Finally tackled this project. It was a bit more time consuming than I anticipated, but got it done with the help of this video. I now have a light bar, ditch lights and reverse lights on toggles along with USB charging ports on both the driver and pass. side. Many thanks!
This was a great one, I was thinking of this but finding the part may be the challenge , I love the fact that you worked it all out for me , it will make it so easy for me now!
I'd check eBay for the part or see if you can find someone on Craigslist parting out a Jeep. I can't take the credit, I got this idea from jeepforum.com!
I have wanted to do this mod to my TJ for many years but have never found an extra switch panel section to cut up and install. I did install a double DIN Kenwood infotainment/GPS system by taking the stock 1.5 DIN (junk) radio out and modding the interior to make room, and fab'ing some metal brackets to secure the radio to the dash frame. It was pretty simple just took time to measure many times, and cut once!
Cool, I've seen some premade TJ double din bezels but they don't seem to be too cheap. Always nice to save a few bucks and have the accomplishment of doing it yourself!
Working on it! Unfortunately I'm filming and uploading the series in real time, and free time is quite limited lately. Should have the next episode finished up by the end of next week. Thanks for staying tuned!
@Dirona, first of all, GREAT DIY video! This is exactly what I was looking for to do to my TJ. Question, did you install any fastener in the lower part of the bezel? There was the one screw that went through it behind the astray, but obviously that was removed. Again, great video and I'm going to view the rest of this series to get ideas for my rig.
Looks awesome I’m looking forward to doing it to mine soon. I have two questions; what kind of radio is that, and do you have any little switch’s to fit the bezel for sale?
Thanks, good luck! Thats a special Simon & Garfunkel radio, it only plays the Sound of Silence (its a blank plastic plate). I bought some OEM lookalike switches on ebay to install in these slots, it think the seller was called Gold Coast Distributing
As a smoker, I miss the days when all vehicles came with a nice convenient ashtray/lighter combo unit straight from the factory. This just felt like a desecration. No lie, it hurt just a little seeing you do this. Turned out good for a modern non smoker's car though. Good job on the modification.
6 giant LED light bars right on top of the windshield LOL. In the foreseeable future they should turn into some lighting and onboard air switches, but beyond that not sure yet. One thing I do know for sure is that by the end of this build, 6 switch locations isn't going to be enough
You can buy aftermarket switches on eBay that fit right into the factory slots. A cheaper option is to buy Carling Contura switches from OTRATTW.com but the will require some minor filing to make them fit.
I’ve put a 03 bezel in a 97 so I assume the opposite will work too but you might need a different radio, 03-06 radio corners were more rounded than pre 03
@@dironaa cool thanks for the tips and great videos ! would you be able to tell me the distance from the switch panel to the hvac ? i am trying to end up with 2 12 volt outlets and a dual usb outlet. i bought an extra switch panel for $16 on ebay. good deal since it had a few cig lighters burns on the right side (just next to the outlet where someone missed the outlet)... i cut into the flat part to the right of the outlet (where the burn marks were) and installed a rectangular dual usb port.
@@dironaa for anyone wondering, YES I made the blue sea outlet fit :) and I also installed a blue sea rectangular dual usb outlets just next the other blue sea power outlet What is the extra plug for wire behind the panel for ?
I Only watch for tips! However, to help on How much Time is needed: I personally take my time to make it as pleasing in so far as OEM look goes. Just take your time folks!
This Jeep is a 'California Special', the lowest of the base models. It came from the factory without a radio and without a back seat. Original owner didn't want a radio because she lived in San Francisco and didn't want it to get stolen, and in California if your vehicle came from the factory with only 2 seat belts (no back seat) you can drive in the HOV/carpool lane with only one passenger.
