewhere which will supply power to the computer equipment. Everything is low power (computer alone is only 60w MAX and any screens might be just a bit less plus the 12v to 5v adapter (1A) for any USB Hubs) and 12v. I have a floor shifter in my truck, so as far as I can see, I would have to either remove the rear wiper/hatch panel and use that space for additional switches or even remove the cover on the center console and make a custom plate to install lots and lots of switches (just like the cockpit of a plane) and replace the armrest. I would also be able to install the computer in there. Maybe even make the plate the new access panel for the computer and any other electronics in there and even make it lockable. The question with that is : How do I route the wires into that area to get to the switches? Thanks.

EDIT: How would I be able to split the +12V connection from the cigarette lighter wiring to multiple switches to power low amperage electronics or activate relays?

Does this count? Switching for 2 pair of roof lights in stock dash light switch.

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/m...controls10.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/m...controls11.jpg

DAMN! that is a super nice install :icon_pics:

For my switches I just drilled into the panel under my steering wheel.

Man, that looks great.

Here is what the lower console in my 93 looked like before:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3927789_n.jpg

I installed a vacuum gauge and killswitch. The vacuum gauge is plumbed back as close to the manifold as I could get it, and the switch is on the 'remote turn on' lead to the back for the amplifiers. Switch down, no subs. There is a hot at all times lead under this console too that may come in handy at a later date. I would like to add another switch like this one in the future for any off road lights that may get mounted on the truck, and I would like to put a matching gauge for trans temp or EGT at a later time.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5054976_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...4_960482_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5054976_n.jpg

I dont have any photos, but I used to have a ricer car years and years ago, and I had put the switch panel in the headliner on that one. Took out the headliner, built a cool pod with about a dozen switches that lit up, and I installed green LED lights in the headliner too. Kept from cluttering up the dash and was cool like an airplane cockpit. It was very popular with my passengers. Might want to try that. If you make a small pod you can just epoxy it to the steel on the roof and its never coming down. Trim the headliner to fit around it, make a wiring harness that reaches to the kickpanel so you never have to take the roofliner down again, and you are golden.

Some nice panels/mods here. Some stuff to think about. I didn't even think of the headliner as a possible place to put switches. I thought that was impossible. Maybe I might be able to make the truck like the cockpit of a plane like I always wanted to do. Thanks.

Ohsofly: Nice panel and good idea making it for future expansion.

Kiwiblazer: Nice headlight switch mod. Those switches look like they were factory spec. Is that the standard RHD Blazer panel? There was no circuitry where you drilled the holes for the switches? It looks like it only controls foglights and the interior lights from the factory. Where is the switch for your headlights? On mine, the only mod that was made to the switch was an LED for the alarm system and I did not do that.

I would have done a roof console on this truck too but it already has one. The problem with the roof thing is getting the roofliner to go back where it was and not sag (spray contact glue is your friend) and make the wires stick to the roof with epoxy helps too.

Kiwi you should have done a tutorial.

Most likely you have i'm just too noob to know.

Stock switch panel from LT Blazers. My truck is the LS which only has one fog light switch. Got this one off a wreck. Light switch is on the steering column (right side). left side has wiper switch.

For the record, European (including Japanese) vehicles require fog lights at the rear - front are optional. That's why you've probably seen blazers with the 4 bulb config. My tails are 3 bulb & the rear fogs are hidden behind the lenses.

Anyway, I digress, where I fitted the switches for the roof lights I removed the plastic piece that transfers the light to the dome light & dome override sign. That's why I have wired in the blue LED's.

Check out my photo bucket a/c - link in my sig. I think there are pics of how I did it. I forget, it may also be in the Light Bar "How To" as well.