willexoIX

While I am waiting on my taxes, I wanted to work on a couple minor mods before I get back to the rest of the turbo install.

First up is getting started on my custom switch panel. I started with some of the lexan I made my custom airbox out of (search "Another Custom Intake"), since I am going turbo, there is really no need for the airbox, it would probably implode with the air pulled in under boost.

Here is what I am making switches for,
Megasquirt main power
Undercar neons
Launch control/antilag(momentary switch)
Intercooler fan control(for stop and go traffic, doing a TMIC)
And probably about 4 other switches that I dont have a use for yet.

Here is the kicker. You know that little bar on the underside of the ashtray lid? I am going to use that as a "master" turn off for the switches; close the lid, all switches get turned off by the bar.

I thought it would be a neat idea.
Couple things, I bevelled the 3 edges(sides and back). The way I am doing it, the back has to be bevelled to fit, it sits between the lid and where the ashtray sits. Also I cut the little rubber bands off that sit on the tabs underneath the lid. This was to make the lid sit flush when closed.

Not the best pics but here is where Im at. Once the holes are cut for the switches and its ready for final install, I am going to lay down Plasti-dip, if you texture it just right you can get it pretty close to the stock textures on the rest of the plastics

Stay Tuned!

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Cool deal. I always like the idea of non-factory switches being placed in an inconspicuous location.

willexoIX

Forgot to attach the pic showing the lid sitting flush. The rocker switches are just barely the right size to fit. The momentary switch for the launch control will be mounted backwards as compared to the rest of the switches.

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Nice, no one will be the wiser when you hit the switch.

willexoIX

Thanks, yea I like things to look stock, even if they arent. Only thing i did to the outside of the car besides paint was an antenna delete. Using one of the 12v amplified antennas behind the rearview and it works great!

Next up is a couple of those broom looking door sweeps to replace that stupid plastic piece that the shifter goes through, they dont hold up very well so Im gonna see how a sweep mounted on each side goes.

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

I've been thinking about getting rid of the antenna on the right fender and make it look smooth like some of the others on here. I had a 1978 Nova and really liked the built in windsheild antenna.

92RS_Ttop

iTrader: (3)

I just finished up doing the same with my ashtray. I mounted the panel for the switches to the underside of the ashtray compartment though. Doing that allowed me to use larger rocker switches. I used 6 switches and had room to mount a pair of USB charger ports for cellphones, GPS, etc. For the charger ports, I gutted one of those small lighter socket adapters. I used an old radio wiring harness kit to allow everything to be unplugged so I can remove the shifter plate without having to cut wires.

willexoIX

It looks great, it's really subtle, unless you know thirdgens you won't even realize it. I did the fiberglass sheets on the underside and taped wax paper to the top. But I left a little room for the fiberglass and resin to push out so I could sand the excess to blend it.

I'll post a couple pics when I find them. I wanna figure out how many switches I'll actually use so I can measure and cut the holes. I can fit 8, but I doubt I'll use all of them. I know I'm going to use a dual tune switch for the megasquirt, economy tune to a power tune with the flick of a switch

Instead of cutting each individual hole for each switch, I'll cut a slot for all or them so I can add or remove switches later. I can use little snap in switch covers for the areas with no switches.

willexoIX

Not really a great pic, but you can see its gone, lol. theres a close up pic in my album on this site

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Looks great. I'm for keeping certing things stock on a car but the antenna sticking out of the fender is something I never liked. I have a 3" shorty antenna on it now instead of the "giant whip".

willexoIX

Yea, it was pretty giant, and to me looked out of place, lol

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

I still kept my factory antenna though. Just put it away.

willexoIX

Did a couple more small things to the panel. I have a usb cigarette adaptor I decided to put alongside the switches. The usb plug will be on a switched 12. I cut a channel for the switches, instead of trying to cut each individual hole.

I love plastidip, you can see how thick i laid it on. I did real thick to be super durable. Same thing I did to the rims like a year and a half ago and havent had to touch them but to spray them off.

Once it dries ill do a couple light dusting coats to put some texture on it. I tested using that bar on the underside as a master turn off for the switches and it worked perfectly. I can even take the plate out with the switches and usb plug attached with no problem either.

Will post some pics up tomorrow if i get it in the car.

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

It's always a good policy to keep blingy switches hidden. I've got mine hidden in there too where no one has to know they're there. There's also literally no limit to the amount of things plastidip is awesome for. Just avoid the glossifier... it's just way too thin and easy to rub off.

willexoIX

I agree. Havent had the chance to work with the glossifier yet and i probably wont.
Thats also why my tach is mounted in front of the old one, instead of on the dash.

I love that all i have to do to turn the switches off is close the ashtray, everything fits perfectly, now if i can just find more matching switches, lol. Ill have to stop by radioshack.

willexoIX

Well here is a couple pics of it in the car. I dont have it wired yet, spent most of the day installing an aftermarket tach that i had to make a bracket for, removing the leds from the tach in the cluster, mounting the tach in front of the stock one in front of the cluster. Then wiring it up with the el power supply to come on with the other gauge lights. Fixing a blown bulb in my sunpro oil gauge.

The lid sits a little high, i have to do a little adjusting with the panel. The first switch will be the Megasquirt power, the other will be power for the usb socket. I like it so far. When im 100% done ill put another couple coats of plastidip.

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Looks clean and I like the USB port you added in.

willexoIX

Thanks. I figured I would add the usb charger cause I would never use that many switches.

willexoIX

Update:

It aint pretty, but it aint done. I may wind up using this as a prototype, or I may just use it as is.

From left to right heres what the switches are for.
TCC, Megasquirt main power, Launch/Antilag, Intercooler fan override, and USB plug switch. All are ground switches except the MS power.

Using a 10 wire plug from another harness, real handy incase I have to pull the console or panel. Just about done, just have to wire the rest up.

I also finished installing the door sweeps for the shifter, it looks better in person.

willexoIX

Dont mind the dust and dirt. Lol.

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

Looks nice. I like the idea of the 10 pin connector, for service.

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

Why not use a small pressure switch so when the door is closed the circuit looses power, open and you have power/ground?

willexoIX

Originally the bar on the underside of the door was going to be used to cut off the switches, but after tweaking the panel that no longer works. So now I just cut the switches off manually, no biggie.

As an antitheft device I can pull the switch panel out and disconnect the connector and there is no power to the Megasquirt. The car will crank, but it won't start without the switch.

I could set up a pressure switch, but that would involve building another circuit/adding a few relays. Being the wiring and panel is finished, I will leave it as is. But thats a good idea none the less.