Oppoinion 

"Tripper" (tripe46) 06/12/2018 at 11:45 • Filed to: None

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In my quest to make things more difficult than they need to be. I have decided not to use the switches that came with the power window kit for the Ranger. Mainly because they are ugly, but also because I prefer the window switches in the middle of the car.

I have the most basic available door panels, so I can’t integrate factory switches or that’s what I would do. I thought about getting the “nicer” door panels but even beat ones are around $250 for a pair. I haven’t yet ruled that out as I’m looking to integrate a factory side mirror switch/joystick and I cant decide on a good spot (it’s currently tucked up under the dash).

The plan currently is to mount mini SPDT rocker switches that will fit in the space below the aftermarket stereo. My dash kit does not have the pocket below the head unit so I would mount one switch on each side.

However the switches that I bought are 3 pin so I will need to wire up two relays for each switch to make it work. Like so.

So Oppo, you like the switches under the radio? They do not light up as most other switches do.

OR

should I go with the ugly switches that came with the kit?

OR

Should I get slightly less ugly switches that mount on the door panel. Options:

OR

Should I spend the time and money to find a pair of factory panels and switches?

I guess I could wire them below the stereo for now and spring for the panels whenever I come across a decent pair.

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > Tripper 06/12/2018 at 11:56

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I really think you should hunt for factory panels. They are in such convenient locations. You could maybe also do the switches on the panel ala Chevy,

Or you could make the old crank handle the switch ala Icon.

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! 06/12/2018 at 11:57

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Like if you push the crank down, the window goes down and make if you push it down twice, both windows go down and vice versa.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Tripper 06/12/2018 at 11:59

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In my quest to make things more difficult than they need to be.

Rather, why not, In my quest to make things more to my liking...

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! 06/12/2018 at 12:00

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For the mirrors, maybe get a Honda switch that is dash mounted,

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > Tripper 06/12/2018 at 12:02

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I would like to know what you use to do schematic layout. I use Altium for most things, but it is garbage at this more macro stuff.

Tripper > Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! 06/12/2018 at 12:11

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Aw man I love the idea of making the crank the switch. It will be tough in this situation as the power kit I bought is just a circular motor mounted over where the crank was. Maybe if I hollow out the old cranks I could fabricate something.

If I could find the panels in good shape I’d get em even if they were expensive. All the ones on ebay are really rough. Most rangers had crank windows so there aren’t many for sale that accommodate switches.

Tripper > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 06/12/2018 at 12:13

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So I use two tools. I use Circuit Lab to build and test circuits. I use Lucid Chart to make them look pretty.

Tripper > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 06/12/2018 at 12:14

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That is the truth, I just thought I’d bait more responses with the former.

Tripper > Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! 06/12/2018 at 12:18

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I like that, I wonder how deep it is. There aren’t many flat spots in the dash and the door panel is shallow.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Tripper 06/12/2018 at 12:28

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I don’t mind the center switches in my Mini but they constantly confuse passengers.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Tripper 06/12/2018 at 12:42

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Being a troll , in other words? Far be it from me to troll in this space...

But I can relate, and I would poke fun at myself in exactly the same way. I like forcing things in the physical world be be arranged to my liking. Customizing...

Tripper > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 06/12/2018 at 12:48

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I’ve become accustomed to them because of the E46 and my wife’s (late) cooper. I think the toughest part about adding them to the ranger in the center is finding switches that fit and don’t look like they belong on the back of toy.

Tripper > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 06/12/2018 at 12:56

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Agree. I just like doing stuff to the Ranger because its super cheap, really easy to work on and it didn’t come with power anything. So I’ve added power locks, key less entry, remote start, power mirrors, backup camera, dash camera, stereo w/hands free for the phone, foot well lights, under hood light, and now power windows.

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > Tripper 06/12/2018 at 13:01

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I saw a Mazda RX7 switch that also was dash mounted. There may be others as well. On the power window switch, is it possible to return the I am assuming aftermarket kit and get stock units? Then it may be easier to use the window cranks as switches.

TheRealBicycleBuck > Tripper 06/12/2018 at 13:03

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You don’t have to replace the whole panel, just the black plastic insert. Even then you could cut your own holes in the existing panel. I’ve had to replace one of the switches in my truck.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Tripper 06/12/2018 at 13:07

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I wouldn’t mind having power windows in my ‘71 GMC van, but that won’t be happening any year soon.

Tripper > TheRealBicycleBuck 06/12/2018 at 13:07

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I could do just the insert if I had one level nicer panels. The big handle insert with the area for the switches wont fit on mine. Your pic might work for me though, are those switches factory? If so what year/trim?

SaigaShooter - He's got an Impreza > Tripper 06/12/2018 at 13:08

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I think I would mount the switches in the open space to the left of the radio. I know its not flat, but you could contour the area with filler of some sort and then repaint the bezel.

Tripper > Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! 06/12/2018 at 13:09

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I’m not sure to be honest the kit was so cheap that I didn’t even think about factory units until I got into planning the install. I’m pretty sure that its a huge pain to convert it from factory crank to factory power. There are a lot of things riveted in and in a awkward position inside the door. I will look into it though.

Tripper > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 06/12/2018 at 13:11

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Are they crank windows now? The kit I bought was $50 for both windows.

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > Tripper 06/12/2018 at 13:12

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Are Rangers not common in the junkyards in your area? Or are they but they are all trash and manual windows? Just curious.

Tripper > Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! 06/12/2018 at 13:15

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There’s only one junkyard that I know of that is even kind of close to me. I have yet to check it out.

TheRealBicycleBuck > Tripper 06/12/2018 at 13:27

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Factory on a ‘94 MAZDA B-3000

Same panels as the Ford.

Tripper > TheRealBicycleBuck 06/12/2018 at 13:29

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I always forget to look for parts on the B series! Thanks!

I have another burner, try to guess it! > Tripper 06/12/2018 at 13:30

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Wait, my Volvo has the window switches on the door, does that mean it’s not actually European? :(

Tripper > I have another burner, try to guess it! 06/12/2018 at 13:58

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Haha nah it still is. I’ve had 4 European cars and two had em in the center and the other two on the doors

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > Tripper 06/12/2018 at 14:07

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Ah, that sucks. I am fairly close to at least 3 decent junkyards.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Tripper 06/12/2018 at 17:37

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I can do just about anything in my Mini by feel at this point. The window switches and door handles never fail to confuse my passengers though.