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A few months back, I installed pod lights on my G. The switch to toggle them is located in the blank space used for the headlight adjustment knob on non-US spec cars. The switch works well enough but I want something more OEM looking.
While getting my oil changed at the dealer, I talked to the tech and asked him about wiring the lights up to the blank switches above the radio/nav unit. He said that would be difficult as all the switches are assembled as one unit from the factory. The switches aren't attached to individual breakers or circuits.
He did, however, point out that the t-case switch is an older part and is an individual switch. He also noted that Euro models have one or two additional switches next to the t-case switch and they too are individual switches. He believes that it might be possible to order a switch and wire it to the old lights.
Does anyone have thoughts on this? I'd have to order a wood veneer from a euro G and a switch (ideally one with an LED light to indicate that it is on). Is this feasible or possible?
You can see what I am talking about in this blurry image of a Euro G-class:
Come to think of it's I'd love to know how that center console was wrapped in suede. I'd love to do a full leather interior (dash, doors, center console, etc) but something subtle rather than suede - make it look as close to an OEM full leather job as possible.
Come to think of it's I'd love to know how that center console was wrapped in suede. I'd love to do a full leather interior (dash, doors, center console, etc) but something subtle rather than suede - make it look as close to an OEM full leather job as possible.
I looked at factory switches but gave up and wit the # of lights I'm going to run a switchbox made the most sense - and the a single run into the cab is really nice. I've used fancier version on my other cheaper builds ironically - S-Pods and S-tech but I've had an Auxbeam setup in my 80 series for 5 years and it's flawless....so saved some money for more lights...
it fits nicely over that silly cubby ( removed and 3M taped it in place) it'll look better once I get brave and wrap all the wood parts in CF like Shiann has....
I had the lower center console off, and I believe there are mounting spots for the 2 switches on the left and right of the transfer case H/L switch. The issue would be cutting the switch hole nicely enough to mount. You could use any older style MB switch there, or just get other transfer case switches to use, but will have to individually wire it.
The other option would be to add a physical switch to the blank switches around the hazard button. There was a post about this a while ago that I saved the pics from.
You would have to wire a tactile button switch, then wire the switches individually like you would in anything else. But it would look OEM.
Initially I wanted to add the switches to the blank plates below the center air vents. However, the MB tech at the dealership said that the unit was of a different design than on the pre-facelift model and wasn't easily modified outside of the factory. That is why he suggested mounting the switch next to the T-case control.
A custom center console wood trim would be nice but I'm thinking sourcing a Euro-G part would be easer (of course I haven't been able to find one at all but that is another story!). I guess the other issue would be figuring out how to make a custom switch with an image of a high beam on it (so it looks OEM)
The internals of the later are for sure different, but can probably also be modified to work. It'll all have to be wired independently and will take some trial/error, but should be able to work.
I do actually have a spare (old 2002-2006 Style) switch pack for this exact purpose, I just haven't had time to take it apart and design/3d print the parts to make it work.
There was a member on the ClubG forum that made up a bunch of decals for the Pre-MBUSA switches. There's also lots of companies like Auxbeam and others who have sticker sheets with all types of different functions.
Last case, you can get them cut in vinyl. The symbol itself, or the negative of it and paint the symbol on.
I had an s-tech kit in my 100 Series landcruiser - nicely built and worked really well. They are UT based and actually build the parts in the US, and do appear to maybe do custom setup if you'd like to stay more OEM looking ? https://stechswitch.com/special-orders/
The internals of the later are for sure different, but can probably also be modified to work. It'll all have to be wired independently and will take some trial/error, but should be able to work.
I do actually have a spare (old 2002-2006 Style) switch pack for this exact purpose, I just haven't had time to take it apart and design/3d print the parts to make it work.
There was a member on the ClubG forum that made up a bunch of decals for the Pre-MBUSA switches. There's also lots of companies like Auxbeam and others who have sticker sheets with all types of different functions.
Last case, you can get them cut in vinyl. The symbol itself, or the negative of it and paint the symbol on.
I asked about the switch gear above the Nav unit and he said it's a giant PITA - he tried adding features onto his C55 via the same route and had an incredible amount of trouble. It was much easier wiring up single switches (the kind you saw in merch from the late 80's to early 00's.
If I recall correctly, there was a forum member on MB world who made custom switches that were laser etched? The next best option might be to create a sticker cutout of the image, apply the sticker and lightly spray acetone to remove the black paint and leave the opaque white plastic underneath.
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