Well, my power window switches started wearing away so, I needed to replace them. Well, instead of buying used or new OEM switches, I just decided to see if I could replace them with generic Radioshack switches. Lo and behold, I figured out how to wire up these switches (DPDT with a spring to return to center off position). So, I fabbed up a plate of Stainless Steel to mount the switches (which I will glue to the door panel whenever I get around to it). Later on if/when the contacts on these start to bite the dust, I'll just replace them with the same switches from the 'shack (about $5 a pop).

 

Kudos for originality and price effictiveness

 

Ghetto (fabulous?)

 

not bad... but paint them... and use a rocker switch enstead of a toggle

 

resting your arm is out of the question. nice job

 

mos def. get the circle ones that are interrupt switches

 

ya great idea, wrong switches

 

yeah the toggle switches look a little ghetto but a nice rocker switch would be nice mounted flush in your panel

 

Ya I had a GXL I used rocker switches but I put mine in the middle by the adjustable suspension switch in those rectangle knock outs .

 

I was trying to make a touchpad setup on mine, where you just touched the pad and it'd then make the window function, was a pretty neat setup, but i never got around to making the pads look clean & making a surround for it.

 

i like, very unique

 

i agree with ghetto fabulous, now to find a more appropriate looking switch.
good job

 

You gotta love the ghetto-styles

 

I think it looks good. Prob need a better switch if you want to rest your arm though

 

now you cant stop the passenger from operating the window
that doesn't make for a very good game of freeze out

 

As much as I love toggle switches, I'd never place them somewhere that would make a previously useful armrest completely useless, nor put them somewhere where they're easily broken off. You should've use rocker switches.

 

Hey Im planning on doing something similar. I bought a spal power window kit and the switches included look exactly liek bmw switches. Im gonna make my own ss plates but ill be putting the power lock controls next to the foglight switch in the center also BMW style.

 

Now you just need another switch to fire the missile! Pretty ghetto but good job on the work. I'd want something more like the switches that have the auto-up/down feature (like a beam) with a stock look as much as possible.

 

yuck!

 

WTF?! my switches were going bad also, i just popped them out... CLEANED the rocker arms and connections and WHAM! works like new. its a simple switch and if your able to do something like this i'm sure you should be able to pull apart the stock switch and clean it... but whatever.

 

freaky.. you took the words right out of my mouth while I was looking at those pictures..

but yah.. if it's working for you.. Thumbs up!

btw, cleaning the stock switches takes about 5 minutes.

 

Thanks for the compliments guys!

I was hoping for a rocker switch, but Radioshack doesn't have a very great selection of Automotive switches to choose from. I could've put in the switch for turning off the passenger window switch, but I really didn't feel like messing with it and I don't feel like I really need it (I'm too young to have kids). I don't think I'll mind not resting my arm though, since I use my hands to steer (believe it or not)... and if my passengers bitch I'll just tell them to walk.