Backlit power window and lock switches
11-27-2014, 03:05 PM
#1
Backlit power window and lock switches I didn't want to start another project until the OLED module was complete, but I have some downtime there waiting on parts, so what the hell. I started this with a curiousity if I could pull off getting the stock buttons backlit. I'm happy to report my ideas are working well. Heres where im at so far.
Stock buttons marked out where I want to route out.
Next I had to make a fixture to hold the button for cutting. Worked out flawlessly.
Then taped out the cutlines
Ready for cutting on the mill
Repeated that process with all buttons. Here they are all cut
I used a light diffusing acrylic to fill the holes back in.
Cut the squares out and test fit
Next epoxied them in
The did surfacing work to match the contour of the button
Heres a pic with an led under it.
Thats where Im at at this point. Ive made new window and lock icons in adobe illustrator. I just need to take them friday to get paint templates made. Then paint and coat with a soft touch clearcoat. Fingers crossed that that process goes as planned.
Lastly I had to route out pads and a channel on the stock switch assemblies to facilitate a smd led, resistor and wires.
.... More later, thats all I have done right now.
Stock buttons marked out where I want to route out.
Next I had to make a fixture to hold the button for cutting. Worked out flawlessly.
Then taped out the cutlines
Ready for cutting on the mill
Repeated that process with all buttons. Here they are all cut
I used a light diffusing acrylic to fill the holes back in.
Cut the squares out and test fit
Next epoxied them in
The did surfacing work to match the contour of the button
Heres a pic with an led under it.
Thats where Im at at this point. Ive made new window and lock icons in adobe illustrator. I just need to take them friday to get paint templates made. Then paint and coat with a soft touch clearcoat. Fingers crossed that that process goes as planned.
Lastly I had to route out pads and a channel on the stock switch assemblies to facilitate a smd led, resistor and wires.
.... More later, thats all I have done right now.
Last edited by LT4vert; 11-27-2014 at 04:51 PM.
11-30-2014, 10:48 PM
#6
I have alot of freedom at work with my time, which thankfully makes small projects like this quite easy to pull off. I only have about 3 hours work in all that though, so not too time consuming. Letsride- no plan at all. This thread will all be here as a guide if anyone wants to try themselves. The holes I cut on the mill could easily be done without the fixture I made and with a drill or dremel. I went overkill on the process because I could and had the materials.
Thanks for the compliments!! Going to a shop tomorrow to have the transfer stickers of the icons made. Hoping the idea to use them as a paint mask works.
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01-29-2015, 05:42 PM
#17
Its on my desk in the to do pile. The time I had to get the stencils made, my usb stick was having issues at the shop and couldnt pull the files. Ive got a new flash drive and have the files on it, just need the time to get back over to the shop thats going to make them.
01-30-2015, 07:18 AM
#18
Where did you get the acrylic? It could be useful in my custom dimmer setup - was planning on "frosting" (lightly sanding) clear plexi, but this would probably work better.
As for stencils - what's the plan? Use some type of cut vinyl product as a stencil, paint the switch, and carefully remove the vinyl?
As for stencils - what's the plan? Use some type of cut vinyl product as a stencil, paint the switch, and carefully remove the vinyl?
01-30-2015, 11:35 AM
#19
Where did you get the acrylic? It could be useful in my custom dimmer setup - was planning on "frosting" (lightly sanding) clear plexi, but this would probably work better.
As for stencils - what's the plan? Use some type of cut vinyl product as a stencil, paint the switch, and carefully remove the vinyl?
As for stencils - what's the plan? Use some type of cut vinyl product as a stencil, paint the switch, and carefully remove the vinyl?
01-31-2015, 08:49 AM
#20
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Are you doing the stencils yourself or do you have a "guy"?
I'm looking for a way to do very small lettering on the turn signal stalk. A stencil and vinyl dye is what I was thinking.
I'm looking for a way to do very small lettering on the turn signal stalk. A stencil and vinyl dye is what I was thinking.