power mirror switch relocation

[Jvan]

I want to add some lower fog/driving lights to the front and need a place to install switches. I never liked the location of the power mirror on the lower dash. I'd like to replace the switch w/a duplicate of the heated mirror/parking light switch (replacing the heat switch w/another light switch). I think it will make the additional switches look stock.That means moving the mirror switch. Some Subs have the switch on the center console but I think I'd prefer it on the door in front of the power window switches. Anyone have a suggestion on what mirror switch to use or even if there is enough room at that location to install a switch; suggestions for other locations?

[svxcess]

I have been down that road before.

You're asking for a lot of headaches with wiring, etc., coming out of the doors and into the dash. Not a lot of room behind the door panel for switches or wiring.

I would get another switch like the parking light/ heated mirror switch and install it where your coin holder is. You have enough room for the wiring for your lights and access to the wires you need to power it are readily available.

Same location the heated seat switches are in the Canadian markets. No cutting, modifications, etc. and is completely reversible. As stock looking as you can get.

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[Jvan]

Replacing the coin slot was my first choice but my wife insists on keeping the coin slot. I don't know why she insists on keeping it since it doesn't hold that much and I don't find it useful. I just keep coins in the ash tray which we don't use. Need to keep the wife happy if I want to play w/my toys.To get her permission to use the coin slot, I need to come up w/an alternative for the coins, other than the ashtray.

[Tireiron]

Alternative for coins... get an ez-pass and not need any money at tolls.

[Jvan]

Tolls are not the issue. I live in an area where I rarely use a toll bridge or highway. Maybe 5/6 times a year I'll pay a toll so I don't need ez-pass (although I have other objects to it; like being tracked). The main use of coins is for parking meters (local towns don't use credit card readers). My wife keeps a roll of quarters in the coin tray and doesn't want to damage her nails by digging into the ash tray. Thanks for the suggestion anyhow.

[svxcess]

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I keep quarters in a plastic prescription bottle with a snap-on lid and just dump out what I need for meters. They hold a lot more than that dash holder.

It rests inside the passenger door armrest without problems and out of the way. Very easy to dump coins out of and refill. They don't rattle. Try it.

On spirited acceleration, I used to have coins fly out of the coin holder in my 92.



Don't cut your dash... trim her nails
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[dannmarr]

Wow, I didn't think anyone actually used the coin holder for that purpose.

[Jvan]

I need to keep the wife happy so if the coin tray does it, small price to pay. After 43 years of marriage, compromise is essential. I'm thinking that a "joy stick" type of mirror control that was used on several GM cars in the 80's/90's may work in to door since it's really small. I'd like to place it above the window switchs toward the front of the door. I guess the hard part will be extending the wires into the door thru the door jam.

[Old Davy]

Best way I've found to run wiring from the dashboard to the door - on any car - is to fish a long 1/2" dia - or smaller - clear vinyl tube through the rubber accordion cable protector, then feed your new wires through it.
The vinyl is flexible enough that there's really no reason to remove it afterwards.

Makes the job less hassle-y.
Done it a few times, most recently to run signal wires to the door lock actuator to install a secondary silent burglar alarm pager that can alert me through 12 floors of a concrete hotel or the mall...

[svxcess]

You lack the necessary clearance at the top of the window trim panel. Most switches are not shallow enough to work there; that's why FHI put it where it is. It is not used that often to merit instant accesability or being mistaken for other window controls in the dark.

Remember, it is a multi-contact switch, with at least 8 separate wires (up, down, left, right, x 2 mirrors)


As an attorney, you can argue a much better case for NOT doing it. The wire bundle still needs to remain flexible always.
Also, if you are running new wires, look at the gauge of wire to the OEM switch to determine the current-carrying capacity to the switch motors.

Looks like an OBDII car is not in your future...

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[Jvan]

I've been convinced that moving the switch to the door is not a good idea. I agree that the switch is not used that often (only when we switch drivers), so it doesn't need to be that accessible. I'll leave it alone for now, other problems to focus on.