Replacement FJ62 Dash Switch Panel (1 Viewer)

[wardharris]

Georg Esterer (OrangeFJ45 / Valley Hybrids) posted news of a replacement panel for ARB switch and air gauge placement see https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/784988-fj60-dash-arb-switch-panel-air-gauge.html

It got me thinking about other ways to update and expand usability of our 62 instrument panels.

Just wondering if there is a need/interest in another version of Georg's idea, replacing the entire center section with a replacement, universal panel. Maybe something like the one shown below. This is the center panel from my JDM fire truck. Not sure if this is a Toyota item or something from Morita (the fire body vendor). Looking specifically at needs/wants of FJ62 owners.

The larger panel would allow greater flexibility in location of switches, gauges, power ports, etc while still providing mount for heating controls.

Two questions:

1. Is this a Toyota item that can be used for LHD vehicles - still available?

2. If not, is anybody interested if somebody (me) fabs up the template and has some made up? Could provide lotsa room for ARB rockers, toggles, gauges, etc.

Feedback, suggestions, etc?

 

[Spook50]

YES YES YES

I literally can't reinstall my OEM HVAC/switch bezel until I superglue it back together and beef it up somehow (was going to cut matching shaped pieces of the scrap 14ga sheet I have to replace the mounting tabs and strengthen the top horizontal sections and JB Weld it in place). If I could get a fully metal replacement that'd support the OEM switches, HVAC controls and cigarette lighter, it'd be the ideal way to go. Powdercoat to match the charcoal color of the plastic, ooohhhh yeeeaaahhhh.

Crossing my fingers and everything else that comes in pairs for something like this.

What's in your pic is definitely not an OEM part. I would venture it was by (or built specially for) Morita.

 

[wardharris]

Spook -
OK, will keep you posted. The donor truck is due to come off a boat in a few weeks, will take a look and see what its made of and what's needed to replicate/replace.

In the meantime, a snap of a different JDM fire truck with this panel but with fewer switches. Interesting point is that unit #2 appears not to be a Morita body, so maybe these panels are a third party component from 25 years ago.

So far, the consistent elements are yellow pull knob (for the overhead emergency light), oil temp gauge, heat/vent controls and a recessed area, perhaps for cig lighter/power.

 

[Spook50]

Spook -
OK, will keep you posted. The donor truck is due to come off a boat in a few weeks, will take a look and see what its made of and what's needed to replicate/replace.

In the meantime, a snap of a different JDM fire truck with this panel but with fewer switches. Interesting point is that unit #2 appears not to be a Morita body, so maybe these panels are a third party component from 25 years ago.

So far, the consistent elements are yellow pull knob (for the overhead emergency light), oil temp gauge, heat/vent controls and a recessed area, perhaps for cig lighter/power.

Looks like the recessed spot is about the right size for a cig lighter socket. The "shroud" for the lighters on our OEM bezels is a thin piece of stamped metal with just a hole that looks about the same size as the recessed spot on that panel. A few openings to fit OEM switches with some sort of illumination for them would make that perfect. The ashtray would be nice to keep but certainly not a critical component. I can always put a little trash compartment in my Tuffy

 

[Big Cruiser Guy]

I very much want a panel like the one Georg made but that fits where my ashtray currently sits.

 

[Spook50]

Resurrecting this thread in hopes of getting some support momentum going for this project.

 

[wardharris]

Resurrecting this thread in hopes of getting some support momentum going for this project.

Sorry Spook -
I moved on, dropped the ball, my dog ate my homework. No progress on my end - not something on the current hot list for me, especially since starting the new business.

 

[Spook50]

Sorry Spook -
I moved on, dropped the ball, my dog ate my homework. No progress on my end - not something on the current hot list for me, especially since starting the new business.

Well that just makes me sad.