Where to mount 20 rocker switches

Sorry for hijacking this thread, but can somebody tell me how to do this? I, too, am cheap, so I would rather avoid buying the Homelink mirror. I don't like my garage door opener on my visor, so I put it in the center console. I don't like it there, either. I think using a rocker switch (or the like) is a great idea. And some specificity as to what I need to buy would be nice, and where to buy it.

Thanks.

Dumb Mike

 

That's a lot of items to switch! Have you considered DIP switches for the items that you don't need to change while driving?

[ame=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIP_switch]DIP switch - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]

 

Hence why I wrote "for the items you don't need to change while driving". Like the ultra bright cargo light switch, fer instant.

 

Why not build a plate of switches and mount in opening under center tower or bridge or whatever you guys call the compartment under center consol

 

For the SPST relay switches, can you run wires up to the overhead console? Since there is already +12v there for the lights, you only need to run 1 wire per switch, and 2 wires per DPDT switch (at least I think so). Can't be sure, but I imagine there is room for enough wires for a few (5-10) switches.

 

Whatever approach you take, give serious consideration to arranging your switches so that it is easy to tell which is which by feel for the ones you will be operating while driving.

If you group them in groups of no more than 4 it would be a good start. Perhaps three horizontal rows of 4 and two vertical columns of 4.

In switches that aren't used while you are driving could be exiled to beneath the bridge, saving prime real estate for switches used while you are driving.

 

xs650 raises good points, esp about planning the switch placement so that one can tell which switch is what by feel alone. A well designed TV or DVR remote, for instance, you can find and press the right button by feel alone.

 

Poor Lucas? Poor automatic Jag owner. I worked in a Jag dealership when the XKE was still being made (XJS just came out) and I don't recall seeing an automatic. That's where your sympathy should be. :shocked:

 

My dad had an XKE 2+2 with Borg Warner automatic.

 

I dont think they made an XKE in america without an automatic "J" shifter.

 

I still want switches that fit the 5 blanks in the Prius II.

If you double those it's 10 switches.

Next you can add a foot switch for another one.

The door handle can handle two more.

That's 13.

Next the cup holder in the glove box can handle an additional 4 or 5.
Google "cup holder switch panel" the mustang forums have a great example.

That's 18.
Two future ones, later.

Keep it simple and easy.

Done.

 

cproaudio

Did you ever find or make a place to mount all of your switches?

 

It's probably overkill, but a touchscreen and a mac mini might do the trick. I vaguely recall seeing a thread here somewhere about such an installation.

 

When I had my Magnum, I placed 6 switches in a custom fiber glass overhead panel that the installers also put led's in to make up for the loss of cabin lights...looked great and had plenty more room for future switches if needed.

 

*bump*

So, did you ever come up with a solution for your switches? I am in the same boat and need a bunch with all my lighting/electonics I've added to my car.