aftermarket aux switches inside cab

**Jimbo3** · 08-28-2009, 12:01 PM

I have an 06 silverado 1500 ext LTZ and was wondering if anyone who has the same dash but it aux switches, I want to add some switches for the train horn compressor, and other items. Please post pictures!

James

**1S1K** · 08-28-2009, 12:12 PM

+1 I would bump this

**TRPLXL2** · 08-28-2009, 12:38 PM

Well I ran my switches up in the overhead console of my truck, I cut a 1" hole in the back of the overhead cubby to run the wires through it and then I ran all of the wires under the front of the headliner, and under the windshield pillar down behind the fuse box panel and down the kick plate and under the sill plate and out the drain plug under the driver's floor board. I don't have any finished picture of the finished product, because I sold my truck before I got the project finished. I had cut a 1/4" sheet of lexan to fit in the cubby hole above, and painted the back of it gloss black. I had carbon fiber switches for it that matched my carbon fiber interior, it was a sweet setup and there is a ton of room of there for wires. Check out my pics, you can see all the wiring hanging out before I buttoned it all up.

http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/att...1&d=1251477314
http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/att...1&d=1251477314

**Jimbo3** · 08-28-2009, 03:41 PM

looks like a fun weekend project, that does help but i'm also looking for a finished project so i can see what it looks like after and figure out if i like it or not, but thanks for the post, and btw, what switches were you gonna put in?

**TRPLXL2** · 08-29-2009, 01:16 AM

I had bought some wires switches from Painless Wiring, they were rated at 30 amps which was perfect for the off-road lights. The carbon fiber switch cover was bought seperately from Summit Racing, they would have looked awesome if I would have finished the project. Here's a picture of the switches all assembled ready to go in, luckily I took them out of the truck and I still have them for a future project.

**pmf608** · 08-29-2009, 03:51 AM

Originally Posted by TRPLXL2

Well I ran my switches up in the overhead console of my truck, I cut a 1" hole in the back of the overhead cubby to run the wires through it and then I ran all of the wires under the front of the headliner, and under the windshield pillar down behind the fuse box panel and down the kick plate and under the sill plate and out the drain plug under the driver's floor board. I don't have any finished picture of the finished product, because I sold my truck before I got the project finished. I had cut a 1/4" sheet of lexan to fit in the cubby hole above, and painted the back of it gloss black. I had carbon fiber switches for it that matched my carbon fiber interior, it was a sweet setup and there is a ton of room of there for wires. Check out my pics, you can see all the wiring hanging out before I buttoned it all up.

http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/att...1&d=1251477314
http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/att...1&d=1251477314

x2 on using the overhead console. i ran my switches to the overhead console i installed. you can get a blank panel to replace the pocket and is ideal for switches. i will post pictures when i get home from holiday on monday...

**Jimbo3** · 08-29-2009, 11:34 AM

alright sweet, and if you don't mind me asking, what did you use the switches for? Like i'm going to have an air horn so i need one for the air compressor, but i'm not gonna have just 1 switch, if anything i'll wire it up for 4 switched till i find more things to connect to them

**pmf608** · 08-29-2009, 01:26 PM

currently i have them wired and ready, but nothing connected to the outputs. when i get the time, one will be for interior LED accent lighting, one will be for exterior LED accent lighting, one will be connected on a relay to activate my switched radio power and use the stereo without the key in (people have tried to go for a ride because of the key in while using the stereo) and the other one im not sure about yet - but to me id rather have an extra for future use than not have enough later on.

**Jimbo3** · 08-29-2009, 03:14 PM

I'm new to electrical stuff. do you just wire it up to the fuse panel and when you have the lights just hook it up to the fuse panel... I want to put more lights on the truck, but don't know the proper and easy way of doing it.

James

**pmf608** · 08-29-2009, 05:06 PM

The cleanest way to wire things is through the factory underhood fuse block, but it is a major PITA and usually not worth it. What you need to do is drill a hole in your firewall (not difficult or dangerous) and run a 12V+ wire from the battery (much easier to use the red box that is the remote positive terminal) to the switch. make sure this wire is fused at the right amperage for your lights. Then you run it through your interior to where you want the switch and connect to the correct terminal. if you have a lighted switch, you will need a ground for your switch. if you go in the overhead console, this can tap into the ground for the lights or if in the dash, it can just connect to any part of the metal dash frame. then connect you power output from the switch, run it beside your 12V through the firewall and to your lights.

If you want to put more than one light on a switch, use this method, then tap into the power to the lights to activate an SPST continuous duty relay wired to the remote battery terminal for power and outputs to the second set of lights. this prevents you from overloading any lighting circuits.

if you need any help with anything, feel free to ask. myself and other can definitely help you become acquainted with wiring.