97-04 Custom switch or gauge install.

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Crash!

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97-03 Nitrous/auxiliary switches.

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Remove panel... Put your fingers behind the panel and lift the top straight toward you to remove the top spring clips. Then get behind the panel and pull the lower spring clips. Then work the panel around the column.

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Remove panel part two...

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Opening behind panel that accomodates 3 switches or one 2 1/16" gauge.

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Measurement one... Width.

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Measurement 2... Height.

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Reference mark inboard...

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Reference mark vertical...

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Measuring the panel...

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Then divide the usable space into 1/3s for two switches, 1/4s for 3. Three will fit. Or, IF you are installing a gauge, center the hole in the usable space, and use a 2 1/16" holesaw to mount the gauge.

Measure...

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And mark intersecting lines. Use a 1/2" wood bit to drill the holes at the intersections.

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Two safety switches. One for HID, the other for N2O.

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Switches mounted in the panel. Adjust them with a level, and tighten accordingly.

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The finished product...

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This was Project 02. Lighting, Nitrous, fan overrides, and auxillary switches... I used 5 total.

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I will post a pic of Mad Enterprise gauge installation for an example here...

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Call or PM with questions... Happy to help!
 

FordandPolaris

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1997SCEBFEX

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thanks for sharing.
i got tired of the whine, thus upgraded to the V2SQ back in the day.
also mounted my aftercooler temp gauge where you put your switches.

PanHandler.
 
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Crash!

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Right on. Glad this thread could help you guys do a professional installation whether you choose to install gauges or switches.
 

TactialMonkey

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I really like the gauge pod! haha I put my switches for my fog lights in the same panel on the left hand side before I even saw this thread haha
 
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Crash!

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Tactical Monkey- Nice. Not many on the forums I sponsor knew about the void behind the panel. Very creative.
 
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Crash!

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That is sweet. Do you do much towing or was it just for the fun of the build? Thanks by the way, plasti-dipping all the chrome makes a huge difference in appearance.

What CHROME? LOL! It's silver, black and grey... I have been blacking them out since 1999. This is my second Expedition, and I owned 3 F-150s. I blacked them all out. I hate chrome! I even shaved the emblems and replaced them with my company decals on this one.

BTW- I use Urethane roll on undercoating after a 60 grit sand. It does NOT come off, and it has a cool texture. Then I spray it with rubber spray on undercoating to smooth the surface to a rough orange peel look. Form follows function. Rocks bounce off of it.

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