how to cut into dash?

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Feb 15, 2012 | 06:06 PM

JOMA

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 134

Likes: 0

From: Bel Air, MD

Year: 1996

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0L

how to cut into dash?

i want to install some switches for lights in my xj on the lower dash underkneath the steering wheel. whats the easiest way of cutting holes in the dash with basic tools?

thanks,
joma

Feb 15, 2012 | 06:09 PM

DIRTDOGXJ

Senior Member

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 590

Likes: 1

From: Metro Detroit

Year: 1993

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.7 Hesco stroker

Uni-bit/step drill......

Feb 15, 2012 | 06:14 PM

Neo101288

Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 195

Likes: 0

Year: 1988

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

cordless drill and a bit thats close to the right size and your pocket knife

Feb 15, 2012 | 06:14 PM

als98xj

Member

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 198

Likes: 0

From: Newport, NC

Year: 1998

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0 L

First remove the panel under the steering wheel, then decide if that's where you really want the switches. That decided, drill holes to accept switches and wire. And you're done. that's all there is to it.

Feb 15, 2012 | 06:16 PM

jeepdude

Junior Member

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 101

Likes: 0

From: Wichita KS

Year: 1999

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0l

i always buy round switches so all i need is my power drill and a bit, those rectangle switches are kinda difficult to make a clean install.

Feb 15, 2012 | 06:17 PM

colorado_96

CF Veteran

Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 1,287

Likes: 0

From: Rio Rancho, NM

Year: 1996

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0 H.O.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepdude

i always buy round switches so all i need is my power drill and a bit, those rectangle switches are kinda difficult to make a clean install.

ya it took me like 20 minutes of filing to get a clean look

Feb 15, 2012 | 06:54 PM

askingxforxit

CF Veteran

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 3,500

Likes: 0

From: Long Beach, Ca

Year: 2000

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0 I6

Quote:

Originally Posted by colorado_96

ya it took me like 20 minutes of filing to get a clean look

Why didn't you just get the rectangle bit??

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Feb 15, 2012 | 06:58 PM

9greenmachine8

Seasoned Member

Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 371

Likes: 0

From: girard illinois

Year: 1998

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

^^x2 lol they r handy

Feb 15, 2012 | 08:06 PM

EVILXJ

CF Veteran

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 1,273

Likes: 1

From: South Bend, IN

Year: 1995

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.6 stroker

Dremel is best for square switches but I've been know to use a razor knife and a propane torch

Feb 15, 2012 | 08:18 PM

#10

JOMA

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 134

Likes: 0

From: Bel Air, MD

Year: 1996

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0L

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...A%7CGRP2044___

would this kit be able to work all four 100watt lights? with all the lights running it should only be about 17 amps so shouldnt the 40 amp relay be fine?
(im no electrician so thats why im asking lol)

Feb 15, 2012 | 09:21 PM

#11

askingxforxit

CF Veteran

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 3,500

Likes: 0

From: Long Beach, Ca

Year: 2000

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0 I6

Quote:

Originally Posted by EVILXJ

Dremel is best for square switches but I've been know to use a razor knife and a propane torch

love my dremel!!

Feb 15, 2012 | 09:22 PM

#12

99 Purple XJ

CF Veteran

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 1,889

Likes: 2

From: Long Island N.Y.

Year: 1999

Model: Cherokee

Engine: I6 4.0

I use my solder gun to cut a square into plastic for switches

Feb 15, 2012 | 10:55 PM

#13

EVILXJ

CF Veteran

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 1,273

Likes: 1

From: South Bend, IN

Year: 1995

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.6 stroker

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99 Purple XJ

I use my solder gun to cut a square into plastic for switches

I couldn't find my solder gun is I wanted to. I use a butane torch for most soldering. Best purchase ive done for wiring. Use my soldering iron for electronics tho