He Who Dares Part Deux -- How Fiat Could have done it.

[SpiderJim]

just thought to share how I think Fiat could have designed the radio console. Some of you may know that I am messing with my interior and thought to share my changes. All of the dash, radio and lower consoles are now with the upholsterer. I have integrated all of the switches and idiot lights to the radio console plus added a couple of things.

I have now got rid of all the clutter off the dash and into one place. I will be connecting all of the electronics via one connector so as to clean up that wiring mess behind the radio. This will allow my heater box to work correctly and my wire to stay cool and out of the way. If I have overlooked an item please let me know. Also suggestions welcome as it will be a couple of days before I install the goodies. The pic shows my new layout. All I did was to cut the existing radio plate at the sides then bend it forward. I also added approx 2 1/2" of back rake to the front panel allowing the easy installation and operation of everything. You do have to drop the car in reverse to shoe horn the console in but it fits nice. The burl cherry is all one piece fastened to the shifter base with magnets. Also, the interior light is now integrated under the dash lip so as not to get in your eyes along with an LED console and passenger map light. End result less parts more room and improved drivability. Enjoy!!...

[mdrburchette]

That's really going to look good, Jim. Although I took great care to keep mine original, there are a few things that could benefit from being modernized.

[SpiderJim]

That's really going to look good, Jim. Although I took great care to keep mine original, there are a few things that could benefit from being modernized.

Thanks... If this one had been in good shape I would have also kept it original but everything was dry rotted so a good time to improve/update to my taste.

[azygoustoyou]

That's exactly how I feel Jim. Mine is pretty rotten itself.

[wachuko]

I should have kept the old pieces to play around as well.... I just stuck them in the trash can...

[Foster48x]

Jim,
I looked at doing something similar to mine prior to replacing the dash and panels but just don't have the heart (or time) to cut it all up again. However, if you work out all the bugs I may have to follow your lead with the lower row of switches or something similar. Right now my headlight and fan switch are stuffed up under the left side of my dash until I can figure out what to do with them. Have you already found the type of switch your going to use (the white ones in your pic)?

I really enjoy seeing the innovative ideas and product you come up! Keep up the great work!
Rick

[wachuko]

What about eliminating some of those switches by going with the steering wheel from an 83-85?

[SpiderJim]

What about eliminating some of those switches by going with the steering wheel from an 83-85?

I could but I'm wanting the look of a 70's xj6 so it still stays period and switches look nice against the burl in real life. I also needed an excuse to add a couple of switches to just play with... Laugh. BTW the switches are not white but black and all lit. Just looks white on the diagram.

[wachuko]

Got it.



Me, I like the old toggle switches from the older cars There is always something for everyone.

[SpiderJim]

[quote="wachuko"]Got it.

Me, I like the old toggle switches from the older cars There is always something for everyone.

Jaime

Nice pics with nice layouts. I agree the toggles do look nice. But I just have to have my rockers at five times the price... Laugh

[DoctorPDR]

Very nice SpiderJim. So how would you design this if someone had power window switches?

[SpiderJim]

Very nice SpiderJim. So how would you design this if someone had power window switches?

The same.... Just add the switches to the switch group... or remove the upper right map light and use to smaller (1 inch) one's stacked

[DoctorPDR]

Very nice SpiderJim. So how would you design this if someone had power window switches?

The same.... Just add the switches to the switch group... or remove the upper right map light and use to smaller (1 inch) one's stacked

Okay, when are you building me one? lol

[SpiderJim]

Very nice SpiderJim. So how would you design this if someone had power window switches?

The same.... Just add the switches to the switch group... or remove the upper right map light and use to smaller (1 inch) one's stacked

Okay, when are you building me one? lol

Laugh... How much money do you have?

[DoctorPDR]

Laugh... How much money do you have?