Interior Discussion about interior restoration, repairs, and modifications.

3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

Old Jul 28, 2010 | 01:02 PM
  #1  
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3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

I havent seen anything on the switch-location, were have you guys located them??
just adventuring for ideals- let me know
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Old Jul 28, 2010 | 01:28 PM
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Re: 3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

There are quite a few threads on mounting the switches. Most guys chose to mount them in the ashtray location. Alot will remove the tray door all together, some keep the door functional.

I took it a step further and put some illumination into mine. Here's my latest version. It requires cutting some of the 4th gen console's ashtray bracketry, but not anything that weakens the door.

Its made from alum. I drilled holes through the alum, then used long self drilling sheet metal screws to go down through the plastic. Holds plenty good. I painted the screw heads black to mask them.

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Some texture laminate.

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The little light is for illumination. On the underside of the ashtray lid, there is a piece of metal. I polished that metal piece, and painted about 3/4 of it black, so that the light shines forward, reflects off the metal piece, and light floods the whole area.

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No night time pics...but it makes a nice red glow. Its hooked to the dimmer as well. I think the light wiring I used was for my old shift indicator in the thirdgen console.

Hope that helps ya.

J.
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Old Jul 28, 2010 | 08:17 PM
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Re: 3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

Originally Posted by ghettocruiser
There are quite a few threads on mounting the switches. Most guys chose to mount them in the ashtray location. Alot will remove the tray door all together, some keep the door functional.

I took it a step further and put some illumination into mine. Here's my latest version. It requires cutting some of the 4th gen console's ashtray bracketry, but not anything that weakens the door.

Its made from alum. I drilled holes through the alum, then used long self drilling sheet metal screws to go down through the plastic. Holds plenty good. I painted the screw heads black to mask them.



Some texture laminate.





The little light is for illumination. On the underside of the ashtray lid, there is a piece of metal. I polished that metal piece, and painted about 3/4 of it black, so that the light shines forward, reflects off the metal piece, and light floods the whole area.







No night time pics...but it makes a nice red glow. Its hooked to the dimmer as well. I think the light wiring I used was for my old shift indicator in the thirdgen console.

Hope that helps ya.

J.

Thanks for the great reply- deff a great idea and it looks great.
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Old Jul 28, 2010 | 09:02 PM
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Re: 3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

mines similar to Justins, only I used tinted lexan and stuck the light for the old auto indicator underneath to light it up.
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Old Jul 28, 2010 | 10:11 PM
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Re: 3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

Originally Posted by ghettocruiser
There are quite a few threads on mounting the switches. Most guys chose to mount them in the ashtray location. Alot will remove the tray door all together, some keep the door functional.

I took it a step further and put some illumination into mine. Here's my latest version. It requires cutting some of the 4th gen console's ashtray bracketry, but not anything that weakens the door.

Its made from alum. I drilled holes through the alum, then used long self drilling sheet metal screws to go down through the plastic. Holds plenty good. I painted the screw heads black to mask them.

Some texture laminate.




J.
how much to make me one?
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Old Jul 29, 2010 | 06:16 AM
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Re: 3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

Haha...funny you should ask. I was toying with the idea of making them. However, I live in an apt. And my garage is like 45 minutes away. So getting something together to produce those would be tough for me right now. My wife and I are looking at houses though, and she knows not to suggest anything tha doesnt have a garage haha. So maybe in the near future... I have a few other odds and ends that Ide like to build that might be useful to you guys

Im actually wondering if some 3M mounting tape would hold it in place. There might be enough surface area to do it. I liked being able to remove it though...it makes getting the console top off easier.

I think i still have the cad drawing around somewhere, I could probably put it into PDF and you can print it and at least have a template. The worst/most time consuming part is cutting out the rectangles for the switches. I wish I had acess to a water jet. I have access to a plasma, but I dont even know if you can use that on alum...?

J.
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Old Jul 29, 2010 | 08:59 AM
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Re: 3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

Guys..if there's a real interest in these (not to hijack OP's thread)...but I can probably whip a few up pretty easily. I can make them with the switch holes, and laminate them. I can drill the holes where mine are for mounting, or leave it undrilled. I can drill for the light..or leave the light or provide the light.

I would have no idea what to charge, but I wouldnt be looking to bust your wallets up. Im thinkin of having our shop pump some out...but ide have to kick someone up there a little money under the table to do it for me.

I have to see if I can dig up my CAD file, and if not, make another one though.

J.
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Old Jul 29, 2010 | 11:36 AM
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Re: 3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

I made the plate I am using in my Formula 9 years ago but the holes for the switches aren't perfect so the switches are kinda loose, and the plate just sits in the hole and isn't mounted.
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 02:31 PM
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Car: 86 ta ws6 silver and gun metal
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Re: 3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

I put the 98 console in my 86 ta ran into that prob ,i have power mirrors ,this what i did i moved the harness put it behinde the dash and rerouted everything the power window switches are now in the plate beside the steer wheel easy reach and out of the way the power mirror switch i put it in the sunglass holder in front of the shifter fits perfect
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 03:08 PM
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Re: 3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

Originally Posted by ghettocruiser
I have to see if I can dig up my CAD file, and if not, make another one though.

J.
That'd be AWESOME! I attempted to fab my own as well and it hasn't turned out that nice.
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 03:20 PM
  #11  
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Car: 86 ta ws6 silver and gun metal
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Transmission: 700 r4 with shift kit
Axle/Gears: lim slip not sure gears
Re: 3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

there is plenty of wire to move it out of the console ,i think i have pics of it on here ,didnt want the switches in the ash tray ,wanted them not to be noticed at all and the mirror thing worked out great
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Old Mar 10, 2011 | 03:21 PM
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Re: 3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

id like one!! If you could possibly make one to fit the switches as well as the trunk opener switch id paypal you right now! if not id still like one of the dual switch ones...if your into making them
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Old Mar 10, 2011 | 09:27 PM
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Re: 3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/atta...w-dcp_0018.jpg
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Old Mar 11, 2011 | 06:43 AM
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Re: 3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

Havent gotten around to making any. We havent moved into our new house yet. Moving in April...so my time is pretty much consumed by packing and make sure all the paperwork is in order etc etc. If I ever decide to pop a couple out, Ill be sure to let ya all know!

J.
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Old Mar 11, 2011 | 08:42 AM
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Re: 3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

Neat ideas. Anybody ever move the switches to their door panels, like most cars have theirs?
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Old Mar 12, 2011 | 12:08 AM
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Re: 3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

this is what i did with mine and with my mirror control, mounted it on the side of the console base. its easy to reach and out of the way.
Attached Thumbnails 3rd gen switches on 4th gen console-89-console-pics-002.jpg   3rd gen switches on 4th gen console-89-console-pics-003.jpg  
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Old Feb 12, 2012 | 09:52 AM
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Re: 3rd gen switches on 4th gen console

Originally Posted by ghettocruiser
There are quite a few threads on mounting the switches. Most guys chose to mount them in the ashtray location. Alot will remove the tray door all together, some keep the door functional.

I took it a step further and put some illumination into mine. Here's my latest version. It requires cutting some of the 4th gen console's ashtray bracketry, but not anything that weakens the door.

Its made from alum. I drilled holes through the alum, then used long self drilling sheet metal screws to go down through the plastic. Holds plenty good. I painted the screw heads black to mask them.



....
Hey, Do you or anyone else have measurements of that alum plate you made? I ask becasue I am looking to do this mod in a state where my tools do not reside, and want to get things prepped as much as possible before I head out tonight.

THANKS!
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