Rear Defrost Switch to Fog Light Switch Transformation

[FJ6T]

As many others on this forum, I went through several impulse purchases of fog light switches for my FJ60 without doing my research. Of course, none of them fit properly and looked as nice as the coveted SOR switch which has become like unobtanium. This is just a quick write up of how I modified a spare rear defrost switch by adding the fog light graphic.

1.) Remove and disassemble the switch. Its important to remove the two light bulbs before attempting to disassemble. My switch was circa 1985 and a bit fragile. Take care when prying on it.

2.) Remove the screen printed defrost logo from the clear plastic insert using nail polish remover. This may etch the plastic a little so I wet sanded mine with 2k grit and used some Nu Finish Scratch Doctor to finish buffing it out.

3.) Apply the vinyl reverse printed graphic. Reassemble.

 

[FJ6T]

Before ...

 

[FJ6T]

After...

 

[Output Shaft]

3.) Apply the vinyl reverse printed graphic. Reassemble.

That's really cool. I want to do that for mine that I've converted over to ARB locker switches. And how pray-tell does one print a vinyl graphic and how was it attached to the switch?
We all have ink-jet printers... but how the heck does someone print on vinyl?

 

[FJ6T]

Thanks. I worked with a local print shop to get the sticker(s) made up. It turned out to be more complicated than I thought. They printed the symbol first on clear vinyl (like a vehicle wrap) and then printed over that in black. Lastly, they lightly printed over the black once with white so it would still have illumination when back lit. The end result is as close to the original graphic and process as I could have hoped. Very pleased. As a result of the minimum purchase, I now have 209 of the same sticker so if you want one PM me.

 

[85fjmule]

I like the way that came out, mine is just a sticker on the outside. You have a PM

 

[MANUCHAO]

check out this guy print out sheet.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/switch-relables-printable-single-sheet.274776/

 

[87CRUSR]

very resourceful...looks good!

 

[Big Cruiser Guy]

Looks nice, but now how do you turn the rear defroster on?

 

[FJ6T]

Spare switch.

 

[FJ6T]

On a side note... My trim panel/switch bezel was cracked and the screw holes blown out making it hard to get a good fit into the dash. After glassing the back where the cracks were, I filed down the ridges on the back of the panel where the screw mount points are and fiber glassed stainless washers to reinforce it. The washers are approximately the same thickness as the "ridges" i filed off and have the same ID as the original hole. Worked out great. I didn't snap any photos before but almost every panel Ive seen has the same issue.

 

[gregnash]

On a side note... My trim panel/switch bezel was cracked and the screw holes blown out making it hard to get a good fit into the dash. After glassing the back where the cracks were, I filed down the ridges on the back of the panel where the screw mount points are and fiber glassed stainless washers to reinforce it. The washers are approximately the same thickness as the "ridges" i filed off and have the same ID as the original hole. Worked out great. I didn't snap any photos before but almost every panel Ive seen has the same issue.

Yeah I have the same issue (think it is common) and was thinking of doing what you did. Will have to give it a try now that I see your worked.

 

[Output Shaft]

I reinforced mine along the back in spots with thin brass rods I bought at the hardware store and epoxy.

 

[FJ6T]

Mine was already cracked in several places. I super glued the cracks and breaks to get the fit and placement right and then coated the backside with FG resin. A little wetsanding on the front and a coat of SEM and you cant even see the cracks anymore. I used some FG mat in some of the more damaged areas. Feels really sturdy now.

 

[Dynosoar]

Got the new label in the mail and modded my switch tonight placement is not 100% perfect but I don't care it looks good.

Thx FJ6T

 

[John McVicker]

Like others have said, good work around and good thinking.

John

 

[FJ6T]

Thanks Guys!

A tip for applying the sticker... lower the plastic/glass down onto the decal (adhesive facing you) with a set of tweezers or something similar. You can see the graphic and get it lined up and centered. Trim the outer edges with an exacto or razor blade.

Looks good!

 

[FJ6T]

Finished up the rear fog light switch.

 

[freepowder]

I think I'll just use the one that's in there as the defogger seems to lack continuity in the window and I'm given to understand the windows are made of platinum and the wiring matrix is unobtanium. Like the grapic though.

 

[FJ6T]

I'm having another run of switch stickers printed out if anyone is interested. The graphics will include front and rear diff lock, compressor, winch, camera, right and left heated seat, and one labeled "rear power". I'll post pics when they're complete.