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

[NLXTACY]

Is it going to hide the wiring? I’m liking what I’m seeing so far

you can only see the wiring if you look from underneath it. In other words you wont see the wiring

 

[NLXTACY]

Version 2.0 for Carling switches. Four technically could fit but only barely and might require some dremeling. So I’m opting for three switches and a 1/4-20.

I’ll print out the Toyota switch plate next.

 

[chap79]

In this same vein, how about a single DIN panel for the stereo? Not that I need either, but since you are just looking for more projects to occupy your decreasing free time.

 

[taccruiser97]

Any thought of switch blanks that would fit into the open slots, that would have 1/4-20 threaded inserts in them?

 

[chap79]

Now, if you start making a bracket to fill the void under the ash tray to the console like this experiment I was working on .

 

[dan1554]

Version 2.0 for Carling switches. Four technically could fit but only barely and might require some dremeling. So I’m opting for three switches and a 1/4-20.

I’ll print out the Toyota switch plate next.

View attachment 1801821

I think it’s great for switches. Just thinking about a few pounds of electronics and ram mounts hanging off those two little screws behind the ash tray. I’d still buy one, but I wish there were better mounting points back there for you to work with.

 

[dan1554]

Although... the plastic surround may offer a fair amount of support in addition to those screws.

 

[NLXTACY]

Any thought of switch blanks that would fit into the open slots, that would have 1/4-20 threaded inserts in them?

Not sure the need if I’m supplying a threaded hole into the aluminum panel. What do you envision using it for?

 

[NLXTACY]

Now, if you start making a bracket to fill the void under the ash tray to the console like this experiment I was working on .

View attachment 1801864

Doesn’t someone already make something for there?

 

[NLXTACY]

I think it’s great for switches. Just thinking about a few pounds of electronics and ram mounts hanging off those two little screws behind the ash tray. I’d still buy one, but I wish there were better mounting points back there for you to work with.

Agree but it’s no different from the Useless Cubby Insert.

 

[whitrzac]

In this same vein, how about a single DIN panel for the stereo? Not that I need either, but since you are just looking for more projects to occupy your decreasing free time.

There are a TON of din sized switch plates out there. The world does not need another one...

 

[dan1554]

Agree but it’s no different from the Useless Cubby Insert.

Man I’d have one already if it weren’t for my early model dash. But that’s great news!

 

[Sanchez]

I'm in for a threaded insert like the useless cubby

 

[OlyWaFJ]

Version 2.0 for Carling switches. Four technically could fit but only barely and might require some dremeling. So I’m opting for three switches and a 1/4-20.

I’ll print out the Toyota switch plate next.

View attachment 1801821

I like the idea of leaving room to mount a 1" RAM Mount ball there! My '93 would have 6x slots for switches after I buy this mount you are creating, which is plenty. The 2.43" x 1.31" RAM Diamond base has two holes 1.912" from center to center. Is there enough room for the the holes on the front of the plate be that distance apart? Those RAM diamond plates looks to be designed to attached devices not mounts, but I don't see why it wouldn't work as a base for an arm with your secure aluminum bezel...

 

[Enders]

Since we are talking about ram mounts, how much abuse do you think this will take? I imagine the cubby ram mount would be more suitable for a tablet, but would this one hold a iPad while wheeling?

 

[NLXTACY]

Since we are talking about ram mounts, how much abuse do you think this will take? I imagine the cubby ram mount would be more suitable for a tablet, but would this one hold a iPad while wheeling?

To be tested. Unknown currently

 

[Tapage]

I guess this could be a holder for multiple applications .. like a cup holder ..? the RAM mount could be applied to if the strength of the structure allow it.

 

[taccruiser97]

Not sure the need if I’m supplying a threaded hole into the aluminum panel. What do you envision using it for?

I was just thinking more mounting options, maybe allow for 2 Ram mounts and one switch, or different combinations thereof. I could see using more than 1 Ram mount for myself.

Another thought, maybe make this mount compatible so that the angled mount for the cubby insert could work with the ash tray mount too.

I am probably muddying the waters here, hope not.

 

[mudgudgeon]

To be tested. Unknown currently

I'm guessing it should be reasonably sturdy? The two screws screw into steel brackets don't they?

Also, have you looked at whether this will be compatible with early and late models?

A quick part number search suggests the ashtray assembly is common across all 80s, but I'm not 100% certain.

Ps, 4 Carling switches please

 

[LS1FJ40]

Where is @LS1FJ40 at?? Isn't this his baby? Lol

Yes.

He is the one that bugged me the most yup! I guess he doesn’t care anymore

Joey gives no love to the best model years of 80s. Only the fancy, luxury models from 95-97.