Driving/Auxiliary/Work light switch location

[Willi]

Hello everyone

Right now I'm working on getting the Disco4 up to spec.

I'm planning on mounting LED driving lights in front of the grille, as well as LED spots and a bar on the rack (I'm currently fabricating) and a work lights on the rear and maybe sides.

The only problem I have right now is where to place the switches on the dash.
I really don't want to put them under the steering wheel or near where my legs are. I had a truck with this setup and blinding people as I moved around on long drives and bumped into them was a constant and ****** me off to no end.

I'm setting the car up for 10000km expeditions like the trek to Ushuaia (5000km down then 5000km back home) and the Ushuaia desert crossing to Chañarral (3500km each leg), moving around and stretching your legs will be a constant when you are driving 600 to 800km/day on rough backroads, gravel, mud and sand, that is why I really don't want those switches where I can accidentally bump them.

I considered using a spot right to the instrument cluster but I'm not sure if it would fit properly there and I also plan on putting the aux fuel tank gauge and pump switch there instead

this is the spot I'm talking about:


I also considered the plastic cover of the sunroof/ambient lights, but I need at least 3 switches, ideally 4 to fit there
This is the cover I'm talking about:


Trouble is, it'll have to fit 4 switches and the cover is white, I'm not really into sticking black switches up there.

I really want to try and make it look as close to stock as possible, I don't like the glaring difference in design between factory and aftermarket switches, and the inside of the D4 is such a pleasant place to be that I really don't want to marr the design.

So if anyone has any suggestion, maybe link me to other topics on the subject and show how others have solved it, I would be grateful.

I'm being extra-careful with fitting these switches because I plan on living with this car a very long time and I don't want to experience the frustration that is looking at something you know you could have done better...

 

[avslash]

Not saying it's ideal, but here is what I did if it helps you decide.

Cell phone booster and traxide dual battery switch.

Auxiliary gas tank switch.

Off-road light switch.

Compressor and front locker switches

 

[avslash]

Compressor and front locker switches.

 

[Willi]

thanks, it did help a lot. I might use the place where you put the traxxide and cell phone booster switch to mount the aux tank gauge/switch (since I'll be fabricating my own and I have no idea where I can find one like yours).

I also decided to use the light/sunroof plastic housing to mount the switches.
I took it off yesterday and realized that I can replace the mic position and use the sides to mount two or three switches on each side.

I found a dirt-cheap panel, complete with switch, mic and lights for BRL50, I'll be modding that one and keeping the original for when I want to sell the car.

 

[ryanjl]

I saw someone hypothesize once that you could use the buttons on the bottom of the rear-view mirror (meant to control a garage door opener) to remotely control a Hella wireless relay. I've never seen anyone post about it in actual operation, though. Seems like it would be a little too convenient that they both could operate on the same frequencies, but I suppose it's possible.

 

[RandyLove]

Hey Willi, did you ever make the trek across South America? I did it on a motorcycle back in 2012-2013. What a beautiful continent you have down there. Let me know if you have a blog/vlog of any kind.