2021 Custom Switch Installation

[ArrowsmithPML]

Morning,

It was suggested that I place the write up on the custom gauge installation in this section so I will do just that. A bit of background: this truck is brand new with just under 8000 km on the clock. It has already seen -45C and some off road conditions. I am a business owner (Arrowsmith Project Management Limited) and this is one of my trucks.

 

First: a special thanks to everyone who has discussed the upfitter switches using the GM parts. I was very excited about that and was going to go that way but with discussions at the local parts counter about being my responsibility and that it would void the warranty and such I decided to do my own thing as all of this 12V stuff just needs a source and a ground. No ECM or other modules to plug into etc.

 

Second, because I bounce down roads everything has to be solid, secure and of industrial grade to not fall apart in the middle of nowhere.

 

Here is the installation process.

 

FYI get the right tools - in this case the trim removal tools or you could end up with scratches and nicks like this. (PIC 1)

 

PIC 2 and 3 - OEM trim of the AT4 before

 

PIC 4 and 5 - Pay close attention to how things come apart - watch all the videos and read all the existing write ups on removal of panels. This TAKES TIME. Go slow and be patient. There are 2 clips that will break if your removal of the console lower trim piece on either side is removed in haste. 

 

PIC 6, 7 and 8 - The removal process.

 

PIC 9, 10, 11 and 12 - Switch locations and layout - plan this out carefully. measure as many times as you need to. Take lots of pictures. I opted to use the OEM location as best I could for 2 switches. These ones control my front light bar from Bright Source and Strands. It has a main ON/OFF and a secondary driving light in both amber and white. This resulted in first installing a SPST rocker and a SPST moment switch. The moment was later swapped out for a SPDT rocker. I had a little trimming to do under the knee bolster panel. 

 

PIC 13, 14 and 15 - Trimming the drivers side lower console panel - this was done to house the cluster of switches for all the other goodies I need. (Reverse Alarm (1), Buggy Whip (1), Overhead Rotating Beacon (2), winch (1) and rear facing service lights (1))

 

 

 

[ArrowsmithPML]

PIC 16, 17, 18 - Wires, wires and more wires. I used a lot of 14 ga wire. So far 22 wires came into the cab, noting that the winch and buggy whip wires are not yet installed. I tried to map everything, colour coding, labelling and building harnesses as best I could. 

[ArrowsmithPML]

PIC 19, 20 and 21 - Loom, lots of it. Note that I will be installing some heat wrap on the ones that run above the block later today.

[ArrowsmithPML]

PIC 22 - I drew all the wiring diagrams so I would know what was what.

[ArrowsmithPML]

PIC 23 - I installed a fuse block so to keep everything neat and tidy.

[ArrowsmithPML]

PIC 24 through 29 - The finished product.