RMF-003: 3-Switch Panel (Universal or Platinum)

Introducing the UNIVERSAL 3-Switch Panel
Part Number RMF-003
ORDER HERE

This started life as a design to put three switches into a Platinum or 1794 shifter trim (that does not have the little depression/tray) and really morphed into something that can be universally installed anywhere that you have a flat spot large enough and with enough depth behind it to house three switches.

These are printed in BLACK using Ultimaker CPE+ or ABS (based on availability - both are high quality materials perfectly suited for the interior of a vehicle). They a printed face down on a textured bed to produce the texture seen (which eliminates the typical print lines seen in FDM printed items). The top surface is given a couple light coats of SEM Trim Black.


These will come with a matching “backing ring” that will secure them using some #6-32 set screws (uses a 1.5mm hex key to tighten). This allows for mounting in variable thicknesses.
NOTE that the set screw threads are cut directly into the backing ring plastic, so they are to be tightened just enough to be snug and lock in the insert, but not so much that you strip the threads out. It is also perfectly acceptable to use your choice of epoxy to permanently secure these into the opening.

 

PLATINUM / 1794 Shifter Trim instructions:
1. Cut out and secure the included paper template to the trim (removed from the truck) using masking or heavy scotch tape. The top edge of the template should be aligned with the shifter trim edge, and the template centered across the area.


2. Using a 1/16 drill bit, very carefully drill at the corners of the template through the leather and the plastic underneath.


3. Using a sharp utility knife, carefully cut through the leather along the diagonal lines in the template (production versions will show a dashed line where to cut the leather).


4. Remove the template and use a straight edge to connect the inside edges of the leather cuts, removing a small center rectangle of leather (production template will show these lines to cut along).


5. Peel back the leather and secure it out of your way with making or heavy scotch tape. Use a silver sharpie or silver pencil to draw lines to connect the comers you previously drilled - working carefully to keep them straight.


6. Using a dremel or oscillating tool, CAREFULLY cut out along the insides of the lines you marked. The goal here is to start tight/narrow and slowly open things up for a tight fit.


7. Clean up the plastic goobers/burrs with a chisel or utility knife.


8. You can test fit the insert into the opening (with the leather still held out of the way) to make sure it JUST fits. The opening should just line up to the ribbing on the underside at the console box side, and should just line up to or barely remove the ribbing on the underside at the shifter gate side. At this point, you will also note some minor trimming requires at the locations of the two rear-most panel clips.


9. Finally, fold over the leather through the opening and press-fit the switch panel through the hole. The added thickness of the leather should securely lock the panel into place. If you need, you can carefully enlarge the hole opening a little at a time using a sharp utility knife so that the panel fits into the opening but is still retained.


ALTERNATELY you can trim the leather to the opening and use the included backing “ring” with set screws to secure the panel tight to the console panel. This is also the option for those that can’t keep their holes nice and tight…


Lower / Main Console Trimming instructions

 

Mounting anywhere else:
1. Cut out the inner rectangle of the included template (the production version will also have an outline of the panel trim/bezel for reference) and position where desired. Tape the template in place. Confirm there is room behind the panel for the switches to protrude (some are much larger than others) and wiring to be routed.


2. Mark the corners and drill carefully with a 1/8” or 3/16” drill bit. Trace the outline of the opening with a silver sharpie or silver pencil.

3. Carefully cut the opening. Keep it as close to the template size as possible.

4. Insert the panel through the opening and slip the backing ring over from the other side. Adjust it tight to the back side to hold the panel in place, and then tighten the #6-32 set screws using a 1.5mm allen key. Do not over-tighten - the threads are cut directly into the backing ring plastic. Alternately, you may use a 2-part epoxy to secure the panel permanently in place.

(2-Switch version shown - location is merely to show an example of mounting)

 

Would this possibly work in the area below the HVAC controls where that useless cupholder is?

 

Potentially…but stay tuned for something speshul for that area…

 

Staying tuned. I'll be first on that list.

 

I think I'm staying tuned, too.