ghetdjc320 Posted February 4, 2020 Posted February 4, 2020 I’m working on recreating the dash bezel overlay for different switch options. As we all know, the cargo light and sport bar light options are almost impossible to find in good condition. I am wanting to see if someone can measure all the dimensions for the switch (see picture below). Need to identify overall dimensions, switch location and backlight location. The plan is to recreate them identically to the original with functional backlit logos for the different functions. My MJ is in the paint shop so I don’t have access to my switch panel.
ghetdjc320 Posted February 4, 2020 Author Posted February 4, 2020 To be clear, I am planning to recreate just the thin plastic overlay that has the switch icons and the on/off symbols. If anyone is interested any getting one please let me know. I plan on recreating the oem fog & cargo light to the left of the column and the transmission and sport bar lights to the right of the column. According to my research the sport bar lights has the icon shown below and is not the same icon as the fog lights
ghetdjc320 Posted February 4, 2020 Author Posted February 4, 2020 1 hour ago, fiatslug87 said: That looks familiar Thanks for that pic! That switch was the topic of much speculation and was as rare as hens teeth it seems. Once I finally saw a picture I new I wanted to get that remade somehow
ghetdjc320 Posted February 4, 2020 Author Posted February 4, 2020 Anyone available to run out to their dash with a good tape measure or digital calipers?
High2by Posted February 4, 2020 Posted February 4, 2020 If this is something that you could do, I would be interested in a set. I had thought of trying to make this myself like Little Reds panel. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
ghetdjc320 Posted February 4, 2020 Author Posted February 4, 2020 13 minutes ago, High2by said: If this is something that you could do, I would be interested in a set. I had thought of trying to make this myself like Little Reds panel. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Sounds good. Just need to get the dimensions so I can get to work on them
500 MJ Posted February 4, 2020 Posted February 4, 2020 I have this one. It is currently off of the truck and would be pretty easy for me to measure up. Please get me a list of the measurements you want and I'll be happy to do it for you. 9 hours ago, ghetdjc320 said:
ghetdjc320 Posted February 4, 2020 Author Posted February 4, 2020 5 minutes ago, 500 MJ said: I have this one. It is currently off of the truck and would be pretty easy for me to measure up. Please get me a list of the measurements you want and I'll be happy to do it for you. Thanks! Need the width, height, distance from the top to the switch opening, distance from the top to the illuminated symbol, spacing between the switches. Basically everything that would be needed to recreated it on a piece of paper to scale. I have a couple of different plastic films I was planning to try to get the texture right. Its seems like the original is a semi translucent this sheet of flexible plastic that is painted black on the back side and uses a stencil for the symbol. Thanks for your help with this project!
schardein Posted February 4, 2020 Posted February 4, 2020 I’ve done some fabrication work in the past, and it seems to me the best way to do this would be to have the actual panel to test fit the overlay as you were working on it. I believe I have an extra panel if you were interested.
schardein Posted February 4, 2020 Posted February 4, 2020 I don’t think I’ve ever seen the sport bar light switch option before. You know there was also an extended idle switch option available on the driver side.
ghetdjc320 Posted February 4, 2020 Author Posted February 4, 2020 I have the switch panels but don’t have access to them right now since my MJ is getting a full paint and body work job done. I’ll have it back in about 2 weeks so I can get the dimensions myself if needed. Just wanted to start working on it in the mean time. I should be able to create any option available if you can send me the pictures of the symbol needed. All of our MJs have the same 4 switch pods so it should be a fairly easy process to make for any of them. My only challenge was finding the right material but I have it narrowed down to a couple now. Will see which works best
eaglescout526 Posted February 4, 2020 Posted February 4, 2020 When I get home I can follow up with the dimensions if 500MJ doesn't. I am intrigued to see what gets made.
ghetdjc320 Posted February 5, 2020 Author Posted February 5, 2020 3 minutes ago, 500 MJ said: Here are photos of the one I have. Awesome! Can you give me a vertical measurement and also spacing between switches? Thanks!
ghetdjc320 Posted February 5, 2020 Author Posted February 5, 2020 Just now, 500 MJ said: Perfect! I’ll get to work on these. I’ll try to send over a draft so I can get everyone’s input on quality. Thanks!
schardein Posted February 5, 2020 Posted February 5, 2020 For those that might be interested, here is a panel with the extended idle switch, from the "police package" XJs with the 120mph speedometer. I can get more pics if needed.
ghetdjc320 Posted February 12, 2020 Author Posted February 12, 2020 Ok all, here is an update. Upon further investigation, the actual switch label is made of thin semi translucent plastic that has been textured on one side. The back side is smooth and that is the side that is painted. The symbols are simple not painted and the light reflects through it. The simplest way I can see to do this is to get a die cut black vinyl with the corresponding on/off and the symbol for the device. I will then transfer that vinyl decal until the smooth back of .03” thick textured hdpe sheeting which is durable and flexible. I have ordered the hdpe material and will work on vector tracing the oem switch cover to create the vinyl cut. The vinyl will also prevent the light transmission from anywhere but backlit symbol.
ghetdjc320 Posted February 12, 2020 Author Posted February 12, 2020 Notice the base semi-translucent plastic material in this picture
ghetdjc320 Posted February 12, 2020 Author Posted February 12, 2020 Once I’m happy with the final proof I’ll post the file for anyone to cut their own vinyl just like I did with the “Comanche” emblems I worked on. I am making this open source to make this accessible for everyone. I will post a brief write up on how this works when the plastic arrives.
ghetdjc320 Posted February 12, 2020 Author Posted February 12, 2020 Here is the JPG final draft for this version. Please let me know your thoughts and what other versions you want. Technically speaking I suppose I could do custom versions of these covers also. I will get the vector file shortly
ghetdjc320 Posted February 12, 2020 Author Posted February 12, 2020 Just now, eaglescout526 said: I approve of how accurate that is. Thanks! Next I’ll work on creating the vinyl to apply to the translucent hdpe to create the end product. If that turns out as the original then you can consider the trim cover back in production. As long as the logo is similar in size we should be able to do almost any variation and have it be backlit
High2by Posted February 12, 2020 Posted February 12, 2020 I approve of how accurate that is. The Rebels are gonna have to move now, everybody’s gonna know where they are.Good work!!!!Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now