Switch Panel...first try

[HowardT64]

Hey everyone Got all my bits and bobs to make my switch panel. My first try on a bit of Plexiglas. I messed up ONE hole...dangit. I may redo this with a nice bit of pressboard thats the right thickness. But here is my first attempt....

[HowardT64]

This will fit In Side the glove box and be wired so that it utilizes the glove box light hole. This way when I am not running the Jeep, I can close the glove box and lock it, of course ill have to get the lock re keyed to fit my door key. I have some fine tuning to do on it, hell I may be able to fix the abnormal hole and just paint the whole thing black.

I think I have enough switches to cover all of the needs that are on the column switch. Im excited to get it installed


Thoughts?

[tgreese]

Aluminum? Why transparent or otherwise plastic?

[will e]

Thoughts?

I agree that aluminum might be a better choice. It's going to be a little bit stiffer. Also, you can drill and tap it and use it as a 'negative buss bar'.

I really like the idea of the starter switch being in the glove box. Being able to lock it is a good idea. I would consider keeping some of the functions easy to reach. You want to be able to kill the engine quickly without having to open the glove box. Stuck throttle comes to mind first (and it will be cool that you can kill the engine without accidently 'locking' the steering'). Engine fire or low oil pressure also are reasons you want to be able to just quickly kill the engine. Having to open the glove box will add precious seconds to this.

I don't know what your intention for the other switches are. You write 'enough switches to cover all of the needs that are on the column switch'. Are we talking turn signals? You're not going to want to open the glove box each time you turn. Are you moving the horn to this panel as well? That's not going to be very convenient. Hazard lights sure, they are needed infrequently. And you don't want to drive around with the glove box open, it will bounce around unless you figure out something to secure it open.

I am not trying to be a bummer. I am just trying to understand your overall plan, which I may have misinterpreted, and giving some thoughts on it.

[tgreese]

A step drill works very well for sheet metal. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=step+drill&h ... sed5yk80_e

[HowardT64]

Aluminum? Why transparent or otherwise plastic?

I am going to use wood....I have a piece ill have to cut. Ill use this as a template. Why settle for less when it comes to my Jeep?
I was going to use this, and it does look nifty...but i want something different

[HowardT64]

Thoughts?

I agree that aluminum might be a better choice. It's going to be a little bit stiffer. Also, you can drill and tap it and use it as a 'negative buss bar'.

I really like the idea of the starter switch being in the glove box. Being able to lock it is a good idea. I would consider keeping some of the functions easy to reach. You want to be able to kill the engine quickly without having to open the glove box. Stuck throttle comes to mind first (and it will be cool that you can kill the engine without accidently 'locking' the steering'). Engine fire or low oil pressure also are reasons you want to be able to just quickly kill the engine. Having to open the glove box will add precious seconds to this.

I don't know what your intention for the other switches are. You write 'enough switches to cover all of the needs that are on the column switch'. Are we talking turn signals? You're not going to want to open the glove box each time you turn. Are you moving the horn to this panel as well? That's not going to be very convenient. Hazard lights sure, they are needed infrequently. And you don't want to drive around with the glove box open, it will bounce around unless you figure out something to secure it open.

I am not trying to be a bummer. I am just trying to understand your overall plan, which I may have misinterpreted, and giving some thoughts on it.

Some of the functions that are wired into the column switch along with the starter need to be wired there as I am going to eliminate the column setup. as for the steering lock, when My jeep was stolen the thief ruined the column itself and tore it up. You can use the actuator rod to start the vehicle. The steering lock does not exist anymore. I have "The Club" to lock onto the steering wheel.

The amount of the switches may be excessive, but I did not want to come up short when I start the wiring process. I can use the extra switches for other things later if needed. Ill look at the schematics and detail which ones I need for ya to explain my process

[HowardT64]

Here is the final cut I used some wood this time. I think it looks much better than the clear. The remaining hole is for my tailgate window switch.

What do you think?