GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Dashboard material, Mod simplicity

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Old 01-31-15, 07:51 AM
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Y0G1daB34R
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Default Dashboard material, Mod simplicity

Im looking to add some small gadgets and want to install some rocker switches and light indicators. The best location so far is east of the steering wheel west of the radio, and i know theres a metal plate halfway down, but has anyone tried cutting through the leather/plastic that forms the dash ?
Old 01-31-15, 07:53 AM
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Y0G1daB34R
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Here is where i threw the first.one, but now cutting necessary



Voltmeter with switch
Old 01-31-15, 08:41 PM
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marshun
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wtfx? why?
Old 01-31-15, 10:29 PM
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Y0G1daB34R
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A lot of the **** i wanna control through switches rather than rely on multiple power sources. Basically need to only cut two 1&1/4" holes. (Once i clean up the coltmeter wiring that panel will fall back into place)
Old 02-01-15, 01:28 AM
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NorthStyle
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Hmmm... I can't say it's my style, but it's your car. However, I'd suggest cleaning up the install as it looks tacky as it sits. The voltmeter itself doesn't look too bad as it seems to fit pretty well where it is; the rocker switch on the other hand looks completely out of place. If you plan on putting multiple ones in the car, I'd probably suggest fitting them inside the center console. That way, you could line them up all nice like without having random switches scattered throughout the interior. Just my thoughts. Good luck either way
Old 02-02-15, 07:27 PM
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sam12345
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Get a scan gauge
Old 02-03-15, 01:35 AM
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Riksgs808
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Exactly what northstyle said. With all those switches it might look like an airplane cockpit. I think the center counsel is the best idea as well.
Old 02-04-15, 07:52 PM
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Y0G1daB34R
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Was trying to get the switch in deeper but now im gonna just rewire it to the center. Anyone ever try cutting ip the dash or know any threads involving removal ? Thanks again
Old 02-04-15, 08:47 PM
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Mr Jokster
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You can gut the ashtray and cigarette lighter and put as many switches as you want in there and it will look clean. I did this for a fellow member. Just cut everything out, make a fiberglass face and punch out all the holes you needed for all the switches:



Theres also enough to fit gauges in as well
Old 02-05-15, 05:43 AM
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Y0G1daB34R
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Lol ripped that portion out for a media cam just under my aftermarket radio/mixer, think imma draw up some ideas and post some pics whenbim done
Old 02-05-15, 07:50 AM
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Mr Jokster
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Originally Posted by Y0G1daB34R
Lol ripped that portion out for a media cam just under my aftermarket radio/mixer, think imma draw up some ideas and post some pics whenbim done
Just remember, fiberglass is your friend. Any open space can be utilized in a clean way for components, it can be painted, plastidipped, vinyled stickoned or leather vinyled. Also, if you do decide to drill holes in the leather, be sure that the hole is smaller than the hole in the leather. Cut an "X" in the leather where you want the hole with the outside ends of the "X" like 2mm bigger than what the cutout hole is gonna be, peel out the leather THEN drill/cut/dremmel the hole out. This will allow you to tuck the leather in before installing the gauge (or whatever component) and will give the cleanest look. (hope that makes sense) Oh and PLEASE use a leveler if you're doing multiple gauges in the leather LoL dont make them all crooked like many will do. IMO, ALL ideas (no matter how ridiculous they are) can still look good when done correctly. Dont do hack jobs on our beautiful Lexus's
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