Good places to install a new switch? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Don57 · 08-02-2011, 09:38 AM

Can anyone recommend some good places to install a new switch in the interior of the car? I'm going to be running a wire for some extra show lights in the front of the car through the firewall in the driver's side footwell and need a place to put a switch to control it.

I know about the HUD button area, but that's in use in my car. I have a sunroof, so that area is in use (plus that seems a long way to go to run a wire). I want to keep both cupholders, too. I've got the instrument cluster above the shifter, so that area is full. I also want to be able to control this thing directly, so any other wiring options -- like wiring it up to automatically turn on when the doors are open, headlights are on, etc -- are out. I just want to install a switch.

I sat in my car for a while trying to figure out a good place for a switch, but I couldn't decide on a good place to put it. I'm a bit hesitant to cut a hole in my dash for a new button, but maybe there's a spot that works well that I have not considered? Or maybe it won't be as bad as I think?

Maybe the left dash trim beside the instrument cluster? That seems like a small piece that could be easily replaced if things go horribly wrong. I imagine that would be easily accessible for wiring, too.

I've also considered installing it in the center console above the transmission tunnel, beside the traction control button (looks like there's a little bit of room there).

Or maybe I should just play it safe put the switch in a small box and tape/glue/screw it underneath the dashboard so that it doesn't "ugly up" the dash?

What are some places you guys have installed custom switches?

The Stig · 08-02-2011, 10:09 AM

I have 2 switches and that is where I put mine.

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Don57 · 08-02-2011, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stieger

I have 2 switches and that is where I put mine.

If I'm not mistaken, that panel just pops off, starting from under the dash, right?

Was it pretty straightforward to run a wire from the footwell into that center console area?

overhaulengines · 08-02-2011, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stieger

I have 2 switches and that is where I put mine.

Attachment 271370

i put mine in the same area, but forward a few more inches, by the ground wire nut, just aft of the gages

lupe

Nvincent4708 · 08-02-2011, 02:11 PM

I've been looking at installing a switch where the sunroof switch would have been..cutting the plastic insert for a switch. i'm almost certain I can make it work. I was going to put my electric cutout switch there..but I don't need cutouts with the new exhaust set up.

The Stig · 08-02-2011, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don57

If I'm not mistaken, that panel just pops off, starting from under the dash, right?

Was it pretty straightforward to run a wire from the footwell into that center console area?

Yep, it just pops right off and there is nothing behind it so there is room to run wires and such.

DesertCamaro · 08-02-2011, 04:04 PM

STINGS · 08-03-2011, 08:55 AM

Or between the cupholders......

Pharmaro · 08-15-2011, 01:58 PM

If you snap off both of the long center console pieces and and remove the back of the center console it looks like this.

I drilled through and put a switch on one side of the PDIM/12 V outlet so that it is hidden away under the armrest.

garcmol · 08-15-2011, 04:19 PM

I like this!!!

Yellow_Glide · 08-19-2011, 02:01 AM

Anyone try mounting switches in the short trim panel on the dash between the rectangular and round vents left of the speedo??

Superfly1 · 08-19-2011, 07:52 AM

This is where I put my sub switch (it looks rough in this picture)

The Stig · 08-19-2011, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow_Glide

Anyone try mounting switches in the short trim panel on the dash between the rectangular and round vents left of the speedo??

eh that's getting a bit risky, I mean drilling into the dash and all that.

Tyler360 · 08-19-2011, 08:53 AM

You could mount it inside of the center council if you want a nice clean installation. You would have to open it up every time you used the switch though. But then you don't have to worry about drilling in the dash and not liking how it looks. Stieger's switches really look nice and clean though. Where did you get those?

08-02-2011, 09:38 AM	#1
Don57 Drives a beast! Drives: Yellow 2014 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Winnipeg, MB, Canada Posts: 148 View My Garage	Good places to install a new switch? Can anyone recommend some good places to install a new switch in the interior of the car? I'm going to be running a wire for some extra show lights in the front of the car through the firewall in the driver's side footwell and need a place to put a switch to control it. I know about the HUD button area, but that's in use in my car. I have a sunroof, so that area is in use (plus that seems a long way to go to run a wire). I want to keep both cupholders, too. I've got the instrument cluster above the shifter, so that area is full. I also want to be able to control this thing directly, so any other wiring options -- like wiring it up to automatically turn on when the doors are open, headlights are on, etc -- are out. I just want to install a switch. I sat in my car for a while trying to figure out a good place for a switch, but I couldn't decide on a good place to put it. I'm a bit hesitant to cut a hole in my dash for a new button, but maybe there's a spot that works well that I have not considered? Or maybe it won't be as bad as I think? Maybe the left dash trim beside the instrument cluster? That seems like a small piece that could be easily replaced if things go horribly wrong. I imagine that would be easily accessible for wiring, too. I've also considered installing it in the center console above the transmission tunnel, beside the traction control button (looks like there's a little bit of room there). Or maybe I should just play it safe put the switch in a small box and tape/glue/screw it underneath the dashboard so that it doesn't "ugly up" the dash? What are some places you guys have installed custom switches? Attached Images __________________

08-02-2011, 10:09 AM	#2
The Stig knows 2 facts about ducks Drives: ...and they're both wrong Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The HMS Invincible Posts: 25,072 View My Garage	I have 2 switches and that is where I put mine. __________________

08-02-2011, 04:04 PM	#7
DesertCamaro Drives: Fast Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 785	Attached Images

08-15-2011, 01:58 PM	#9
Pharmaro Drives: 2011 CGM 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Louisville Posts: 368	If you snap off both of the long center console pieces and and remove the back of the center console it looks like this. I drilled through and put a switch on one side of the PDIM/12 V outlet so that it is hidden away under the armrest. Attached Images

08-15-2011, 04:19 PM	#10
garcmol Drives: 10 1LT SIM; 91 B4C sleeper Z Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ft. Mitchell, Alabama Posts: 7,198	I like this!!! __________________ Pedders Pace Car Package, Injen CAI, Flowmaster AT, AAC Lighting, ZL1 fascia/skirts, RKSport Ram Air hood, vented fenders, painted stripes (Gary's Customz), Honor and Valor badged (Thank you, John)

08-02-2011, 02:11 PM	#5
Nvincent4708 Drives: N/A Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: N/A Posts: 25,856 View My Garage	I've been looking at installing a switch where the sunroof switch would have been..cutting the plastic insert for a switch. i'm almost certain I can make it work. I was going to put my electric cutout switch there..but I don't need cutouts with the new exhaust set up.

08-03-2011, 08:55 AM	#8
STINGS Live for On Ramps! Drives: 2010 Camaro/2LT/RS/T.F./6M "naomi" Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Phoenix Posts: 185 View My Garage	Or between the cupholders......

08-19-2011, 02:01 AM	#11
Yellow_Glide Drives: 2011 1LT "Chakita". 04 Yota Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 823	Anyone try mounting switches in the short trim panel on the dash between the rectangular and round vents left of the speedo?? __________________ Hi, my name is Chakita. I have cams!!!! Build thread: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3847083

08-19-2011, 07:52 AM	#12
Superfly1 Drives: 2010 Camaro 2LT #2197 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 916 View My Garage	This is where I put my sub switch (it looks rough in this picture) __________________ CAI intake \| OBX LT Headers \| Flowmaster AT Exhaust \| Trifecta Tune \| SS Rear Diff, Axles & Driveshaft Zex 100 Shot Nitrous \| Konig Airstrike Wheels \| Custom Engine Cover, Fuse Box & Underhood Bowtie Eibach Springs & SS Sway Bars \| BMR Strut Brace \| Drake Shifter \| Vitesse Paddles \| 13.26 @ 105.88 mph

08-19-2011, 08:53 AM	#14
Tyler360 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wittenberg, Wisconsin Posts: 701 View My Garage	You could mount it inside of the center council if you want a nice clean installation. You would have to open it up every time you used the switch though. But then you don't have to worry about drilling in the dash and not liking how it looks. Stieger's switches really look nice and clean though. Where did you get those?

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