Mounting rocker switches

[Sevrlyph]

I am planning on putting in a new dash with autometer gauges and rocker switches found here

http://www.4x4mods.com/Product/Jeep/Rockerswitches/rockerswitch40.html

The rocker switches require a rectangular hole. How do I make a clean rectangular hole in the metal dash?

The only thing I have found is some dies from Greenlee which cost over $400, plus I would need the tool for the dies. I was hoping to find a solution for about $100.

 

[Viperwolf1]

Dremel with a cutoff wheel or two. Mark where you want the holes, drill the corners, then finish with the wheel. Easily under $100.

 

[msweb]

I was faced with the same delima. To fit the rockers and not show any gaps, the holes would need to be near perfect Then you'd want to make sure they were all straight/aligned. That's a lot of time and screw up one and you start over depending on how picky you are. Personally, I don't have the patience required for all of that. I decided it'd be easier to cut one bit hole and use a bezel. I got my switches/Bezels from "syn-ind" on Ebay. Top quality and good guy.

Check ebay for banks of rockers, boat panels work great or you could go with what I did. They also have individual rocker holders that snap together and resemble the bezels pictured below. Search Carling switches/panels.

Good luck!

 

[kwspony]

dremel would be the best way.

 

[msweb]

Dremel with a cutoff wheel or two. Mark where you want the holes, drill the corners, then finish with the wheel. Easily under $100.

I do have to agree with the Dremel if you decide to do it yourself. My Dremel is one of the best bang for the buck tools I have and there are SOOO many things it can be used for!

 

[eds66bronco]

check out http://order.waytekwire.com/products/M37/260/200/750/1

they have a huge selection of rocker switches and mounting panels. They have end and middle sections to make a bank of switches as long as you need. I always drill a 1/4 inch hole and then use an air body-saw to cut to the scribed line. I tape off the outside with masking tape to protect the outside of the cut area from contact with the saw face. A dremel will work well too. Drill your corners with a small bit and then finish them square with a flat file after the side cuts are done.

 

[robofig]

Use the mounting panel set up and run your wires a little long to the switches. That way if you ever have to work on them, just pull the panel.

No more head stands to work under the dash.

 

[yak67]

are any of you using rocker switches for your head lights?

 

[msweb]

are any of you using rocker switches for your head lights?

I wanted to, but was scared off of it when I read about all the crap tied into the factory headlight switch and that additional relays would be needed.