Switch panel in radio hole

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rkymtnflyfisher

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anyone know who’s this is, or know anything about the bracket for mounting switches in the radio hole in the dash?

I found this pic in the expedition threads, unknown owner in the thread, pic was saved for reference.

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It is a pretty clean install.
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You bet man glad i could help. i saved many pics from his build he does some awesome work.


Definitely some of the most detailed work I’ve seen here from a private build.
 
Just FYI, Proffitt's used to make one of these for the ash tray space; not sure if the new company still does or not. I bought mine before they went tits up. Of course, you'd have to give up your smoking habit.

 
The above link at alibaba is no longer relevant, but I'm researching this so I thought I'd document the findings.

Carling Technologies has two products:

1. These are their modular mounts for making your own bracket. They have an end bracket, and a middle bracket that you put together to create your preferred sized opening. I think 2 ends and 3 middle's fit the Radio-sized FJ40 hole pretty well (may need a zip tie behind to stop the wiggle - see #2 below, I can't remember which one I read about but someone had either #1 or #2 and used a zip tie to make it "good"). This setup pictured above looks like it is a Carling V series bracket.

- https://www.carlingtech.com/sites/default/files/documents/V-Series_Details_&_COS_111213.pdf (see page 23 for the brackets).

- Currently, in Nov 2022, WaytekWire.com has the brackets and switches: P: Search: carling vm - https://www.waytekwire.com/products?pSearch=carling%20vm (I searched for "Carling" and "vm"). They also have a cover plate for blanks, and the switches to add to these.

Screen Shot 2022-11-05 at 2.23.34 PM.png

Waytekwire.com screen grab


2. This second product looks sweet, but I know it is NOT an exact fit (bracket is too small for the radio hole, will need adapting, possibly with a 3D printed part, or maybe I read someone with a zip tie on the back of it was able to make it not wiggle about). I've seen photos of this unit installed in an FJ40. Just cannot lay my hands on it at this time. Someone with more patience at the moment may be able to find and cross link photos of other builds using the VM "electronic" set of switches.

- https://www.carlingtech.com/electronic-switching-products-vm-series

- https://www.carlingtech.com/sites/default/files/documents/vm-series_datasheet.pdf
Screen Shot 2022-11-05 at 2.25.26 PM.png

Photo from product brochure PDF linked above.


Digikey carries some of these, thought not a complete line (I've used DK a lot, good website): https://www.digikey.com/en/supplier-centers/carling-technologies
Mouser also has quite a few (these electronics websites require some patience and study): https://www.mouser.com/c/electromechanical/switches/rocker-switches/?q=vm&m=Carling Technologies&product type=Rocker Switches

Amazon has some, but it's scattershot as Amazon tends to be these days. It's almost alibaba instead of Amazon these days... (Ranting).


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Here is the 6-gang cutout and bracket dimension for VM switches:
https://www.onlinecomponents.com/en/datasheet/vm601-44819833/ - several suppliers carry this.
Found this supplier from the carling website: https://www.carlingtech.com/findarep?location=280

Measurements are in mm.
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Also, Eaton Bussman has a similar series:



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Thanks to @Catching Neutral 's link to Amazon above, I found a couple more options that I'm going to buy and see if they work:

NOTE: I HAVE NOT CONFIRMED THAT THE #2 AND #3 FIT.

1. CN's original post: AutoEC Rocker Switch Panel Switch Holder Housing Kit - Black Plastic (pack of 5) https://a.co/d/2l7WoBa

2. DriSentri Rocker Switch Panel Housing Holder, Black ABS Plastic Durable Car Boat Rocker Switch Clip Panel Patrol Holder Housing for ARB Carling https://a.co/d/8juY5WO

3. DaierTek 6-Slot Rocker Switch Housing Panel Holder Kit with Switch Blank Cover Adjustable ABS Plastic Automotive Mount for Marine Toggle Switch https://a.co/d/4UqxhsD

4. I'm also buying the Carling Technologies individual brackets from WayTek Wire to see if they fit any better. (already referenced above, but put here for convenience: P: Search: carling vm - https://www.waytekwire.com/products?pSearch=carling%20vm)

5. Also ordered this really expensive Carling Dual USB charger (yes, right when USB-C is becoming the standard). We will see if this holds up better than the cheap $9 ones from overseas manufacturers that I ordered.) https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/carling-technologies/V-USB-24-G11-1BB1/5267376. It was $20 cheaper on DigiKey than other sites.
 
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Amazon product ASIN B011KIYT70
post #83 of my thread. Haven’t added any switches yet
Got off my butt and found your thread!

 
@Vae Victus …these are modular. I bought two of them. Added a single switch holder to the panel of 6 to make a total of 7. It fits perfect. Needed a little massaging to get it to fit. The edges tuck nicely under the dash pads.
In my situation I would only use the middle 5.
 

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