Custom overhead aux switches, Ford style

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tnctx02

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how did it turn out?
 
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mrack

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Ran into some small complications trying to install it today, had to do quite a lot of cutting on the plastic structure above the headliner for the blade connectors and wires to fit. In the process of attempting, I managed to mess up the paint on the modified switch bezel, so I’ll have to clean it up and repaint tomorrow.

The harness is in place now though, wrapped in fabric tape the whole way and ran down the driver side A pillar alongside the factory wires. Ran it right out through the clutch blockoff plate, I’ll finish it from there tomorrow. Nothing but boring wiring pics as of yet lol

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mrack

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Bad picture and dirty headliner but it’s done, really like the way it turned out! Location is out of the way but convenient, and it looks about how Dodge might have done it back in 09 if factory aux switches had been an option there. Also swapped out my center stack for my spare so no more tacky looking switches there.

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Long way to go on the exterior of this truck and still a few interior things but I’m happy to have almost all the wiring done. Now to install the rest of the lights, hopefully I’ll be getting a new front bumper soon I can mount them in.

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diymirage

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Looks good

You wanna go with a stock bumper or something fabricated ?
 
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mrack

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Looks good

You wanna go with a stock bumper or something fabricated ?
Thanks! Either a stock 13+ bumper+grill, or I have a ranch hand for 09-12 I got cheap, but it’s bent up and and needs to be straightened out. I’d kinda rather the 13+ bumper since a ranch hand is pretty heavy for a half ton front end, but haven’t been able to find a solid used one.
 

diymirage

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Thanks! Either a stock 13+ bumper+grill, or I have a ranch hand for 09-12 I got cheap, but it’s bent up and and needs to be straightened out. I’d kinda rather the 13+ bumper since a ranch hand is pretty heavy for a half ton front end, but haven’t been able to find a solid used one.
I got a stocker from my 2017 2500 for sale
Think that would work for you ?

 
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mrack

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I got a stocker from my 2017 2500 for sale
Think that would work for you ?

I’m really looking for something with fog light holes this time around. Didn’t realize you’re also in michigan though, I’m from Jackson area
 

diymirage

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I’m really looking for something with fog light holes this time around. Didn’t realize you’re also in michigan though, I’m from Jackson area
No worries,I just figured I'd mention it since I'm tired of tripping over them and you're local enough that you might be able to pick it up

I'm right on the lakeshore, it's a pretty cool area

But for sure, don't settle for what isn't exactly what you want
 

Dksmoke

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have you tried to 3d print the whole bezel where you have the switches. and sell them. I would buy one for sure. I think others might too
 
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mrack

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have you tried to 3d print the whole bezel where you have the switches. and sell them. I would buy one for sure. I think others might too
I did make several attempts at printing it, I have a pretty good draft, but the mounting clips are where I gave up. Pretty hard to print something like that to flex but not break.

Since I’m here may as well add, that truck has gotten a ranch hand, new bed, finished wrap, new wheels, Laramie swapped interior, the whole 9 yards. Used all 5 switches for front/rear strobes, light bar, ditch lights, rear facing work/reverse lights.

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My favorite part, one of the switches forces on both truck and trailer reverse lights as well as backup camera regardless what gear the truck is in. I just hit that when see-sawing in tight spaces and I can always see the trailer.

Truck currently has top end noises, can’t wait to get that taken care of but can only fit so many projects in my shop.
 

Dksmoke

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I did make several attempts at printing it, I have a pretty good draft, but the mounting clips are where I gave up. Pretty hard to print something like that to flex but not break.

Since I’m here may as well add, that truck has gotten a ranch hand, new bed, finished wrap, new wheels, Laramie swapped interior, the whole 9 yards. Used all 5 switches for front/rear strobes, light bar, ditch lights, rear facing work/reverse lights.

View attachment 558344

My favorite part, one of the switches forces on both truck and trailer reverse lights as well as backup camera regardless what gear the truck is in. I just hit that when see-sawing in tight spaces and I can always see the trailer.

Truck currently has top end noises, can’t wait to get that taken care of but can only fit so many projects in my shop.

Love the way she is turning out. Might just have to make some screw holes in the back with a mounting bracket simple fix. I can't wait to get a 3d printer. yall are going to drive me all nuts with some of the ideas I have in this big ass head I got. (size 8 1/4 hat)
 
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mrack

mrack

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Love the way she is turning out. Might just have to make some screw holes in the back with a mounting bracket simple fix. I can't wait to get a 3d printer. yall are going to drive me all nuts with some of the ideas I have in this big ass head I got. (size 8 1/4 hat)
Yeah that could work, just won’t be the snap in and go easy install I was imagining lol. I ended up having to cut up the plastic above the headliner pretty good to make room for the wires to the outer most switches. 110% worth it IMO but don’t know how many others would be willing to do that on top of paying for the switch bezel.

Hard part of 3D printing is designing, I would highly advise learning to do that well before you look into getting a printer. Too many people go out and buy a printer having no idea how to design or use it at all. Tinkercad is a really straight forward and easy to learn program. Slightly limiting for some higher end stuff but a great place to start.

If you do get a printer and want to try this I can send you files.
 
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