2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Switch plate to replace ashtray?

[Got Smoke?]

Does anybody still manufacture a switch plate to replace the ashtray in 94-97's? A few years back there was a website called "Marks Custom Stuff" or something like that that did both ashtray and cup holder plates. Well I bought a cup holder plate, but have grown tired of not having a cupholder (Geno's cup smoothie not an option) so I'm going to modify the OEM cup launchers to work correctly and reinstall. However I now need somewhere to put my 4 switches and don't want to drill my dash.

 

[WDixon27]

heres what i did to the useless cubby hole next to the launcher, don't they put the 4wd switch there or something? i know they put the od switch there but i see a sbc clutch in your sig so that's not a problem, maybe the 4wd switch is movable and you can add a few more switches, i just chopped the cup off the cubby and skinned it with aluminum, i put 2 switches and a bombed outside temp display from a mercedes but i could probably fit 6 or more small switches in that spot

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[zstroken]

Off Topic what does your engine temperature range read? My 97 read 140 for the low number, does yours read 130?

 

[WDixon27]

130 on mine, in the summer it runs a little past half on the interstate with the ac on with a new radiator, cummins thermostat and new temp sensor

 

[Woodenhead]

I also used the little cubby beside the cup holder. I took a piece of 1/4" thick stainless plate and trimmed it to fit with a bit of interference to hold it in place. Drilled 4 holes in it and installed some fancy looking chrome switches (from Walmart). The indicator LED for my water meth is in the center of the 4 switches. The OEM cup holder now holds the CB but I have a cup smoothie.



I've been hunting for a spot to wire in an aux input for my i-pod and satelite radio. I think the next place is going to be that little piece under the RHS of the cup holder above the vent.



Wdixon, what 4wd switch are you referring to? I though all second gens had a dummy stick on the floor, did some have and electronic setup?



Mike

 

[WDixon27]

i don't know i thought they had a button or something i've never been in a 4wd ram, i knew they had a stick for range selection

Wdixon, what 4wd switch are you referring to? I though all second gens had a dummy stick on the floor, did some have and electronic setup?



Mike

 

[Lightman]

The overdrive switch and fog light swith go there, nothing to do with 4wd though. So if you dont have either of those options you have free space.

 

[KEnglish]

An idea if you just need a cup holder and want to keep your switchplate. I took my backseat cupholder that slides out from under the front seat and remounted it facing forward. It slides out just above the trans hump and is very stable.

 

[SRath]

Mine's a little different approach: I won't use any dash-mounted cup launcher. Hard on stereos and too far to reach and obstructs my vision.



I removed the center jumpseat. I found it useless anyway. In it's place I installed a nice center console purchased at Walmart for about 30 or 40 dollars. (I think it said it was for a minivan or something)It has two front and two rear cupholders that actually work, as well as a roomy center compartment with a locking sliding lid and a feww other small compartments and holders. It is grey and matches my interior and holds all my stuff where I can access it easily.



The cuplauncher will become my switch panel. If you have a ready-made panel for that spot that you want to get rid of, please let me know.

 

[Hammer]

Mark...

Below is a photo of my buddies dash from his 96 truck and his switches he made by removing the ashtray. His TDR user name is SFrey and if you drop him a note he will tell you how he did it and what switches he used... ... . Andy

 

[RStankevitz]

off topic but does anyone have a definition and a picture of a cup smoothie i see them at genos but where do they go? on floor by tcase shifter?

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

The cup smoothie on my '97 is mounted to the center console. You have to open the console to mount it. The smoothie has a lip on the back side of it that gets mounted under the lid of the console to help hold it in place. The smoothie will then move up and down with the console. Did I confuse you enough?

 

[RStankevitz]

no i think i understand just what you are saying i will have to check it out.