Dash Switch Location & Type Help
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 30
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From: Lancaster, SC
Dash Switch Location & Type Help
I recently saw a post where someone had put in three switches and three LEDs in the dash 
. I think they controlled the inverter, front hubs, and something else.
I have completed my 8 unit strobe installation and am looking for somewhere to put the switches. I will need three (headlights, headlights & reverse lights, Brake lights & red grills). I was looking for some small pushbutton ones, but can not find any small ones that are not momentary
. Any suggestions or pics for me to look at for not only location, but type of switch. I will only use 1 amp or less per switch.
I have considered the left cover of the driver’s seat, besides the 4x4 switch, and the panel bellow the steering wheel.
. I think they controlled the inverter, front hubs, and something else. I have completed my 8 unit strobe installation and am looking for somewhere to put the switches. I will need three (headlights, headlights & reverse lights, Brake lights & red grills). I was looking for some small pushbutton ones, but can not find any small ones that are not momentary
. Any suggestions or pics for me to look at for not only location, but type of switch. I will only use 1 amp or less per switch.I have considered the left cover of the driver’s seat, besides the 4x4 switch, and the panel bellow the steering wheel.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 420
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From: Ohio
Have you thought of purchasing a console unit designed for that purpose from a law enforcement supply dealer and maybe doing something innovative with it to make it look a little less "local county mounty"?
Might make it easier to restore truck back to OEM should you ever decide to buy a new one (SD, that is)
Just a thoght.
Where to buy momentary switches and LEDs.......
jeeez.....not sure, sorry.
Might make it easier to restore truck back to OEM should you ever decide to buy a new one (SD, that is)
Just a thoght.
Where to buy momentary switches and LEDs.......
jeeez.....not sure, sorry.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Taunton, MA
I gotta do the same thing at some point. I have strobes and i wanna add a few other things, so i gotta rethink the whole switch situation.
If you have an idea of what kind of switches your looking for then check out RadioShack
Nelson
If you have an idea of what kind of switches your looking for then check out RadioShack
Nelson
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 30
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From: Lancaster, SC
I can not do the console thing; I have my police band and cb mounted to the floor between the shifter and the middle seat. I could mount the majority of switches on the radio mounts, but I would like to reach at least the headlight strobes without bending over. It is nice to be able to use the wig-wags for flash to pass.
I have tried RadioShack.com and DigiKey for the pushbutton switches. They have plenty of toggle ones. I am also considering a remote controlled controller at Autozone. They have two, one with a membrane 4 button switch, and one with a wireless remote.
I have tried RadioShack.com and DigiKey for the pushbutton switches. They have plenty of toggle ones. I am also considering a remote controlled controller at Autozone. They have two, one with a membrane 4 button switch, and one with a wireless remote.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
From: Newburgh, NY
I don't know if my idea will work for you but I'll tell you what I did and you can figure it out from there.
On my last truck I had rear fog lamps, a winch solenoid and a spare unused switch in the dash. I didn't have the auto 4x4 so the panel to the right of the steering column was empty. The switches fit in nicely with the panel border. I bought Carling Rocker Switches with rubber toggles and indicator lights built right in. They are big dollars as far as switches go but I thought they matched the look of the dash and with green indicators they went well. You can get them from www.Waytek.com or www.alliedelec.com. Carling makes a huge selection with different style indicator lights.
On the rear fogs I used a double throw switch. The switch operated a relay for low amps at the switch. The bottom of the switch activated the fogs when the reverse lamps came on, the middle obviously was off and the top turned them on when ever I wanted them. This was a real great feature for loading your trailer in the dark or fending off the occasional tailgater or high beam driver.
On my new truck (should be here this time next week) I'm adding strobes so I'll throw another switch in to turn them on and off. I'll have to mount a hidden momentary switch somewhere to change the flash pattern becuase I'll be out of dash space.
I have pictures if your interested in seeing more.
On my last truck I had rear fog lamps, a winch solenoid and a spare unused switch in the dash. I didn't have the auto 4x4 so the panel to the right of the steering column was empty. The switches fit in nicely with the panel border. I bought Carling Rocker Switches with rubber toggles and indicator lights built right in. They are big dollars as far as switches go but I thought they matched the look of the dash and with green indicators they went well. You can get them from www.Waytek.com or www.alliedelec.com. Carling makes a huge selection with different style indicator lights.
On the rear fogs I used a double throw switch. The switch operated a relay for low amps at the switch. The bottom of the switch activated the fogs when the reverse lamps came on, the middle obviously was off and the top turned them on when ever I wanted them. This was a real great feature for loading your trailer in the dark or fending off the occasional tailgater or high beam driver.
On my new truck (should be here this time next week) I'm adding strobes so I'll throw another switch in to turn them on and off. I'll have to mount a hidden momentary switch somewhere to change the flash pattern becuase I'll be out of dash space.
I have pictures if your interested in seeing more.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
From: Florida
How about mounting the switches in a plastic or wood insert that would pressure fit on the little rectangular hole to the right of the steering column, drill of the back and run the wires thru there?
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, KY USA
Check out my gallery for my console answer. As for the individual switches, go to a hardware store and ask for appliance switches. These are rated for 120 V, and can handle anything you could hook up as far as emergency lights.
Bluehawk
Bluehawk
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 171
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From: Sebastopol, CA
Kraut:
Do you have a source for the police consoles? I need some additional space, cb etc. I am thinking about making one but after spending a day fabbing a plate to replace the garbage bag hook I'm looking for something already made.
CLPF350
Do you have a source for the police consoles? I need some additional space, cb etc. I am thinking about making one but after spending a day fabbing a plate to replace the garbage bag hook I'm looking for something already made.
CLPF350
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Console
Gall's has always been a good spot for this kind of stuff:
http://www.galls.com/style.html?asso...og&style=VE152
Hope this helps
http://www.galls.com/style.html?asso...og&style=VE152
Hope this helps
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Unfortuneately, most of these "vehicle enhancements" are primarily designed for Impalas and Crown Vics. I can't imagine that they couldn't be made to work with a 250SD with a little innovation.
Let me know what you decide.
Let me know what you decide.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 775
Likes: 0
From: Northern Va
I have been looking at the same problem. I wanted to buy these Awdirect switches. They install in the little depression to the right of the steering column under the pocket, but they were a little much for my budget. They look good though.
I settled for a standard switch box I bought on ebay that will screw under the dash in the same place. I figured I could have the holes covered by a trim repair place when I sold the truck.
I settled for a standard switch box I bought on ebay that will screw under the dash in the same place. I figured I could have the holes covered by a trim repair place when I sold the truck.
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