Project: Over head switch panel

[Mudderoy]

I had an idea about using a extra over head light, the one that comes in a 97+ XJ - main light with two switchable map lights, and turning it into an over head switch panel.

Well I made it but I didn't take a few things into account and even though it works, I think I can do better.

I need something that has more of an angle to the switches, so I can read them, an something that is more secure. I think this will work.

Recently I saw an ad for a DayStar 5 switch panel for the JK.

http://thundermountaintruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/LV-012.jpg

http://lgcdn.jeep4x4center.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/d/a/daystar-switch-panel-black-kj71034bk_2334.jpg

In my mind I moved it front the center console to the inside roof of my Jeep. Obviously too large it would have to be cut down, and I needed more than five switches. (Upside down in these images)

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The idea is to cut both these five switch panels down, cut holes in the black plastic sheet, then either glue, or bolt them into place. This will give me two rows of fives switches, one in front of the other.

I'll then place it on the inside roof of my 98 XJ.

More pictures to follow.

[XJ Wheeler]

Always like when new ideas are put together for switch panels. Interested to see how it comes together.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Mudderoy]

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[4.3LXJ]

This is for your XJ?

[nickyg]

I'm stumped on the fact that you have a heated seats!! comes in handy for those chilly 50 degree mornings.

[Mudderoy]

This is for your XJ?

Yes to replace current overhead switch panel

[Mudderoy]

I'm stumped on the fact that you have a heated seats!! comes in handy for those chilly 50 degree mornings.

The seats are only heated after chili!

[nickyg]

After further review, I am unsure of the purpose of this switch. Judging from the picture if I press it will bacon spring from under the seat? If so How come all Jeeps didn't come with the bacon feature standard? I would prefer that to something I hardly use like the reverse gear or rear view mirror.

[Mudderoy]

Now I just need to measure and trim the back, but I'll do that after a test fitting in the Jeep.

I want to round off the corners but I'll need a way to mark the radius accurately. I don't think I have a compass, well I guess I can make one.

Want to remove those sharp corners prior to any head strike off road on in an accident.

I'm going to epoxy the switch panels into place making this a one piece unit.

Currently I'm think four or 6 counter sunk hex bolts that will go into a coupler/spacer to make up the gap between this panel and the metal plate I have above the headliner. That plate is what I used to "hang" the current switch panel.

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[4.3LXJ]

Looking good so far Tony. I think you will be much happier with that one

[Mudderoy]

Looking good so far Tony. I think you will be much happier with that one

I think so to. It will be closer to the ceiling, but still have room for the wiring behind the switches. I really needed to drop my current one down at least 1/2 inch. That would make the switch faces even less visible.

[4.3LXJ]

What I like about the new one is you have a nice flat surface to mount your switches in in stead of the curved one you have now

[autotech98]

I like this alot. Was kicking around where to mount the switch for the led bar and remembered your thread on the first switch panel. Thos is even more genius!

[Mudderoy]

Ahhhh found one of the pics!

http://xjtalk.com/images/special/jeepswitchbox7.jpg

[autotech98]

I like that one just wondering if you would have mounted it closer to windsheild if you would have had better vis?

[Mudderoy]

I like that one just wondering if you would have mounted it closer to windsheild if you would have had better vis?

Maybe, however I would still have the problem with not enough room for the switches and the wiring. I need about another 1/2" of room.

These new switch panel, at least in my head, may hang down a bit further but in a smaller space I believe.

[OldFaurt]

After further review, I am unsure of the purpose of this switch. Judging from the picture if I press it will bacon spring from under the seat? If so How come all Jeeps didn't come with the bacon feature standard? I would prefer that to something I hardly use like the reverse gear or rear view mirror.

Naw, NAW! That's to turn on the anti-gravity putter repellent so your jeep doesn't get bonked at the putting green!:rolleye0012:

[Mudderoy]

Made a little progress yesterday. Using 30 minute epoxy.

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I have a couple of other things to do but maybe, just maybe I can get the remaining hardware and mount this thing up today.

[autotech98]

I like it. Update ???

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547

[Mudderoy]

I like it. Update ???

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547

That's it so far. I have to pull the old one down, measure the distance between the plate I have up there and approximate where this panel will sit, then get the threaded spacers.

Should go pretty quick once I have those.

[autotech98]

Gotcha!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547

[OldFaurt]

After further review, I am unsure of the purpose of this switch. Judging from the picture if I press it will bacon spring from under the seat? If so How come all Jeeps didn't come with the bacon feature standard? I would prefer that to something I hardly use like the reverse gear or rear view mirror.

It is the switch to make the person, playing golf with you, have wobbly golf club heads... makes for a really bad swing! It's done with electric magnets in the rear of the jeep on the way to the course!

[autotech98]

Do you use a cat 5 cable for your feed. Just thinking i for hot jumped to all switches and 1 jumped for ground and rest for line out.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547

[Mudderoy]

Do you use a cat 5 cable for your feed. Just thinking i for hot jumped to all switches and 1 jumped for ground and rest for line out.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547

Yep. Since I had the potential for so many switches I needed a way to run a bunch of lines. I figured as long as everything was on relays, I just needed a minimal amount of current running from the switch to the relay.

I have a terminal block under the dash where I tie everything in.

[autotech98]

Still looking at options for this myself and thinking of adding the aux pdc like bleepin jeep did on youtube.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547

[Mudderoy]

This over head switch panel has only 10 switches, where the other had 12. Oh well...

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[prerunner1982]

Did you just screw it directly to the ceiling?

[xj-jake]

Looks nice Tony I dig it. However I don't see switches labled "shock", "awe", or "brown note"?

[Mudderoy]

Did you just screw it directly to the ceiling?

lol no. I need to do a photochop of that. Screws sticking out of the roof would be hilarious.

[prerunner1982]

How did you attach it to the roof of the vehicle?

[denverd1]

air lockers?? what do those switches do??

[prerunner1982]

air lockers?? what do those switches do??

neons, hydros and strobes.

[Mudderoy]

How did you attach it to the roof of the vehicle?

Sandwiched the header panel with the switch panel and a sheet of metal.

[Mudderoy]

air lockers?? what do those switches do??

blue lines don't reach into the house, but eventually the Dana 30 ARB and Chrysler 8.25 ARB's waiting to be installed.

I have to get the on board air system done first. :(

I needed to replace the switch panel, now I can install the Viair compressor hook it to the 2.5 gallon tank and runs the lines.

I got the Viair compressor with 100% duty cycle so I should be able to use it to air up tires as well as run the lockers.

[denverd1]

blue lines don't reach into the house, but eventually the Dana 30 ARB and Chrysler 8.25 ARB's waiting to be installed.

I have to get the on board air system done first. :(

I needed to replace the switch panel, now I can install the Viair compressor hook it to the 2.5 gallon tank and runs the lines.

I got the Viair compressor with 100% duty cycle so I should be able to use it to air up tires as well as run the lockers.
Oh I know. Was just ribbing ya a little

sent from my Samsoon S5 from the bottom of a mud hole

[Mudderoy]

Oh I know. Was just ribbing ya a little

sent from my Samsoon S5 from the bottom of a mud hole

I thought you may have missed it. I'm very excited about my great deal ARB lockers. One of the final steps in my build.

[OneArmArrowSlinger]

Is the flat material Kydex?

[Mudderoy]

Is the flat material Kydex?

Install Bay 89-00-9031 ABS Plastic 12 X 12 X 1/8-Inch

Amazon.com : Install Bay 89-00-9031 ABS Plastic 12 X 12 X 1/8-Inch : Vehicle Audio Video Accessories And Parts : Car Electronics@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZCS6WXHrL.@@AMEPARAM@@51ZCS6WXHrL

[Mudderoy]

As I do, I got in a bit of a hurry to finish up and install the over head switch panel, so no final pictures.

I was going to re-use the metal plate that I had above the headliner for the old switch panel, but thought it would be easier and faster just to order another one, that way I'd be sure it would fit. I couldn't remember how big the other one was.

I ordered this one and it was perfect but maybe a bit thick...

M-D Building Products 56038 1-Feet by 1-Feet 16 ga Weldable Steel Sheet - Hardboard Sheets - Amazon.com@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31P2xQAnSVL.@@AMEPARAM@@31P2xQAnSVL

I placed the switch panel on the metal sheet and drilled the holes through the plastic and the metal. 6 holes total.

I then used these...

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I used epoxy to glue the female half to the sheet of metal. I then put in all the switches and wired the only ones that are currently in use, then using the other half, the male portion, I screwed the switch panel into place. Making a sandwich with the switch panel on bottom, the metal sheet on top and the headliner in the middle.

The wires feed through a hole in the headliner that I had previously cut.

I could have used about 1/8 to 1/4 longer threaded posts.

[Mudderoy]

Wow what a huge difference this switch panel is. It's really fixed into place. The other switch panel did okay but I may not get it locked back in place all the time. This one sucks from the effort needed to take it on and off but solidly mounted will be worth it down the road.

[autotech98]

Looks awesome Tony!

[cpttuna]

Do you remember where you bought the clip holding the sunglasses on the passenger visor? I bought 2 somewhere and broke one of them and want to replace it?

[Mudderoy]

Do you remember where you bought the clip holding the sunglasses on the passenger visor? I bought 2 somewhere and broke one of them and want to replace it?

Something my wife bought, I never use them. My sunglasses are in a holder in that gap next to the emergency brake.

[autotech98]

Wal mart

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547