CNC Ashtray switch cover!

[Tru-Craft]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Tru-Craft]

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]

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]

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

[wrangler]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[mschmalenberg]

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]

Mike,

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

Thanks

[markandson]

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]

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

[Tru-Craft]

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 mechanical movement?
I like it! Something to impress the kid's with!
The GT does have some cool things already, like rotating head lights and windsheild wipers that come on magically!
Come up with a plan.
Lyle

[Tru-Craft]

Originally Posted by markandson 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.

Jeff, your right I better make it from 1/4 plate.

[asdasc]

Hi Lyle,
The company I work for makes them, you can check them out at www.allegromicro.com
I am not trying to advertise, but we sell about 250M/yr into automotive. The average car in the US has a bunch. The only drawback is the range, depending on the strength of the magnet, maybe 2-5mm max, so thinner is better. Since Aluminum is non-ferrous, it is invisible to the magnetic field. You can make it completely concealed behind Aluminum. I would reccommend the little dots or circles on the cover, just so you know where they are.
By the way, the Pertronix pick up uses hall effect switches. That is what is sensing the ring magnet.

[GT Tim]

Asdacs that sounds interesting.I would do it just to have it.I don't have a clue what I need switches for but I am sure I can figure something out.Thanks Tim