RainMan Fabrications - Switch Panels and More

^^^




There’s actually a decent amount of space for a small ratchet or box wrench. Wasn’t bad at all.


Also, my wife is a lucky lady.

 

When I was running the 3-switch, I would’ve replaced my original one with yours @RainMan_PNW. That texture looks fantastic!

 

A quick update for everyone. I put the post up, took some orders, and had a bit of a setback hit me.
- daughter got in a wreck (she will be ok) and is having to spend a few days in the hospital with mom and I pulling shifts to be there with her
- I wasn’t watching my filament supply close enough and had to order more materials yesterday morning when I went to hit print and realized the second spool I had was not the right material.

So there’s going to be a slight delay in shipping out until the material resupply (hoping Friday).

I feel like an idiot, but I’ll be shipping these first orders out priority as an apology.

 

I haven't ordered one yet but don't worry about it, take care of your girl.
If someone gets bent out of shape, tell them to piss off

 

I had several new members place orders…at the end of the day, I’ve got a commitment to the folks here too. Yes, taking care of family first… this place is extended family too though

 

Damn, Casey. Sorry to hear about your daughter. Glad she’s going to be ok!

 

Sending some prayers & recovery vibes to your family Casey!

(also sent some venmo too)

 

Great looking products.

Hope your daughter is doing better.

 

Quick updates:
Daughter hopefully finally gets into surgery this afternoon or evening to fixate the fractured sacrum.
Filament is tracking to deliver tomorrow, so I'll be printing again hopefully by tomorrow night.

Thank you everyone for your orders so far, I will get them out soon!

 

Praying for a speedy recovery!!

 

Casey,hope your daughter ìs well wanted to ask if this might work as a template for cutting a Platinum console without the pocket?..you have to cut out the bottom for the switches to fit anyway

 

The trick with the platinum console would be how to actually install/mount the panel… would need some way to “snap” it into place with a trim that overlaps the hole somehow. The challenge with 3D printed piece is making that overlapping part thin enough but still be strong. I could play around with a few ideas and see what I can some up with - I could actually reduce the size of the opening a little for the 1794/Platinum trim.

 

Thanks Casey if it can be done I know you will make it happen

 

I might need to get my hands on a platinum shifter trim…

 

I'm betting Toyota designers put these buttons at eye level and away from resting hands and falling objects for a reason.

I can understand why an owner would want to relocate them - and this is an awesome mod..but I'm doubtful that the Toyota design team just overlooked this without serious consideration.

Also this is a design decision and not an engineering one.

 

Except that is exactly where the 4 runner has the rear window and seat heater switches…

 

we all know Toyota engineers make such great decisions on different trim, model accessories and locations.

 

I have a 4runner. The rear window is a switch and it does get mistakenly pressed frequently. It is a known issue that the switch will minimally lower the rear lift gate window. The wiper is then disabled but the window seal is not broken. A very common occurrence if you ask any Toyota tech. Most 4runner owners have dealt with this at least once.

The seat heaters are leveling switches and are difficult to mistakenly engage. If they were accidentally engaged/disengaged your butt would get hot or cold and it wouldn't impact the driving characteristics of the vehicle.

The fact that Toyota doesn't do this with buttons that change driving characteristics on one model while doing it with non-critical functions on another really only strengthens my argument.

As I said - cool mod. I just disagree that the Toyota design team didn't think of this and choose not to do it.

 

All good. In three years, I’ve never accidentally lowered my rear window, or accidentally hit the tow/haul switch or camera button (when I had it there).

Without meeting the actual designers and asking them pointedly, we’ll likely never know.

 

Most people won't. But think about it from Toyota's perspective. Design is often a risk analysis. It is an intentional decision to keep traction control and tow/haul buttons away from areas where less aware drivers may mistakenly press them.

Call a Toyota dealer tomorrow and tell them you have a 5th gen 4runner and the rear window wiper won't turn on. See what they tell you.

 

My dealer guy said “idk bring it in and let us charge you for diagnostics”

 

The point is that your tech should be able to immediately tell you why this is happening because it happens so frequently.

Google search confirms.

I have a buddy who is an ASE certified Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician and he has some fun stories about the dumb shit owners get up to. He is also a 4runner owner.

Anyway, not criticizing the mod - just the idea that Toyota design and engineering don't know what they're doing. They are designing with the lowest common denominator in mind.

 

Received my switch panel in the mail today. First class all the way! Communication, packaging, product (even a cool sticker) is top notch!! Thanks Casey!

 

I need to order some proper stickers

 

My daughter is done with surgery and the neurosurgeon said it went great! We are just waiting to see her after the anesthesia wears off. From here they will do an xray to decide if ortho needs to do anything more but the doc said she feels really good about what she did so hopefully no other procedure is needed.

 

Thats good news. Hoping for a speedy recovery.

 

Prayers sent....Prayers answered hope everyone is well

 

A few updates:
My daughter is still in the hospital, but is improving and in good spirits. The surgeon that did her lumbrosacral fusion was amazing, and they’ve determined no additional surgeries will be needed. Still no determination on when she will get to come home, but each day so far has had little wins. She got her IV out yesterday and was able to take a shower (with assistance) and get her hair braided. She’s moving around with a walker a little, regaining strength and movement in her legs and hips, and going to actually sit in a wheelchair today to get wheeled around the hospital instead of stuck in the tiny hospital room in bed.

On the fabrication side, I’ve finally managed to get the printer dialed back in after a few hiccups and start getting caught up on prints during my brief periods away from the hospital. I’m close to caught up on printing, and getting some orders shipped out this afternoon or tomorrow after the satin coat fully cures.


I’m also working on a simple view of the order list that you’ll be able to click from the first post to see where you’re at in the queue to provide some transparency and updates (no personal info will be shown).

Finally, I will be ordering the shifter trim piece for the Platinum trucks (leather wrapped with no card pocket) and plan to start working on a design that will work for the Platinum and 1794 trim as well.

 

Great news on Liv and those panels are .