Custom overhead console switch plates

I'd like to have MESO do it, but I can atleast model the stl file. I can copy MESOs base dimensions to play with a scanguage pocket and prototype it with PLA on my printer, but I would much rather have his industrial printer do it as PLA will likely melt or get disfigured. Has he done scanguage mounts? I feel like they would have a ton of demand.

 

Just found this:https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/scangauge-mount.624963/
I think I'd rather get this and paint it instead of dealing with R&D B.S. Others seem to like it and there arent any complaints, I'd just ask the guy what material he prints with.

 

Printing out some switch blanks I found on thingiverse. Could be better, but not bad. Only 7 more to go, beats the heck out of spending $100 to fill up blank spots.

 

Shoot I think those are pretty cool. Especially if you are printing them up yourself.

 

I'm just glad I was able to find a file for them so I didnt have to model them myself.

 

How’s the learning curve with 3D printing? Did you find it difficult to get started when you got one?

 

It all depends how you do it. If you buy a printer for several thousand dollars, it's easy peasy for the most part. If you start on a kit that's $150-$300 then you really have to learn the ins & outs, which I'd say is a good thing. You definately have to be a tinkerer as you build the printer yourself and theres about 100 settings in the software that you have to mess with. If it's something you want to try and you're technologically inclined I'd say give it a try. You definately don't have to be a genius to get it going, but it takes a lot of time, patience, and learning to improve your results. I started on an Anet A8 for $150 bucks and it was great for the price. I moved to a FLsun cube with dual extruders(still haven't even tried those) but the rigidity, build volume, and quality are good for the $300 price tag. If you're interested all it takes is time and less than $200. Obviously the more you spend the easier your experience will be, but starting cheap helps you learn a lot. Overall I'd say the learning curve can be a little steep to get started, then it's pretty gradual as you learn, then the more you demand control and perfection the more it skyrockets.

 

Excellent info. Thank you.

 

I bought the Meso OHP6, overhead 6 switch panel, for my 2014 Tacoma. Apparently I thought it was designed to hold the OTRATTW V-series switches. I order everything about 6 months ago and finally decided to start the install. The ORATTW I order are too big to fit in the Meso switch panel. What switches is the Meso panel designed to accept?

 

OEM or CH4x4

 

Air on Board also makes some Toyota push switches that fit.

 

I just grinded them down to use OTTRAW switches. It is on the backside and doesn't show so I didn't care. You can see my posts on page 28.

 

thanks for confirming the OTTRAW switches will stay in after grinding. I’ve got one ground out and it’s a snug fit. Now just got 5 more to go .

 

I cut down the "inside" of the switch slots in the Meso panel and got the OTTRAW switches to fit. Unfortunately the 3M blue tape I used to protect the paint had the opposite effect and I lost a little bit of paint off the Meso panel.

I planned to install the switch panel in the front sunglasses holder slot. I removed the "folding" sunglasses pocket and the switch panel with switches does fit. I left the black recessed pocket in the console since it has the clips that hold the front of the console in the roof.

I was hoping the Meso panels with switches would stay in the console with just friction fit not requiring screws but that's the case, it just falls down.

Problem is, I can't get to the mounting holes in the Meso panel from inside to put screws from the inside to outside and finding the alignment to put screws in from the outside to the inside will likely not result in having the Meso panel properly aligned. Not sure if I explained that coherently.

Any advice on attaching the Meso panel to the console with screws?

 

I'm not sure I follow but I'm going to attempt to help from my experience.

1. To make my bigger Ottraw switches fit I grinded down the backside of the switch panel as you did, but I also cut out the back on the top of the sunglass holder. This made it easier to fit the wires but also easier to screw in the side mounting screws because I could do it from the backside with all the switches/wires in place. To do this I had to have the entire "console" removed and installed the switch panel to the console outside of my truck. See two photos below.

Photo showing backside I cut out to make room for wires and for access. Note due to limited room and my holes not lining up perfectly I heated up an old bit and just melted it through to create an attach point between console and panel.

Photo showing the entire console removed for install of panel.


Note that I installed the panel in the second back sunglass holder, not the front one closer to the windshield. I did this for a couple reasons: 1.) Personally I think it looks better and was less likely to be in my line of sight when looking in the rear view mirror; and, 2.) It was easier to reinstall the entire console now that I dont have to reinstall the center screw that attaches the upper half/backside of the front sunglass holder to the console with the meso panel in the way.

To install the meso panel in the front sunglass holder you'd have to have longer wires, pull out one or more the switches and try to reinstall the screw through the switch openings. I didn't want to deal with that frustration.

I think it looks good in the back, is out of my line of sight when driving, and was 10x easier to install at that location compared to the front.


Hope that helps.

 

@Taco-Obsessed thanks for the pics and description that helped. I stuck with the front slot since I had already removed the gear. Boy we’re you right getting the screws in was a pain. I ended cutting the holes in the back to get the alignment the way I wanted it and drilling holes through the back and into the tabs on the Meso panel. I ran the screws in after wiring up the switches, doing that with everything hanging from the roof was a real pain. It turned out pretty good and it’s solid.

 

Looks great guys. Yeah this is kind of a DIY panel so use your own improvisions

 

Congrats, looks great.

 

Welp my sunglasses holder just broke..lol
@MESO still making these to order?

 

How's your vision of the rear-view mirror? Is it blocked at all?