ARCHIVE Wits’ End wasting time again but making ashtray less useless

[mudgudgeon]

Nice work Joey. I've got cash here, jigging up and down on the spot waiting for a link to the carling switch version!

I'm happy to take a chance and be guinea pig for the early dash, and RHD.
Part number search shows the same ashtray assembly is common 80s from all years, all market's.

 

[NLXTACY]

Nice work Joey. I've got cash here, jigging up and down on the spot waiting for a link to the carling switch version!

I'm happy to take a chance and be guinea pig for the early dash, and RHD.
Part number search shows the same ashtray assembly is common 80s from all years, all market's.

Getting close. Was playing with the RAM and GoPro mount.

 

[girupb]

It’s going to be busier than a fighter jet cockpit if you keep going.

 

[Climr]

what RAM extension arm is that coming off the useless cubby insert? Looks to be metal, or at least better made that what I’m seeing on RAM’s website. Looks like that would get a tablet out of the sight line of the radio and far enough from the air vents to not block flow. Would love to see a pic including the tablet or whatever you have mounted on that arm.

 

[2KCruiser]

Looking good Joey. You could also 3D Print a piece under as well for even more sh*t. I had to use a Jeep Mount that I trimmed.

 

[bucketman]

That would be a great addition to the wits’ end store too! Bring on the gauges and switches!

 

[NLXTACY]

Ha!! Too funny. That’s next on my list because I couldn’t get the gauge to work in the ashtray without doing surgery.

Looking good Joey. You could also 3D Print a piece under as well for even more sh*t. I had to use a Jeep Mount that I trimmed.

View attachment 1807475

View attachment 1807476

 

[DanMedeiros]

Rad

Ha!! Too funny. That’s next on my list because I couldn’t get the gauge to work in the ashtray without doing surgery.

That would be way cool joey.

 

[NLXTACY]

what RAM extension arm is that coming off the useless cubby insert? Looks to be metal, or at least better made that what I’m seeing on RAM’s website. Looks like that would get a tablet out of the sight line of the radio and far enough from the air vents to not block flow. Would love to see a pic including the tablet or whatever you have mounted on that arm.

RAM-B-102-GOP1U

 

[Rollinns]

Could you get 4 Carling switches in by rotating the bolts in the corners so they screw in from the sides (ends) instead of the front?

I like the idea that the front switchplate will be machined, but I wouldn't care if the hidden or mostly hidden support part(s) were not, as long as they weren't ugly or distracting.

If this works, you also may be able to reduce the machining cost by making the rear support piece out of sheet metal instead of machining it out of aluminum. I'm guessing laser cut or waterjet cut sheet metal is likely cheaper than CNC machined parts. Although machining the front switch plate will be more complicated since you now have to drill and tap into the sides.

If the rear support were sheet metal and taller, you might even be able to have a few tabs at the top that could bend outward and engage the bars that the ash tray slides on for more support, this may be needed to prevent it all from sagging (especially with a RAM mount). The taller sides would also hide the wiring slightly better.

Most wouldn't notice the sheet metal sides and support, and of those that do, most of them may not care since they are mostly concerned about the switches mounted to it or the item connected to the RAM mount. The front would also look cleaner and look more like the other areas of the dash with OEM switch openings.

What are your thoughts?

 

[NLXTACY]

@Rollinns that was actually initial design BUT I have my metal shop loaded up with productions into the next two months. If I did sheet metal it would push this project out at least 2-2.5 months. By machining it I can have done in a couple weeks.

 

[Rollinns]

That makes sense.

 

[Climr]

RAM-B-102-GOP1U

Thanks, but that’s the gopro mount correct? What about the one mounted up on your cubby insert?

 

[NLXTACY]

Thanks, but that’s the gopro mount correct? What about the one mounted up on your cubby insert?

One in the same. The GoPro is just the very top piece.

 

[jonheld]

Joey,
Are you still moving forward with the OEM switch version? I just ordered a pair of OEM seat heater switches.

 

[RFB]

Joey you know nobody loves your gear more than me, I have almost one of everything you have produced even if it didnt go to my truck. but you got to get OUT and excercise man, walk hike or offroad move about Im 51 and watching you upload IG pics of hospital room over and over, get on it man, the useless s*** can wait. jus my 2 cents. BUT finish that turbo and fuel filter relocate.

 

[NLXTACY]

Joey,
Are you still moving forward with the OEM switch version? I just ordered a pair of OEM seat heater switches.

Sure am. Mocking forward with both switch types.

 

[NLXTACY]

Joey you know nobody loves your gear more than me, I have almost one of everything you have produced even if it didnt go to my truck. but you got to get OUT and excercise man, walk hike or offroad move about Im 51 and watching you upload IG pics of hospital room over and over, get on it man, the useless s*** can wait. jus my 2 cents. BUT finish that turbo and fuel filter relocate.

Ha! Yeah I know. I suffer with OCD so it doesn’t make things any easier

 

[DanMedeiros]

It’s easy to be ocd about working out. See tom Brady, 41 and still crushing it in the NFL. That guy has similar ocd lol

 

[jonheld]

Sure am. Mocking forward with both switch types.

Stop mocking me.