mounting switch on dash trim

[1990LTD]

I seem to remember someone talking about trying to mount switches on their 90-91 dash trim (the long skinny bit).


I know all I need to do is drill a hole in it, but am I going to split it down the middle the instant I try? I want to put a toggle switch or two on it for lights and maybe trunk release.

[P72Ford]

I seem to remember someone talking about trying to mount switches on their 90-91 dash trim (the long skinny bit).


I know all I need to do is drill a hole in it, but am I going to split it down the middle the instant I try? I want to put a toggle switch or two on it for lights and maybe trunk release.

Do not do this. DO NOT!

Coming from experience, brother. I did it, and whereas it doesn't split, it deforms the surface of the trim. Plus, the switches look like absolute crap when mounted there. I replaced the trim, and relocated the switches. Folks wonder why my CV has GMQ trim (because I couldn't find CV trim to replace the damaged piece)...

A better place for the switches is to the right of the steering column, right below the speedometer cluster, in the plastic trim. If you look at my user profile on this site, you'll find a link to my cardomain where there are pictures of my switches (maybe before and after the trim idea). I'm at work, so I can't post specific pictures.

[1990LTD]

Cool, thanks man. It mus have been one of your posts I recall reading.

[87gtVIC]

Any pics of where you were thinking of? I am not blessed with a 90's interior.

[85crownHPP]

use the most recessed switch you can find, those look the best IMO... I'm partial to round rocker switches myself.
Make sure the switch is rated to handle whatever load you are putting through it... I melted some cheap switches with fog lights in my old old car

[sly]

melting switches or nuking wires is never fun.

"the roof... the roof... the roof is on fire..."

[1990LTD]

Any pics of where you were thinking of? I am not blessed with a 90's interior.

well the trim is just one long skinny piece going from steering wheel to passenger door, all that's on it is Grand Marquis at one end and the rear defrogger button in the middle.... I was going to put two switches between the defrost button and the steering wheel, but the trim piece that was suggested above will work much better

[87gtVIC]

Ahh I know what you are talking about.

[neums]

If you can find a trim piece from a station wagon with a power antenna, you will have two holes already cut for your switches. This piece has three holes, one for the rear defogger (which you will need because your car has one), one for the power antenna, and one for the tailgate release. I used to own a 1990 Crown Vic police package and the former owners put two toggle switches in the trim piece below and to the left of the steering wheel. One switch was an ignition kill switch and the other one was for the wig-wag headlights.

[1990LTD]

If you can find a trim piece from a station wagon with a power antenna, you will have two holes already cut for your switches. This piece has three holes, one for the rear defogger (which you will need because your car has one), one for the power antenna, and one for the tailgate release. I used to own a 1990 Crown Vic police package and the former owners put two toggle switches in the trim piece below and to the left of the steering wheel. One switch was an ignition kill switch and the other one was for the wig-wag headlights.

I would love to find one of those. One from a Grand Marquis wagon from the left of the steering wheel would be great, I don't know what the button over there was for but it was definitely there.

[P72Ford]

I would love to find one of those. One from a Grand Marquis wagon from the left of the steering wheel would be great, I don't know what the button over there was for but it was definitely there.

Police cars had a switch on that side for the wig wag headlights. At least mine did.

[neums]

I think your right, the wagon tailgate release switch was on the shorter trim piece to the left of the steering wheel. I have seen the three hole pieces though for the right of the steering wheel. Maybe the third hole was for the instaclear windshield option.

[Smokestacklightnin]

If wiring fog/driving lights to a switch use a standard relay. Can be picked up for about $5 at auto parts stores. Relay takes the current of the lights, the switch just provides power for the relay. Just tell them what you're doing and they should know what you want.

[91grandmarquis]

I was thinking about making an under seat switch box for a while. If you knew what order they were in there wouldn't be a problem with finding them. I was thinking about it for FD lights I may eventually have to put in my car.