Early TJ Ash Tray Switch and Gauge Panel

Mark K

TJ Enthusiast
Lifetime Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 9, 2016
Messages
205
Location
Texas Hill Country
It has been a common thread here to discuss ways of replacing the early TJ ash tray with paneling for switches or gauges. I’m here to let y’all know about an ebay seller who is making custom printed resin panels that can be made to your order. The product is smooth and well formed. His original design accepts three Carling switches, typically for winch control, but he can provide other designs including a blank panel.

His design is quite simple, yet secure in place. The lower rectangular edge fits into a matching pocket in the dash bezel and two holes are at top to match the holes for the rubber ash tray bumpers. I plan to epoxy a metal bar behind these holes and tap for holding screws. So, the panel can be removed from the front by removing two screws.

When I contacted him, we discussed my desire for a gauge panel, which he designed and built. The panel was angled upward for better driver visibility. Then I went another direction and he made me a panel for a pair of power jacks. Some of these options are depicted on the listing. Search for

TJ Jeep Bezel Ash Tray Switch or Gauge Mount Adaptor / Modification

Item number 384426579323

Seller is talented and responsive. He has worked hard, using a takeoff dash bezel, to match the odd angles and curves. Tell him what you want.
 
What is it printed out of? I haven't found anything that holds up to interior temperatures here in Texas. I have tried ABS, PETG, carbon fiber mixed ABS and ASA. They all eventually sag and deform in the heat.
 
What is it printed out of? I haven't found anything that holds up to interior temperatures here in Texas. I have tried ABS, PETG, carbon fiber mixed ABS and ASA. They all eventually sag and deform in the heat.

He told me it was made of 'resin', otherwise unspecified. Looks like a smoothly cast part and is similar to the material of the center bezel, itself. But, ask him. As I said, he's responsive.
 
He told me it was made of 'resin', otherwise unspecified. Looks like a smoothly cast part and is similar to the material of the center bezel, itself. But, ask him. As I said, he's responsive.

Ah okay, that's a different process.
 
Don't misunderstand, it is a printed part. I know because he sent me one version with the tree still on it. My comment acknowledged the quality of the finish, that's all.
 
Don't misunderstand, it is a printed part. I know because he sent me one version with the tree still on it. My comment acknowledged the quality of the finish, that's all.

No I understand. It's a resin print similar to printing with epoxy vs a thermo plastic printer that prints by melting the plastic.
 
No I understand. It's a resin print similar to printing with epoxy vs a thermo plastic printer that prints by melting the plastic.

OK, you know more about it than I do. All my previous experience with printed parts has them appear rough and fibrous, and they are brittle. This process really results in a fine looking product. Has me thinking about getting a printer.
 
Jezza,
The part is printed with a Formlabs printer. For this part Tough 2000 resin is used.

https://formlabs.com/materials/tough-durable/
Great question with the heat and how long will it last! Let me do some research on it, also maybe Mark can give us a post summer report on how it held up. He does have a test part that can be placed out in the sun?
Some parts I have done for my boat have lasted for a while with max sun exposure but not comparable by geometry, also San Diego by the coast is not TX. Maybe thickening the panel might be in order just to make sure less chance of warping.
 
Good idea. I'll temp install my panel just in advance of the onset of our south Texas oven season. I park outside year round, so this will be a good test. I do use a windshield sun shade, facing south. This panel is at the bottom of the dash, so there would be little direct sunlight anyway, just cockpit heat. We'll see in October.
 
Oh, since our new member, Bender Device, is the panel maker, this forum would be a good place to communicate questions, to preserve a record. That's a big reason Chris maintains this space. Hooaah!
 
Good idea. I'll temp install my panel just in advance of the onset of our south Texas oven season. I park outside year round, so this will be a good test. I do use a windshield sun shade, facing south. This panel is at the bottom of the dash, so there would be little direct sunlight anyway, just cockpit heat. We'll see in October.

Thanks Mark,
I’ll contact Formlabs to see what they have to say about heat resistance.

I’m also wondering out loud if primer and paint would make a difference too.
 
Here's the one I purchased from Custom3dFab. They do and did custom work. Mine started cracking in a couple of places on the left and right sides...I put fiberglass self adhesive drywall tape and a layer of jb weld epoxy and it's solid now.

IMG20230604080402.jpg
 
OK, I carried my ebay panel in the TJ (unmounted, pax seat or floorboard) for a brutal Texas summer. Many, many days above 100F, Jeep parked in the sun. No degradation of the panel whatsoever. Good color, kept it's shape, looks new. I think this plastic is more than good enough.
 
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