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I am wondering if anyone out there has seen, heard of and/or knows where I could get rocker switch panels that are made to specifically fit a 99 Expedition. I am installing switches and would like to have a nice clean, factory look to it.
Where would you put them and what are they for? I would think that anything made specifically to 'fit' your model would be designed to go in place of something that already exists - unless you have a blank spot somewhere for an option you may not have.
I am installing emergency strobe lights and was hoping to find a rocker switch panel that would kind of "blend in", instead of the square/rectangular switch boxes that most manufacture that mount with sheetmetal brackets. I was hoping to find a panel that would go underneath the steering column next to the fuse panel door. I am sure I would have seen them if they existed, so it's kind of just withful thinking I guess.
I had to see your reply as to your intended use before I chimed in on this.
I also have a 99 Expy and installed aftermarket foglights for the front (Hella FF100, great lights) and rear (Hella FF75, also great) I wanted to be able to control both sets indepentandt of the mainbeams (headlights, hi or low beam) and like you preferred a little better quality switch/mounting option. Here is what I did after crawing up under the dash checking for the best & easiest locations to mount swithes.
The plastic dash panel that sits between the Gauge cluster and the steering column is snap fit and has plenty of room behind it, it simply pops straight out when you lift it. This can then be drilled to accept the switches (don't worry you Leasee's it will look as if it were meant to be that way from the start)
Radio Shack carries a good selection of switches, the ones I choose are qaulity rocker type and availible in assorted, backlight colors.
I choose green for the front fog and red for the rear. BTW, The rears are wired also to the backup lights (which are pretty week when you have to back into dark parking areas)so they come on when you select reverse, as well as "overide" for when you need light to hook up the trailer. send me your e-mail & I'll try to borrow a digital cam and send a you a picture of the finished install
Perhaps not the best place for them, but I considered using the blank spots on the overhead console where the rear venting switches would go if my rear windows vented open. Finding the original switch to fit there would look completely stock and give a really trick function to that unused area.
I agree Greg, however after "getting into" the project I quickly decided to gowith the alternate location for the ease and speed of running the wiring as this was done the day before we were to begin a 1800 mile trip and I needed to get packing.
Thanks for sending the pics. They do look like they belong there. Where did you get the switches? The overhead console would have been really nice place too, but I have an EB with vent windows.
I got the switches at a Local Radio Shack (the second one that I visited had them on the shelf) if yours doesn't have a good selection just ask to check in their catolog and then you can check the inventory of a near by store (I know this sounds like a lot for a couple of switches that cost under $3 each but hey, I was after a look)
Any way as I said the panel is held in place by "snap fit" fasteners.
You need to carefully grap the top edges of the panel (along the bottom of the gauge cluster) and firmly lift it off, one corner at a time.
BTW, I sure wish mine had the power vents as I like that and many of the EB features. I just didn't want the leather. For my backside they are to hot in summer & cold in winter. I also want a seat with more lateral support then the stock Expy seats deliver and intend on replacing, at least the drivers seat with a Racaro model.
Any way good luck in your project!
Petrol
99 XLT 5.4
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