AZ2013 Build, Hunting & BS

For a long time I had this idea in my brain for a custom switch panel that I've never seen before. There's so many really cool designs and ideas from guys on here but I really wanted to be unique and have something that has never been done before.

So I found a switch I really liked and started brainstorming with @XPOTRPR to see if I was crazy or if it would even work. Josh graciously offered to help me with the design using his 3D printer at work and off we went!

My idea was basically to eliminate the entire clock/airbag sensor/hazard switch unit and replace it with a unit to accommodate all my switches. The whole piece is really worthless anyway. I could care less if I have a clock. Don't care about seeing the light that tells me the passenger air bag is on. Only thing on the whole unit I need is the hazard switch and I will be retaining that anyway with the new panel.

Biggest problem I ran into is the fact that the entire airbag system runs off the circuit board inside the unit I want to replace. Because of this I am forced to keep that unit plugged in and stuffed up inside the dash. No big deal really since there is plenty of room.

Took the piece off and sent it to Josh who got to work right away. Here's a couple shots of his progress.



Huge props to Josh for taking his time to make this thing perfect. He printed several test pieces to make sure the fitment was absolutely perfect and to make sure I approved before sending me back a final product.

Once I had the final piece back it was time to epoxy it into place and get the switches I stalled. Because of the nature of 3D printing, the texture of the piece was rough and I wanted it smooth to match the trim. So I hit it with a sander till it smoothed out and then 3 coats of flat black krylon. It matches damn near perfect now.

Switches installed and the piece epoxied in place.





And installed back into the head unit piece.


Up to this point the process had been relatively simple. The wiring process, however has been nothing short of "stick a screwdriver in my eye" frustrating. Lol

The terminals on these switches a very small which means solder connections only. Not the end of the world but a lot of added work. Add the fact the the space between terminals and between switches is almost nonexistent, and the fact that I don't solder all that well and you have a recipe for shit getting thrown around the house and breaking.

I wanted them lit up all the time so I looped all positives together and all grounds together. Pretty basic stuff so far.





Finally all back installed and powered up.





And a night shot to really get the color effect



Took me a couple hours to get the wiring figured out for the individual switches but I finally figured it out. Still haven't figured out how to wire the hazard lights to the switch though. I've isolated the wire from the old harness but I can't get it to work. My assumption is it has to some how do with the relay the switch is currently wired to?? I'm far from an expert so I really don't know.

So far it's working great but I do forsee an issue in the future when all the switches are wired to accessories. It will be a mess of wires and disconnects stuffed back there. So my plan is to learn how to build a single wire harness plug to be able to easily removed the unit when necessary.

Thanks again to Josh and also to Andrew @snowtank for the wiring help!!!

 

That's sick. Mad props to @XPOTRPR

 

Thanks Brian!

 

Turned out so good! Fantastic job to you and josh!

 

Thanks guys. And thank you Blake @AZ2013 for the writeup, props, and idea/push to try this. It came out great and so glad you like it! Hope it works out for you buddy!

 

Finished up the Blue Sea fuse block and 100A breaker. Left some room in between in case I want to add anything that will need relays.

 

Thanks again!

I'm glad I went for it and that it has inspired others to make a run at it. I'm all about seeing what new and creative ideas everyone has! I never would have been able to make it happen if you didn't offer to help though. So to you and the first few rounds are on me whenever we meet up!

 

just more practice and helps me out as well.

 

Nice truck man!

 

Thanks buddy!! Some day down the road I'll be hitting you up for some sound system advice.

 

@CBI Offroad Fab brackets and cheapo ditch lights. Went with the floods instead of spots. I'll find out this week if I like them when I'm up in CO.

 

Got to Delores, CO around 7AM and already did a 60 mile loop up to Groundhog Lake at 9550 ft.

Breathtaking!!!

 

trucks looking killer dude! Enjoy your trip

 

Thanks buddy! I got some sick pics already.

Oh and the best part......wait for it.......










High temps for the entire trip are a balmy 85.

 

Hell yeah! Going to be a perfect trip!

 

ugh Im so jealous right now Blake.. have fun man! be safe!

 

More teasers!!

 

Back in AZ! Had a blast! Took a million pics but for some reason I can't get the upload feature to work.

Already have a fall trip in the works to hit the trails that were still too snow covered this weekend.

 

Dude!!! I love this! Sooooooo sick!! Great work!

 

Thanks Ryan!! I really appreciate it. Super happy with how it turned out.