Looking for Dash/Switch Panel Ideas

[my77rox]

I've scoured the past threads (I didn't want to get beaten up starting my first thread) I am repainting my dash and am trying to figure out what I want to do with my switches for my ARB, rock lights, driving lights and electric fan. I don't have a bunch of gauges like most of the complete dash overhauls I've seen- Does anyone have any cool ideas that I'm missing? I've been eyeing the Painless Kits, but am also debating about trying to match the ARB switches or use somethign else. I should add that I have a friend with a CNC, so if I can come up with some thing cool, he could machine it up for me! ;D Thanks, BR

 

[sprinksbeme]

I had the same problem did not want to cut up dash as i may restore later, so I chose to remove the ash tray and have a plate made for my 6 rocker switches. had a local trophy shop cut the plate out of plastic. will have it redone in alum as it ended up a little flimsy but otherwise worked really well.
had trouble finding quality swiches that match the ARB ones though. still looking.
Marty

 

[broncomanbrad]

Here's a link to some dashes. http://www.earlybronco.com/new/viewthumbnails.asp?CAT=Dashes I think there are some modified ones in there. If not I have a slew more in my saved collection that I could email you.

 

[Gummi Bear]

For switch panels, look at the www.12voltguy.com website. He has a lot of really cool stuff, and for the quality of products you get, very reasonably priced. It's a lot more expensive than if you got your switches at Radio Shack, but these are all extremely high quality switches. I've heard nothing but positive reviews of his service and products.

 

[rob wilson]

My primary concern when re doing my dash was that with a 4 point harness on, I couldn't reach anything on it. So if I needed lights or wipers etc, I'd have to unbuckle. Not a great plan.

I ended up building a center console that has all switches (ignition include) mounted right under my right arm. Everything is easy to get to and the fuse box is under the cover so it too has easy access.

Take a look at my gallery, 3rd pic or so. Glad to provide more details if desired.

 

[blackjack]

new cage and dash

I don't know if this is any help but this is what I did for my dash. I made it so I can access them when I need to redue any wiring. I am not done with the wiring and or all the items in the dash.

http://www.broncoholics.com/support/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1931

 

[BigE]

switchs

waytech wire has the best switches
http://www.waytekwire.com/

 

[my77rox]

Dang, lots of ideas!

sprinksbeme: I like that idea, its not like I use my ashtray for anything! Do you have any pics of yours?

broncomanbrad: the link wasn't in your post

Gummi Bear: thanks for the 12voltguy link, boy he does have some nice stuff! He stuff really got me thinking!

rob wilson: Dang! I thought I had a lot of switches to deal with! I like what you've done but I can't live without my Tuffy Console so I was thinking about some way of putting them in the console.

blackjack: I like that hinged idea! I was thinking someone should make something like that. How much extra length did you need to add to everything to make the hinging work?

BigE: waytek does have some cool stuff! It looks like a minimum of 5 each of the switches though- maybe if my friend wants to do his at the same time that would work out great. Thanks for the link!

Thanks again for all the ideas!

 

[FFMDX]

I did a complete dash rebuild, and with the 4 pts on, I couldn't reach my dash either. I ended-up building an aluminum switch panel (with help from Familyman) and mounted it to my roll cage above my head in the middle between the spreader bars. I've got a total of 12 switches (10 spoken for and 2 extra).

My $.02

Sean M

 

[broncomanbrad]

So it wasn't. Sorry about that. http://www.earlybronco.com/new/viewthumbnails.asp?CAT=Dashes That should work.

 

[ransil]

Link to mine:

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55480&page=2&pp=15

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55480&page=3&pp=15

 

[Nobody]

I did a complete dash rebuild, and with the 4 pts on, I couldn't reach my dash either. I ended-up building an aluminum switch panel (with help from Familyman) and mounted it to my roll cage above my head in the middle between the spreader bars. I've got a total of 12 switches (10 spoken for and 2 extra).

My $.02

Sean M

Yep, I think a lot of people overlook the overhead option. That's where my ARB and Fan Switches are on my BII. Perfect spot if you ask me.

 

[FFMDX]

Yep, I think a lot of people overlook the overhead option. That's where my ARB and Fan Switches are on my BII. Perfect spot if you ask me.

They are VERY easy to reach, esp if you find yourself rolled over. I've got 2 BAtt switches and the fuel pump there as well. Master cut off ( too be installed soon) will be somewhere close to the center console as well.

Link to my dash. Don't have one of my panel yet.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67440

 

[Tom Dummer]

I have the short arm syndrome, too. I physically moved my dash 3" towards me and up 1" to keep with the steering column. Now I can reach the stereo buttons without hardly even triple creasing my belly. I plan to cut holes in the top for the cage to go through and be behind the dash. I still need to finish the sides,too.