Thoughts/suggestions drilling dash for switches

[sittonb]

I opted for the glove box dash from FF5, so that means my dash is plastic with a pre-install vinyl covering. Need to add a couple of switches. Anyone drilled one of these plastic, covered dashes? I have an idea of how I want to do it, but since it's already "covered" I only get one shot....

TIA

[GoDadGo]

Sittonb,

I have the aluminum dash and ended up mounting most of my switches below the dash in my stereo mounting pod.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=977&attachmentid=51774

I'm not suggesting that you do the same thing, but it kept my dash very clean with only the horn, wiper, lights, and keyed ignition switch on the dash.

You can see what I did in the attached video between 1.53 & 2.03 minutes into the attached Youtube link:

https://youtu.be/9WEe6-wdNtA

The switches are from left to right:

1. High Beam
2. Hazard Lights
3. Blinker
4. Left Foot Box Blower
5. Right Foot Box Blower.

Hope This Helps & Sorry If It Doesn't!

Steve

[Wayne r mckee]

I drilled my dash like yours for additional switches, I covered the area with painters tape then I drilled an 1/8” pilot hole first , then drilled it out to fit the switch. 161677

[sittonb]

that is what I was thinking, thanks for the confirmation it will work

[GTBradley]

Pre cutting the covering with an exacto knife can help prevent damaging it, as it can snag and wrap up on the drill bit. What I found most useful is a step drill bit.

[michael everson]

A new sharp step drill works great.
Mike.

[CraigS]

Winner, winner. I haven't worked w/ the plastic dash but did add switches to my aluminum dash w/ padded vinyl covering. I was blown away how well the step drill worked. I cut a tiny X in the vinyl and started w/ 1/8 like Wayne said. Then the step drill. I ran it slow going right through the covering and then the aluminum. The steps on the bit kind of pushed the vinyl aside w/o no snagging the vinyl or the foam padding. You can get a cheap step drill but since this is a one shot deal I'd spend a little extra for a quality drill.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/IRWIN-3-8-in-12-Step-Drill-Bit/1003018200
Because they are expensive I never bought one until the above project. Since then I use it every chance I get.

[Greg Wenzel]

I found it best to start with a smaller bit and work your way up to the size hole you need. Seems to have less negative affect on the vinyl side. Also I had to use a hole saw to create some larger openings and I found that clamping a piece of wood to the dash to allow the pilot drill to ride in made the process easier. I also started and stopped the drill over and over and once the saw got thru the plastic I cut the rest of the way with an exacto-knife. If you have any of the Lucas switches (like the wiper switch) you will have very little thread to work with on the FFR Dash w/glovebox. I found the easiest way to get the threads started was to place a deep well socket the same diameter as the trim ring over the switch and pushing the trim ring towards the dash face and then use the switch itself from the backside to start the threads. Once started the trim ring will pull in just fine.

[steno]

Like Mike, I found a sharp step bit works perfect! I drill a pilot hole from the front and finish from the back side with the step bit. That way you don’t risk gouging the soft cover.

[Papa]

The dash can be drilled with out any issues.

[ggunter]

The step drill works great as steno said, just be careful not to go too many steps. It's easy to do.