I'm using yet another of your awesome tutorials, this time to moung a Redarc Liberty brake controller knob. As always, thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world!
Just found your channel. Loving it. I own a 2017 crosstrek and am adding electrical accessories right now as well as just got my HAM license on the side. I see your transceiver in the video. Excited for more videos to help me out with these hobbies and projects.
Great idea using the masking tape to lay out your switches like that. I also like the placement you chose. That's going to be a really clean looking setup. I feel like I need to consult you before drilling holes in my car again, haha! I disagree, that's sexy in the way that it looks clean and stock. That's hard to pull off.
Thanks man! Yeah, I'm happy with it so far. Went to wire up some ditch lights but ran into a snag with the mounts unfortunately. Itching to get an accessory or two wired up like your Viair!
Thanks for the sub! I do tend to favor subtlety in many regards. In others...not so much. Some would argue there's nothing subtle about my warn bumper and winch LOL. Thanks for watching!
Great video. Nice clean install. I went wireless so no routing through the firewall issues. I was thinking of using OE switches in the switch blanks as light switches but your install looks easier and cleaner. I hope to eventually connect the wireless fob pcb to dash switches for a permanent install. Now that I see the panel removal is a snap I think I'll go your way. Thanks again for the great video. Natural instructor.
Great video and explanation. I did exactly the same thing this past summer for four backlit switches. In fact I went ahead and ordered the replacement panel from subaruparts as well. I think you did it right with the simple ground switched relay. I tried the same configuration with preassembled wire harnesses and getting all that wire and jacket into the cabin was a major pain. The only way in I could work out was thru the door grommet. If I was to do it over (and I am seriously considering) is to simplify and ground switch like your configuration. Well researched and thought out. Keep up the good videos!!
Thanks again! I do like the look of the backlit switches a lot. But I realized I wasn't smart enough to figure out how to get the backlighting to work when ground switching LOL. After a little consideration I settled on really liking the idea of simple inconspicuous switches instead and proceeded with this route. Thanks for watching and I'll try to keep the good stuff coming :)
Well done Tom ! Ordered the parts, will be building a panel for my Honda Element soon as they arrive. Will have two vacant areas on my board for future mods. I like your idea of ground wiring the switch for on/off...Not having all those hot wires brought into the cabin is a much safer method and your panel will keep the OEM fuse box clean. I have a mounting area within eye shot below AT shfter for 4 of those small two pin switches, reducing the chance of leaving them in the "On" pos.
Nice location and install, as someone else said I'm looking at the fuse cover panel as I will only have 2 switches. I just might have to rethink that and look at pricing this panel and seeing what best fits my ergonomics.
Thanks! The fuse cover panel is a great option too. It just didn't have enough real estate for my needs. You're right in that it would be easier (and likely cheaper) to replace if you ever wanted to un-do it. Either way, the way I see it is if it fits your needs, it's good to go :) Thanks for watching and good luck!
That is perfect! Very subtle. Nice work as usual! I installed my ditch light switch on the little removable panel where the fuses are. Wish I had seen this before I did it since I will be adding lights to the roof basket someday. Very clever idea!
Thanks! I thought about that too but was trying to future-proof myself a bit by finding a home for multiple switches. If I had only 1 or 2 switches to install, I probably would have done what you did and use the panel (easier to replace too if you don't like it). Good luck with the light bar on the roof basket! That's on my wish list too, but I'm holding out hoping I can score a Prinsu roof rack ;)
Aint that the truth. Sad thing is, it's never done either is it? There's always something more to add or a better way to do it. Ah well...keeps the mind active and young :) Thanks for watching!
I've got a set of square LED's to mount in my rear bumper and i've been debating on how to do the mounting, I think i'm going to copy this one. Thanks for the ideas, looking at the spacing, I originally thought of mounting them under the stereo in the center console opening space, I don't think the switches will clear whatever is above there but under the hvac controls.
Thanks for watching! I've been happy with this setup so far. It's not front and center and lacks the "cool factor" that I know a lot of people prefer (heck, I like it too...it just didn't seem practical in this application), but works great. And you're right...from what I can tell, there's not much extra room under the stereo unless you eat into the cubby hold in front of the shifter. Good luck with your mod!
Another excellent video! I'm inspired! This takes the guess work out of the project. Thank you for pioneering the design! Where are you going to go through the firewall?
Thanks much! As far as I know, there's 1 readily accessible hole thru the firewall that pops thru above the gas pedal. There might be another one I just haven't found, that that's the one I'm going thru. I haven't figured out how to get thru it without slitting the boot on the interior (had to do that for an amp power line). But now that i have a slit in it, it should be easy. I'll get some close shots of that soon to share.
Damn bro you just inspired me. I do like the rocker panel, was thinking of putting it in the small compartment area where you plug in your phone(CarPlay).
Thanks man! Yeah, I thought about using that compartment as well, but with so little places to store shit in the Crosstrek, I decided against it...not wanting to sacrifice that space to the switch gods. I don't think you can go wrong though if it works for you. Having some accessory switches somewhere that makes you happy and gets what you need is a win either way :) Good luck!
Thanks! I bet in the Outback you have more options given its larger size. In retrospect, I kinda regret not going with the bigger Outback, but for now I'll keep on keeping on with my little Crosstrek :)
Certainly an old video by this point, but I used a couple of the blank switch slots in the car for some of my accessories and toggle said accessories with some switches from SMK Fabrication. They light up and slot right in no problem!
Was there an issue that prevented you from using the OE blank switch locations? You did a great, professional install! Yet, it seems may have been easier to use the existing punch outs.
Not really. When I was checking them out, they seemed rather small to me and only capable of accommodating certain switches. There are some aftermarket companies that make switches that are allegedly plug and play into these OEM slots, but I opted for this configuration more as personal preference.
Yeah, I actually had some larger illuminated switches ready to go (typical offroad rocker style switches) but they felt too gaudy (sp?) in the cockpit of a Crosstrek. Where they're at, it's an easy tactile reference to get from one switch to another. And I wired them from top to bottom to correspond with high to low lights on the vehicle (roof ,ditch, bull bar, rear). I haven't needed them illuminated in this configuration. It's just not as sexy for the 'gram' in photos ;)
When you ‘ground switch’ your switches, how do you hook them up? Is it: ground wire from the bus tie, thru the firewall to ‘power in’ on switch, then the ground output from the switch to a local ground?
May I ask what drill bit are you using to cut the holes? I would like to purchase one to use on my project. Great video by the way, you gave me confidence in taking the next step to drill through my Crosstrek
Happy to help! I used a step drill bit (example of such a bit kit is in the Amazon link below). I measured the diameter of the switch to figure out what "step" to take the bit to. In this case, it was 3/4" though I found myself going up to the next larger step just for an easier fit. I admit, drilling holes in a new car is nerve wrecking LOL! But, part of what I like about sharing this stuff is to let others learn from my successes and failures. This one happily worked out so take from it what you will and best of luck to you! Thanks for watching :) www.amazon.com/Tacklife-Titanium-Automatic-Punch%EF%BC%8CHigh-Sizes%EF%BC%8CDouble/dp/B0746FZT52/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=step+drill+bit&qid=1606974227&sr=8-5
Thanks! And yup, that's the idea. A simple 4 or 5 terminal grounding block is what I have in mind. I figure that will be more elegant than smashing all wires together into a single ring connector and will allow for connecting / disconnecting accessories at multiple points.
I'm using yet another of your awesome tutorials, this time to moung a Redarc Liberty brake controller knob. As always, thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world!
Just found your channel. Loving it. I own a 2017 crosstrek and am adding electrical accessories right now as well as just got my HAM license on the side. I see your transceiver in the video. Excited for more videos to help me out with these hobbies and projects.
Great idea using the masking tape to lay out your switches like that. I also like the placement you chose. That's going to be a really clean looking setup. I feel like I need to consult you before drilling holes in my car again, haha!
I disagree, that's sexy in the way that it looks clean and stock. That's hard to pull off.
Thanks man! Yeah, I'm happy with it so far. Went to wire up some ditch lights but ran into a snag with the mounts unfortunately. Itching to get an accessory or two wired up like your Viair!
Nice! Subtle is better every time. Your vids are well done too. Subscribed.
Thanks for the sub! I do tend to favor subtlety in many regards. In others...not so much. Some would argue there's nothing subtle about my warn bumper and winch LOL. Thanks for watching!
I really love the placement of the switches!
Thanks! I went back and forth on the placement before deciding on something in conspicuous. I've been happy with them since this install
Tom, I gotta say, that was subtle sexy! Suoer neat install, and placement was good!
Great video. Nice clean install. I went wireless so no routing through the firewall issues. I was thinking of using OE switches in the switch blanks as light switches but your install looks easier and cleaner. I hope to eventually connect the wireless fob pcb to dash switches for a permanent install. Now that I see the panel removal is a snap I think I'll go your way. Thanks again for the great video. Natural instructor.
Nice on the wireless setup! OE switch slots would look slick! Would love to see some pics of that someday. Thanks again for watching.
Why wouldn’t you get square switches & put them in the cut outs. Just wondering. Good job. Does look good
Great video and explanation. I did exactly the same thing this past summer for four backlit switches. In fact I went ahead and ordered the replacement panel from subaruparts as well. I think you did it right with the simple ground switched relay. I tried the same configuration with preassembled wire harnesses and getting all that wire and jacket into the cabin was a major pain. The only way in I could work out was thru the door grommet. If I was to do it over (and I am seriously considering) is to simplify and ground switch like your configuration. Well researched and thought out. Keep up the good videos!!
Thanks again! I do like the look of the backlit switches a lot. But I realized I wasn't smart enough to figure out how to get the backlighting to work when ground switching LOL. After a little consideration I settled on really liking the idea of simple inconspicuous switches instead and proceeded with this route. Thanks for watching and I'll try to keep the good stuff coming :)
Well done Tom ! Ordered the parts, will be building a panel for my Honda Element soon as they arrive. Will have two vacant areas on my board for future mods. I like your idea of ground wiring the switch for on/off...Not having all those hot wires brought into the cabin is a much safer method and your panel will keep the OEM fuse box clean. I have a mounting area within eye shot below AT shfter for 4 of those small two pin switches, reducing the chance of leaving them in the "On" pos.
Another great video! Loving the shirt!
Thanks much! Can't wait to take it to the next level and start putting on some actual accessories!
very professional looking install
Got my roof light bar mounted last weekend, wiring it up soon. Thanks for the video! I think I'm gonna put my switches in the same spot. .
Nice location and install, as someone else said I'm looking at the fuse cover panel as I will only have 2 switches. I just might have to rethink that and look at pricing this panel and seeing what best fits my ergonomics.
Thanks! The fuse cover panel is a great option too. It just didn't have enough real estate for my needs. You're right in that it would be easier (and likely cheaper) to replace if you ever wanted to un-do it. Either way, the way I see it is if it fits your needs, it's good to go :) Thanks for watching and good luck!
Awesome video. Thank you
Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it!
It looks AWESOME!! 🤩🤩
That is perfect! Very subtle. Nice work as usual! I installed my ditch light switch on the little removable panel where the fuses are. Wish I had seen this before I did it since I will be adding lights to the roof basket someday. Very clever idea!
Thanks! I thought about that too but was trying to future-proof myself a bit by finding a home for multiple switches. If I had only 1 or 2 switches to install, I probably would have done what you did and use the panel (easier to replace too if you don't like it). Good luck with the light bar on the roof basket! That's on my wish list too, but I'm holding out hoping I can score a Prinsu roof rack ;)
Get the coin tray pieces for that and still do it like tom did. Im getting so many ideas from this man. Thanks lol
very cool, looks great too!
Looks great! Thanks for the video!
As a fellow ham radio operator, I always find it amusing how far we will take a car apart to accomplish a clean look. Nice job KC9YFD
Aint that the truth. Sad thing is, it's never done either is it? There's always something more to add or a better way to do it. Ah well...keeps the mind active and young :) Thanks for watching!
ha ha you and do things a lot alike and similar decision thought process. Looks great man
Looks great!! Totally services the purpose of what ya want it to do.
I've got a set of square LED's to mount in my rear bumper and i've been debating on how to do the mounting, I think i'm going to copy this one. Thanks for the ideas, looking at the spacing, I originally thought of mounting them under the stereo in the center console opening space, I don't think the switches will clear whatever is above there but under the hvac controls.
Thanks for watching! I've been happy with this setup so far. It's not front and center and lacks the "cool factor" that I know a lot of people prefer (heck, I like it too...it just didn't seem practical in this application), but works great. And you're right...from what I can tell, there's not much extra room under the stereo unless you eat into the cubby hold in front of the shifter. Good luck with your mod!
Another excellent video! I'm inspired! This takes the guess work out of the project. Thank you for pioneering the design! Where are you going to go through the firewall?
Thanks much! As far as I know, there's 1 readily accessible hole thru the firewall that pops thru above the gas pedal. There might be another one I just haven't found, that that's the one I'm going thru. I haven't figured out how to get thru it without slitting the boot on the interior (had to do that for an amp power line). But now that i have a slit in it, it should be easy. I'll get some close shots of that soon to share.
Great vid, can you tell me how do you remove the blank knockout placeholders ?
Damn bro you just inspired me. I do like the rocker panel, was thinking of putting it in the small compartment area where you plug in your phone(CarPlay).
Thanks man! Yeah, I thought about using that compartment as well, but with so little places to store shit in the Crosstrek, I decided against it...not wanting to sacrifice that space to the switch gods. I don't think you can go wrong though if it works for you. Having some accessory switches somewhere that makes you happy and gets what you need is a win either way :) Good luck!
Awesome video! I need to do this with my Outback!
Thanks! I bet in the Outback you have more options given its larger size. In retrospect, I kinda regret not going with the bigger Outback, but for now I'll keep on keeping on with my little Crosstrek :)
I might, I’ll have to do measurements first. I’m actually the opposite. I wish I would’ve bought a Crosstrek. Haha!
Great video! Where did you route through the firewall?
Certainly an old video by this point, but I used a couple of the blank switch slots in the car for some of my accessories and toggle said accessories with some switches from SMK Fabrication. They light up and slot right in no problem!
Was there an issue that prevented you from using the OE blank switch locations? You did a great, professional install! Yet, it seems may have been easier to use the existing punch outs.
Not really. When I was checking them out, they seemed rather small to me and only capable of accommodating certain switches. There are some aftermarket companies that make switches that are allegedly plug and play into these OEM slots, but I opted for this configuration more as personal preference.
nice job!
Looks cool! Too bad switches not illuminated. Still great placement!
Yeah, I actually had some larger illuminated switches ready to go (typical offroad rocker style switches) but they felt too gaudy (sp?) in the cockpit of a Crosstrek. Where they're at, it's an easy tactile reference to get from one switch to another. And I wired them from top to bottom to correspond with high to low lights on the vehicle (roof ,ditch, bull bar, rear). I haven't needed them illuminated in this configuration. It's just not as sexy for the 'gram' in photos ;)
When you ‘ground switch’ your switches, how do you hook them up? Is it: ground wire from the bus tie, thru the firewall to ‘power in’ on switch, then the ground output from the switch to a local ground?
May I ask what drill bit are you using to cut the holes? I would like to purchase one to use on my project. Great video by the way, you gave me confidence in taking the next step to drill through my Crosstrek
Happy to help! I used a step drill bit (example of such a bit kit is in the Amazon link below). I measured the diameter of the switch to figure out what "step" to take the bit to. In this case, it was 3/4" though I found myself going up to the next larger step just for an easier fit.
I admit, drilling holes in a new car is nerve wrecking LOL! But, part of what I like about sharing this stuff is to let others learn from my successes and failures. This one happily worked out so take from it what you will and best of luck to you!
Thanks for watching :)
www.amazon.com/Tacklife-Titanium-Automatic-Punch%EF%BC%8CHigh-Sizes%EF%BC%8CDouble/dp/B0746FZT52/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=step+drill+bit&qid=1606974227&sr=8-5
@@TomtheDilettante Thank you very much for your through response!
Man that is SLICK! Will you be mounting a terminal block back there to land all the grounds?
Thanks! And yup, that's the idea. A simple 4 or 5 terminal grounding block is what I have in mind. I figure that will be more elegant than smashing all wires together into a single ring connector and will allow for connecting / disconnecting accessories at multiple points.
@@TomtheDilettante you have inspired me. I need to clean up the mess I have and make adding accessories less hassle.
what did you end up installing on these switches?
Where r u located ? I looks so easy. Can u come put my switches in same place on My crosstrek?
whats your phone mount?