Adding an extra switch to the dashboard?

[Juddder]

I need to add an extra 16mm wide switch to the dashboard, ideally down near the silver key & cigar lighter and wonder if anyone has advice on the best way to achieve this?

I was thinking of using a drill with a 16mm hole saw but not sure what that would do to the covering (laminate for this bit on my car I think)?

Anyways, any thoughts much appreciated!



with this

[ginkent]

Assuming you don't use the silver key, but do live in fear of it one-day paralysing the car - why not remove the silver key switch (twist the wires together and tuck down in the dash) and replace the silver switch with the switch you want and with a different purpose

[Juddder]

ginkent said:

Assuming you don't use the silver key, but do live in fear of it one-day paralysing the car - why not remove the silver key switch (twist the wires together and tuck down in the dash) and replace the silver switch with the switch you want and with a different purpose

Ah, a cunning plan except I have already replaced the silver key with another push button switch which I use to save the battery when the car is garaged for a bit...

So I need another one, and the ash tray is already housing the Mysterious Magic Cerbera switch....

Edited by Juddder on Thursday 18th May 15:50

[Alpha Omega]

What is the switch going to be used for?

[Incognegro]

Good question. I too replaced silver key with a push button however like you judder I am adding some other bits near there (well the boys at power are doing it for me).

1 will be a rotary switch for my wheel slip settings on my knock MBE tcs and 1 button next to it that activates launch control.

Not sure how they are doing it but will ask

[Juddder]

Incognegro said:

Good question. I too replaced silver key with a push button however like you judder I am adding some other bits near there (well the boys at power are doing it for me).

1 will be a rotary switch for my wheel slip settings on my knock MBE tcs and 1 button next to it that activates launch control.

Not sure how they are doing it but will ask

Very cool mods!

For me it's a dual ECU mapping switch for my MBE ECU

[tofts]

Do not use the hole cutter to cut through the carpet/vinyl in the dash. There is a real possibility that it could damage surrounding area.

What I do is find a socket, piece of pipe or something else circular the right diameter and heat it up with a blow torch press it against the area and it will gently burn through the area whilst stopping any fraying or potential damage. Then use the hole cutter to go through the glass fiber

Jody

[mac315p]

I'd think about using a cone drill rather than a hole cutter.

[Alpha Omega]

Do you use the cigarette lighter?

[Juddder]

Alpha Omega said:

Do you use the cigarette lighter?

Thanks - Good thinking except I've just installed one of these to run RSAJP and charge my phone at the same time!



So I think it really is time for an extra hole for the button

Thanks @Jody for the suggestion of how to remove the vinyl - I was thinking of using a craft knife to cut an X in the material and then cut / fold the corners back, but your suggestion sounds even better

[Juddder]

@Incognegro - would be interesting to know where about Powers are planning on putting your switches - after a bit of investigation today I think the easiest place for me is going to be to the right of the silver switch as per mock-up below

Anyone else picked or think other places that would work better?

[Incognegro]

Judder, I have positioned them in the space near door lock so bellow the ashtray.

The leds for them will be on the panel where the RR octane button normally goes.

[ukkid35]

Juddder said:

I think the easiest place for me is going to be to the right of the silver switch as per mock-up below

They are out of line of sight just there, which is actually very good because they are very bright and would be a constant distraction at night.

[Juddder]

ukkid35 said:

They are out of line of sight just there, which is actually very good because they are very bright and would be a constant distraction at night.

Good point Paul and thanks for the picture

Out of interest where are you running your +12V connected to the lights from?

I was thinking of inspecting around the AC / Fan unit to get a feed from there but wondered if there was an easier one to tap into...

Alex