CNC Ashtray switch cover!

Tru-Craft · 11-15-2005

I was working on the CNC Ashtray switch cover tonight!
Got it measured and basic layout done!
It will be a 3/16" AL plate with a "LOGO" milled into the center of the plate. The LOGO is toward the rear of the car, to leave room for switches or whatever in front of it! The plate has a step to allow it to set down in the console hole.
Not sure what to do

How to attach it to the console?
Silicone sealer? Screws?
Holes for switches? Or just drill what you like.
Not sure if the logo will be raised like the air cleaner cover, or milled into the plate simular to the gas cap ($ cheaper).
Any thoughts?
Lyle

markandson · 11-15-2005

Lyle,
I don't think you are leaving enough room underneath the plate for electrical connections. I know it will be more expensive but I think the plate needs to be 3/8" or 1/2" thick with a 1/8" lip to set into the hole and then mill the entire bottom out until you only have 1/8" material left as the top. Then maybe you could leave two 1/4" square bosses sticking down that you could drill and tap. Then you can thread in some sort of snap in type fastener that would enter holes in the tunnel below. Pretty complicated.

oldopelguy · 11-15-2005

How about making it into a cup holder, that would get used all the time. Would require cutting down a much bigger block of something, but still would be cool.

Tru-Craft · 11-16-2005

Originally Posted by markandson

Lyle,
I don't think you are leaving enough room underneath the plate for electrical connections. I know it will be more expensive but I think the plate needs to be 3/8" or 1/2" thick with a 1/8" lip to set into the hole and then mill the entire bottom out until you only have 1/8" material left as the top.

Jeff, yep not much room under there! Maybe 5/8" under the plate? Im not sure what people would use for switches or how many! But, McMaster-Carr makes small toggle switches that the depth looks short and the terminals come off the side!
Trying to keep it cheap!
Lyle

Tru-Craft · 11-16-2005

Originally Posted by oldopelguy

How about making it into a cup holder, that would get used all the time. Would require cutting down a much bigger block of something, but still would be cool.

A lot of machining $! And too many cup sizes!
No drinks in my car anymore!
Although if I had a cup holder, then I would have a free hand to shift, talk on the cell phone, read a map, and flip someone off!
Maybe!

GT Tim · 11-16-2005

Sorry I still can't figure out how to put a drawing up.But I think you shouldn't make any extra holes for switches.I think a plate that caps on top of the tray with a Blitz and a hinged part to still access the inside of tray.

markandson · 11-16-2005

Lyle,
If I design what I want, can you do one for me, or is it too much work?

Tru-Craft · 11-16-2005

Jeff, it would be big $ to do just one!!!
If we don't sell a few, you or me would get hit with the whole bill!
Sounds like everyone wants something different.
Probably not enough interest to make them!
Lyle

BQS4 · 11-16-2005

Lyle;
Why not just make a "blank" plate, with the blitz on it, and let each on drill, hack, cut, fold spindle, whatever to their hearts content?

baronbors · 11-16-2005

I agree- I would prefer just a symbol with no holes

wrangler · 11-16-2005

Originally Posted by BQS4

Lyle;
Why not just make a "blank" plate, with the blitz on it, and let each on drill, hack, cut, fold spindle, whatever to their hearts content?

Lmao Gene, but first you'll have to explain how to properly 'spindle'. But yes Lyle, I like the idea of a blank plate and if the cost can be kept low enough, maybe 3 or 4 for uses in various areas.

BQS4 · 11-16-2005

Brett;
I just got carried away when I was typing that post up. It hit me about all those letters or whatever that would have "Do not fold, spindle, mutilate, or staple"..

Tru-Craft · 11-16-2005

Originally Posted by baronbors

I agree- I would prefer just a symbol with no holes

Cheapest way!?
OK, picture this! We have a 3/16" thick aluminum plate! I mill the bottom about 3/32" deep matching the contour of the ashtray opening. I flip the plate over and mill a contour about 3/16 larger all around the top. Now the plate will sit in the hole, resting on the step!
That will leave about a 3/4" area open under the cover. Enough room???

OK now the "LOGO". Should it be milled down into the cover like the gas cap, cheaper, but not as cool!?
Or should I mill all around the LOGO leaving it raised up above the top? More $ but cool! Like the air cleaner cover, but with no ribs!
If the LOGO is centered front to back it leaves less room for switches!
So I could move it towards the back!?
Anyone care or have any interest?

Lyle

GT Tim · 11-16-2005

Lyle I can picture what you are saying and that would work for me.I think the Blitz in the back not centered.I would rather pay a couple xtra$ for a cooler look.If the blitz is countersunk there would be a area that dirt can collect in as well.

markandson · 11-17-2005

Have to be careful that you don't make the top too thin, otherwise certain types of rocker switches will not "snap" in. In general you need about 1/8" thickness for those type of switches, which is the type I have been "picturing" in my head when thinking about this design. You might want to check McMaster they generally have specs for panel mounting thickness with the switch descriptions. BTW, I think if space for contacts is a concern for those of us who want switches in the plate, we can probably cut a hole in the tunnel and then weld in an ashtray bottom so that you have a matching depression in the tunnel, which would leave plenty of room for switch contacts. It's more work but makes the switch idea possible.

asdasc · 11-17-2005

What type of loads would you all be driving? How much current? what type switches? Push on/push off? Toggle? How many switches?
I am thinking of an idea where the cover would just have a blitz in the center with 4 small circles, one in each corner. Underneath, I could easily make up a small circuit board that would hold some hall effect magnetic sensors, maybe even back biased with magnets, and also some relays. All this would easily fit in the ashtray hole. All you would need to do is wave a small magnet (or a peice of ferrous material if I back bias them) over the circle you want, and the switch comes on (or turns off). Whenever you power up the car, all the switches would go to a known state, selectable on or off at installation. What do you think?

asdasc · 11-17-2005

This idea also makes the cover less expensive to machine and 'cleaner' looking.

mschmalenberg · 11-17-2005

Somebody asked about a cup holder, I bought one called a Spill Master Euro Jr. the screw holes line up with the ones in the ash tray.

Paul · 11-17-2005

Mike,

Where did you purchase the cup holder and does it interfer with the operation of the headlights?

Thanks

markandson · 11-17-2005

Looks to me that as long as you don't have big knuckles you won't spill your beer. Parked in your driveway of course.:knockedou

markandson · 11-17-2005

Just typed it into Google. An old post from a BMW forum says that they are available at PEP Boys.

Tru-Craft · 11-17-2005

Originally Posted by asdasc

What type of loads would you all be driving? How much current? what type switches? Push on/push off? Toggle? How many switches?
I am thinking of an idea where the cover would just have a blitz in the center with 4 small circles, one in each corner. Underneath, I could easily make up a small circuit board that would hold some hall effect magnetic sensors, maybe even back biased with magnets, and also some relays. All this would easily fit in the ashtray hole. All you would need to do is wave a small magnet (or a peice of ferrous material if I back bias them) over the circle you want, and the switch comes on (or turns off). Whenever you power up the car, all the switches would go to a known state, selectable on or off at installation. What do you think?

I have never heard of a switch like that! It sounds like a cool idea!
What is visible from the top?
No me

11-15-2005	#1 (permalink)
Tru-Craft 1970-GT Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 1,193 Classified Rating: 0% (0) Provided Answers: 2	Unanswered: CNC Ashtray switch cover! I was working on the CNC Ashtray switch cover tonight! Got it measured and basic layout done! It will be a 3/16" AL plate with a "LOGO" milled into the center of the plate. The LOGO is toward the rear of the car, to leave room for switches or whatever in front of it! The plate has a step to allow it to set down in the console hole. Not sure what to do How to attach it to the console? Silicone sealer? Screws? Holes for switches? Or just drill what you like. Not sure if the logo will be raised like the air cleaner cover, or milled into the plate simular to the gas cap ($ cheaper). Any thoughts? Lyle

11-15-2005	#3 (permalink)
oldopelguy Have Opel, Will Travel Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickens, SC Posts: 1,610 Classified Rating: 0% (0) Logbook Entries: 3 Provided Answers: 1	cup holder How about making it into a cup holder, that would get used all the time. Would require cutting down a much bigger block of something, but still would be cool.

11-17-2005	#15 (permalink)
markandson Senior Contributor Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Kent Lakes, NY Posts: 1,551 Classified Rating: 0% (0) Provided Answers: 2	Have to be careful that you don't make the top too thin, otherwise certain types of rocker switches will not "snap" in. In general you need about 1/8" thickness for those type of switches, which is the type I have been "picturing" in my head when thinking about this design. You might want to check McMaster they generally have specs for panel mounting thickness with the switch descriptions. BTW, I think if space for contacts is a concern for those of us who want switches in the plate, we can probably cut a hole in the tunnel and then weld in an ashtray bottom so that you have a matching depression in the tunnel, which would leave plenty of room for switch contacts. It's more work but makes the switch idea possible. Last edited by markandson; 11-17-2005 at 09:45 AM..

11-17-2005	#16 (permalink)
asdasc Senior Contributor Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Mt. Clemens, Michigan Posts: 888 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	What type of loads would you all be driving? How much current? what type switches? Push on/push off? Toggle? How many switches? I am thinking of an idea where the cover would just have a blitz in the center with 4 small circles, one in each corner. Underneath, I could easily make up a small circuit board that would hold some hall effect magnetic sensors, maybe even back biased with magnets, and also some relays. All this would easily fit in the ashtray hole. All you would need to do is wave a small magnet (or a peice of ferrous material if I back bias them) over the circle you want, and the switch comes on (or turns off). Whenever you power up the car, all the switches would go to a known state, selectable on or off at installation. What do you think? Last edited by asdasc; 11-17-2005 at 05:53 PM..

11-15-2005	#2 (permalink)
markandson Senior Contributor Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Kent Lakes, NY Posts: 1,551 Classified Rating: 0% (0) Provided Answers: 2	Lyle, I don't think you are leaving enough room underneath the plate for electrical connections. I know it will be more expensive but I think the plate needs to be 3/8" or 1/2" thick with a 1/8" lip to set into the hole and then mill the entire bottom out until you only have 1/8" material left as the top. Then maybe you could leave two 1/4" square bosses sticking down that you could drill and tap. Then you can thread in some sort of snap in type fastener that would enter holes in the tunnel below. Pretty complicated.

11-16-2005	#6 (permalink)
GT Tim Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Utah Posts: 479 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Sorry I still can't figure out how to put a drawing up.But I think you shouldn't make any extra holes for switches.I think a plate that caps on top of the tray with a Blitz and a hinged part to still access the inside of tray.

11-16-2005	#7 (permalink)
markandson Senior Contributor Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Kent Lakes, NY Posts: 1,551 Classified Rating: 0% (0) Provided Answers: 2	Lyle, If I design what I want, can you do one for me, or is it too much work?

11-16-2005	#8 (permalink)
Tru-Craft 1970-GT Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 1,193 Classified Rating: 0% (0) Provided Answers: 2	Jeff, it would be big $ to do just one!!! If we don't sell a few, you or me would get hit with the whole bill! Sounds like everyone wants something different. Probably not enough interest to make them! Lyle

11-16-2005	#9 (permalink)
BQS4 Southern Red Neck Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Snellville, GA Posts: 5,058 Classified Rating: 0% (0) Provided Answers: 1	Lyle; Why not just make a "blank" plate, with the blitz on it, and let each on drill, hack, cut, fold spindle, whatever to their hearts content?

11-16-2005	#10 (permalink)
baronbors I'm slow but GT is fast Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: League City Texas Posts: 1,076 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	I agree- I would prefer just a symbol with no holes

11-16-2005	#12 (permalink)
BQS4 Southern Red Neck Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Snellville, GA Posts: 5,058 Classified Rating: 0% (0) Provided Answers: 1	Brett; I just got carried away when I was typing that post up. It hit me about all those letters or whatever that would have "Do not fold, spindle, mutilate, or staple"..

11-16-2005	#14 (permalink)
GT Tim Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Utah Posts: 479 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Lyle I can picture what you are saying and that would work for me.I think the Blitz in the back not centered.I would rather pay a couple xtra$ for a cooler look.If the blitz is countersunk there would be a area that dirt can collect in as well.

11-17-2005	#17 (permalink)
asdasc Senior Contributor Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Mt. Clemens, Michigan Posts: 888 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	This idea also makes the cover less expensive to machine and 'cleaner' looking.

11-17-2005	#19 (permalink)
Paul Member 1000 Post Club Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ft Smith, Arkansas Posts: 1,364 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Mike, Where did you purchase the cup holder and does it interfer with the operation of the headlights? Thanks

11-17-2005	#20 (permalink)
markandson Senior Contributor Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Kent Lakes, NY Posts: 1,551 Classified Rating: 0% (0) Provided Answers: 2	Looks to me that as long as you don't have big knuckles you won't spill your beer. Parked in your driveway of course.:knockedou

11-17-2005	#21 (permalink)
markandson Senior Contributor Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Kent Lakes, NY Posts: 1,551 Classified Rating: 0% (0) Provided Answers: 2	Just typed it into Google. An old post from a BMW forum says that they are available at PEP Boys.