Toggle switch placement question
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Toggle switch placement question
Hey guys, I am planning to add some extra lighting to my 97 F250HD. I have been debating on where to put the toggle switches.
I was thinking about removing the ash tray since I do not use it, and replace it with a switch panel for the switches. So I was wondering if you guys know of a type of switch panel that I can get to fit inside the ash tray opening? And still have a clean look.
I was thinking about removing the ash tray since I do not use it, and replace it with a switch panel for the switches. So I was wondering if you guys know of a type of switch panel that I can get to fit inside the ash tray opening? And still have a clean look.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
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From: Gilbert, PA
You would have to custom make an ashtray replacement
Or something like this would look pretty slick
Custom Fit In-Dash Switch Panel - 5 Switches for 1992-1997 Ford Super Duty - Transportation Safety Technologies | AW Direct
Or something like this would look pretty slick
Custom Fit In-Dash Switch Panel - 5 Switches for 1992-1997 Ford Super Duty - Transportation Safety Technologies | AW Direct
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Posting Guru
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Okay, so now I have been looking into putting in a switch panel plate, and then just filling the slots with the switches I want, like the one in the link below.
JEGS Performance Products 11008 JEGS Ignition and Switch Panels
But the only problem I have now is that this is the biggest one I could find. I would like to find one that can fit the opening from the ash tray. Which is about 4-1/2" x 8". The one in the link is only 2-1/2" x 6-1/4
I have checked Summit Racing, Jegs and looked awhile on Google. Any ideas where I might be able to find one?
JEGS Performance Products 11008 JEGS Ignition and Switch Panels
But the only problem I have now is that this is the biggest one I could find. I would like to find one that can fit the opening from the ash tray. Which is about 4-1/2" x 8". The one in the link is only 2-1/2" x 6-1/4
I have checked Summit Racing, Jegs and looked awhile on Google. Any ideas where I might be able to find one?
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,533
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From: SW Florida
I have mine here. The console can still be used for storage if you wire nicely. If you've ever been inside a control enclosure you know what I mean... I don't have a picture of the inside but I can take one.
The center and right switches are wired to terminal blocks at the moment, but no devices are connected after that so they have generic nameplates. Will be changing the 2 nameplates when I install some extra lighting.
The center and right switches are wired to terminal blocks at the moment, but no devices are connected after that so they have generic nameplates. Will be changing the 2 nameplates when I install some extra lighting.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 122
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I have been using a 4selector switch from autozone on two of my trucks for several year and they work great. Very nifty they have a computer wire strap and all the buttons are on a piece on plastic smaller than the size of a credit card. Once again I have used these for many years and they work perfect. My f250 has a headache rack with four 89 Chevy high beams built into it
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,709
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From: 8600 ft in Colo
You might get lucky and find a panel that fits perfectly, but probably not. I'd go to a sheet metal fabrication shop around 11:30, ask for the manager/foreman, take him to lunch, then tell him you need a 4.5"x8" piece of something that you can make the switch panel from...
That afternoon you'll have your panel, and had a nice lunch...
That afternoon you'll have your panel, and had a nice lunch...
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@Dixie460
I like how you put it in the console, but unfortunately I have a full bench seat so that would not work for me.
And the main reason I'm trying to get it into the ashtray opening is because I don't use it, and the track is broke on the one side so it will not stay in place
I like how you put it in the console, but unfortunately I have a full bench seat so that would not work for me.
And the main reason I'm trying to get it into the ashtray opening is because I don't use it, and the track is broke on the one side so it will not stay in place
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@Dixie460
I like how you put it in the console, but unfortunately I have a full bench seat so that would not work for me.
@Phy
That is a thought, I considered using aluminum coil-stock since I have plenty laying around. But I was worried about it being sturdy enough. I will see if I can get piece of sheet metal.....thanks
And the main reason I'm trying to get it into the ashtray opening is because I don't use it, and the track is broke on the one side so it will not stay in place
(sorry for double post I thought I clicked edit =P)
I like how you put it in the console, but unfortunately I have a full bench seat so that would not work for me.
@Phy
That is a thought, I considered using aluminum coil-stock since I have plenty laying around. But I was worried about it being sturdy enough. I will see if I can get piece of sheet metal.....thanks
And the main reason I'm trying to get it into the ashtray opening is because I don't use it, and the track is broke on the one side so it will not stay in place
(sorry for double post I thought I clicked edit =P)
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: on da beach
I agree, using the same material would be worth the effort.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Cleveland, TN
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Well, there are a lot of people around here that will not let go of there old Fords. They use them all the time around the farms they work on. So they usually keep them until there is nothing left....lol. So the few scrap yards we do have don't usually have Ford trucks with the same style/interior color as mine. Most have the red interior.