Switch-Pro 8 switch panel group buy!

So here's the pictorial of my complete install:

First the panel layout:

Rough draft of holes and placements:



And after drilling/cutting/bending the panel



I used 6061 aluminum, and it's a "bear" to bend. None of my local shops had a break that could handle 1/8". So my suggestion would be to look into 4041 aluminum - I've been told it is easier to work with. I ended up bending the panel in my bench vise with a dead blow hammer. Not easy! And the aluminum cracked on the outside of the bend, so I had to have a local welder fill in the crack.

And here's the panel temporarily laid in place to check clearances:



And another view:



Here are all the cables, labelled and ready for the panel. Note the little "kickstand" bracket in the left side of the picture. It is bolted to the bracket that holds the 2 breather hoses to the inside of the drivers side wheel well. The panel with the the solid state box got heavier than I liked, so I made this bracket from 3/4" aluminum strap for support.




Here is the panel with the wire bundles routed through the panel opening:



When you start to connect the wiring - take your time!! This is not the time to drop one of the screws from the bussbar or power strip into the depth of the engine bay

This picture shows how I routed the blue and yellow wire to get them to the "center side" of the relay box:



And here is where I connected the blue and yellow wire in the relay box:



Note how the 2 wires route across the internal divider wall in the relay box just to the right of the big white connector. Make sure to notch this wall and the mating "wall" in the lid to avoid pinching/cutting these wires.

The power for this connection comes on with the key in the "On" position AND with at least marker lights on. This works for me since I almost always drive with lights on. If you want bright light with no lights as well as dimming, the yellow wire connection works well, but I'm looking for a better "Acc" power connection for the blue wire.

And here are a few shots of the final product:





I mounted the control panel to the lip of the little cubby to the right of the steering column. I have 2-3" of knee clearance and can still fit my water bottle in the cup holder. I can see most of the switches through the steering wheel. I assigned switches 7 and 8 for my lights, and I can very easily reach, find and press those without even looking.



Here's how I ran the wire bundle. The bracket that comes with the kit has slotted holes for easy side-to-side adjustment. I gave myself less than 1/2" and I would recommend that you drill your holes a bit closer for more adjustment range:



And here's a hint ... put your labels on the controller before you mount it - much easier than crawling around under the steering wheel after ... IJS ;-)

 

very nice man!!

 

Thank you. It took me a long time, but I'm pretty happy with it. I'd like to work out the "Acc" blue wire connection and clean up the length/routing of the big feeder cables. But otherwise it came out like I wanted.

(Edit: I apparently can't spell "long" ...)

 

For the 05-12

Super clean build!!!!!!!

Your blue wire can hook to your lite green wire inside your fuse box on that big plastic connector......that is ignition on power.

 

Thank you.

The lite green wire (top right in the plug) in the top right connector in this picture?


And is it "Ignition On" or is it "Acc On"?

 

I see Toyota changed wiring from the 07 to the 09 tacoma. Now I don't know with yours. You would have to ohm out each wire to find your ignition ON.
Here is a pic of mine. It is different than your 09.

 

Thanks, it gives me something to shoot for. I'll report back if I find something that works.

 

I have the same light green wire - in the picture it's hidden behind the other wire bundle. It is powered with the key in the "On" position. So that would give me full backlight when driving without lights on, and dimming with lights on. Thank you for the pointer.

 

Outstanding, your welcome.

 

Curious, I have a 40in Heretic single row light bar with my Prinsu, its 200w. Am I understanding right that I need to run it in switch 8 spot to pull that much juice?

 

Each circuit can handle 18 amps, but you can double up the two #8 outlets to allow a 30 amp pull.

 

OK, thought so. The 40in will be fine then.

 

I never got mine as a part of no group buy... However, I figured I'd post here to help persuade anyone on the fence about this switch... It's amazing, the end...

These are the only pics on my phone, I'll edit this post tomorrow when I find my other pics

 

Pics added

 

So you clipped the blue wire into the blue/white wire from that big plug?

 

Correct... Everyone of those blue/white wires in that picture are "accessory" wires so I basically just had to pick one and clamp on the tap. That simple!

 

I did not splice any of my wires. I used two add a circuits in the fuse box in the dash. I will try to get a picture when I get a chance.

 

Before:


After:


So much better! Thanks XPOTRPR.

 

awesome! looks great!