Custom Illuminated Aux Switches - DIY

[dcaero]

This was quite the process to dial in but really happy with the results. Don't yet have anything hooked up to AUX1 so leaving it alone for now, but have a "SWY" label for the future as I hope to install OEM disconnect.

First step was to create vinyl labels using a Cricut machine. I went through numerous iterations to get the letters cut well, be legible and not have any floating pieces. I ended up using the top row as they cut clean and mimicked OEM.

I then taped off the switches and used sand paper on a Popsicle stick to sand off the OEM lettering, cleaning with IPA as I went. It was tedious as I needed to sand just for the letters but not outside of the vinyl.

The end result is fully illuminated Aux Switches with custom labeling. I'm pretty dang happy with how it turned out.

*Edit: Attached a zip file of the SVG since a few folks have been asking for it.

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[604Bronco]

That looks awesome! Great idea.

Could you have used a little Dremel tool to do some precise sanding? Might make it a bit easier.

 

[dcaero]

That looks awesome! Great idea.

Could you have used a little Dremel tool to do some precise sanding? Might make it a bit easier.

I thought about that but didn't want anything not manual as a quick slip would mean irreversible sanding.

 

[RobWTX]

That looks great! You have waaaaaay more patience than I would.

 

[604Bronco]

I thought about that but didn't want anything not manual as a quick slip would mean irreversible sanding.

Good call. I guess it depends how steady of a hand you have.

Did you look at removing the switches and doing it when they weren't mounted to the Bronco? Not even sure if that's possible or not, but would make it easier to do I'd imagine.

Regardless, cool mod and well done!

 

[RobWTX]

If you decide to start this as a side business, I volunteer to eat the popsicles so you can get more sticks for sanding.

 

[Doc TOC]

cleaning with IPA as I went

Best Use of An IPA Beer Award.

 

[Searchdawg]

This was quite the process to dial in but really happy with the results. Don't yet have anything hooked up to AUX1 so leaving it alone for now, but have a "SWY" label for the future as I hope to install OEM disconnect.

First step was to create vinyl labels using a Cricut machine. I went through numerous iterations to get the letters cut well, be legible and not have any floating pieces. I ended up using the top row as they cut clean and mimicked OEM.

I then taped off the switches and used sand paper on a Popsicle stick to sand off the OEM lettering, cleaning with IPA as I went. It was tedious as I needed to sand just for the letters but not outside of the vinyl.

The end result is fully illuminated Aux Switches with custom labeling. I'm pretty dang happy with how it turned out.

Looks great!

 

[dcaero]

If you decide to start this as a side business, I volunteer to eat the popsicles so you can get more sticks for sanding.

That's how my wife said to get a Popsicle stick, I decided to order 200 from Amazon for $4 instead... But I'll keep you in mind if I run out

 

[dcaero]

Good call. I guess it depends how steady of a hand you have.

Did you look at removing the switches and doing it when they weren't mounted to the Bronco? Not even sure if that's possible or not, but would make it easier to do I'd imagine.

Regardless, cool mod and well done!

I did, but it's numerous interior panels and figured I'd give it a shot before doing that. It was a pain to be in an awkward position but hey it worked out.

 

[dcaero]

That looks great! You have waaaaaay more patience than I would.

The patience was definitely tested as I was using tweezers to perfectly place the vinyl!

 

[KABQ]

Best Use of An IPA Beer Award.

I highly recommend IPA as a beer. I cannot in good conscience recommend isopropyl alcohol since it isn't nearly as refreshing.

 

[TraumaJoe]

CC

This was quite the process to dial in but really happy with the results. Don't yet have anything hooked up to AUX1 so leaving it alone for now, but have a "SWY" label for the future as I hope to install OEM disconnect.

First step was to create vinyl labels using a Cricut machine. I went through numerous iterations to get the letters cut well, be legible and not have any floating pieces. I ended up using the top row as they cut clean and mimicked OEM.

I then taped off the switches and used sand paper on a Popsicle stick to sand off the OEM lettering, cleaning with IPA as I went. It was tedious as I needed to sand just for the letters but not outside of the vinyl.

The end result is fully illuminated Aux Switches with custom labeling. I'm pretty dang happy with how it turned out.

This is exactly what I’ve been looking for, great idea!!!! What font and font size did you use?

 

[dcaero]

CC

This is exactly what I’ve been looking for, great idea!!!! What font and font size did you use?

Oh man, this was many trials. It was a generic font that I manually edited to make it work. I'd be more than happy to send over the SVG file.

 

[TraumaJoe]

Oh man, this was many trials. It was a generic font that I manually edited to make it work. I'd be more than happy to send over the SVG file.

That would be amazing, thank you so much… I’ll DM you my email address!

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