Blank Panel under AC controls

[boklux Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close boklux]

Hi All
Was wondering if anyone knows if the blank panel under the air conditioning panel can be used as a panel to mount switches for lights, compressor switch, etc. I've done a search to no avail! There may be something behind the panel to make this impossible, thought I'd ask the question before pulling dash apart to find out. Any replies or opinions are appreciated.
Regards
Ben

[Guest Close Guest]

http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...on-and-Ashtray

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

Why not use the spaces covered by the blanking plugs just ahead of the shifter? This way you end up with switches where they should be.

[awwricecracker Member Find all posts View Profile Close awwricecracker]

I've been on the hunt for a fold out cup holder I can mount to that panel you speak of

[boklux Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close boklux]

Amts,
Thanks for the link, it sounds snug back there I may have to pull the panel and have a look for myself.

Bushbasher!
Just trying to think outside the box, I've just bought the prado and planning the fitout, I'll have two forward light switch, reverse/rear flood switch, compressor, dual batt led indicator and link switch and possibly winch control switches. I was hoping to put them all together and it seemed like a nice empty panel to use.

Awwricecracker,
I've never met an aftermarket drink/cup holder that I liked!

Thanks for replies so far,
Ben

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

You'll need to have them angled upwards on some kind of bracket or mounting plate so that you can read them as that part of the panel curves inwards as it goes downwards.

[Guest Close Guest]

Lots of switch blanks to use near the side view mirror adjusters.

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

And everyone of them is a different shape under the cover. Just like the ones in the centre console. Get out the soldering iron.

[cfryback Find all posts View Profile Close cfryback]

Why not use the spaces covered by the blanking plugs just ahead of the shifter? This way you end up with switches where they should be.

How did you get that out? I tried this evening - but was a long day at work, and didn't want to push the issue...

[Bazza Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bazza]

120 Prado dash panel

Hi Guys,

I think this may have been asked before but I cant locate it.

In my 09 GXL V6 there is a blank panel directly under the AC controls. I'm thinking of mounting some small gauges in it. Has anyone removed this panel? I would like to know how it's attached ( screw or push-out ) and how much blank space is available behind it. My mini-gauges are about 1.5 inches deep.

Bazza

[Jusso Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jusso]

Hi Bazza,

There is limited space behind there. If you were using small toggle switches, you'd probably be ok. You might struggle with 1.5 inches though.
In the Grande, part of the climate control system takes up some of the space but there is a reasonable amount left. I took photos of behind it but I don't seem to have them with me. I'll see what I can find tonight.

To get to the back, you have to remove the silver trim down the sides of the lower centre console, then remove the silver sections where the air vents are which will reveal the bolts that hold the whole centre section on (inc. stereo, air controls, etc). I've done it several times and could probably have it apart within 10 minutes, it isn't all that hard. As with most jobs, the thought of doing it is more tedious than actually getting it done.

Justin.

[Bazza Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bazza]

Thanks Justin.
I may have to re-think this project. The voltage guages I'm using are only about the size of a round 50 cent piece and 1.5 inches deep, but there are not many options to mount them where you can easily see them.
Bazza

[Jusso Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jusso]

I put mine in the centre console next to the transfer case lever. Check my build thread for pics if interested.

[Guest Close Guest]

The non-climate control models may have more room behind that panel. Best to pull out the centre console to have a look.

[DJD120GXL Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close DJD120GXL]

not sure if it helps but the ones I got are only about 15-20mm deep

http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...l=1#post404709