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siglo

Member Since: 07 Aug 2015
Location: Kuwait
Posts: 50

2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 SW Corris Grey

Twisted Switch Panel Installed

I've done a double din conversion a while ago (ebay fascia) but since there are lots of threads about the double DIN conversion I did not see the need to document mine. I did not like the idea of the side switch panel with the round hole. I first thought about only adding the hazard and a couple of switches directly to the dash but wanted something cleaner looking. I emailed Twisted to see if they'd sell me their switch panel and they did.

I currently have the ebay double DIN panel installed and I also have the new one offered by Mudstuff. The quality of the cheap ebay fascia is not that great so I got the one from Mudstuff which seems better. The side panels that came with each one cannot be compared to the Twisted panel. The way that the twisted panel attaches to the dash is far superior and worth the extra cost. You can see what I mean in the photos below hopefully. In case you are wondering why I did not get the Twisted double din panel; besides the price, I really wanted movable center air vents. It makes a huge difference during the summer over here.

The retaining tabs of the Twisted Panel Vs. ebay's and Mudstuff's

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Mud's

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I made a very tight template because my strategy was to start with a smaller hole and expand it as I go. I wanted a very tight fit and it took me some time to get it the way I liked.

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I masked the area and marked a right angle to the best of my ability. The metal template of the Mud's unit came in handy to guide the dremel while cutting.

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I was trying to be precise and delicate but the think plastic of the dash didn't want to go without a fight. It broke three of my smaller disks so I had to bring out the big guns.

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Since I cut the whole smaller than needed, it took me some time to get the fit I wanted. I was planning to clean up the cut once I'm done but since I spent more time than I wanted enlarging the hole I left it as is.

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I did not need to extend any of the wire for the button, they fit just fine.

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And finally, success (Kind off, I still need to replace the crappy ebay fascia and connect the dimmer wire of the JVC unit)

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I've just noticed in this photo that I forgot to set my clock

1st Mar 2020 7:09pm

mcma1

Member Since: 16 Oct 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 2892

Great post. Thanks

Andy

2014 Fuji 110 SW LS3
https://www.defender2.net/forum/post751233.html#751233

2014 Corris 110 SW
http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic40056.html

My old Xtech 90 build..
http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic15681.html

LS3 V8 build...
http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic49051.html

1st Mar 2020 7:36pm

Sulisuli

Member Since: 30 Oct 2016
Location: South west
Posts: 4795

2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Corris Grey

Very useful post

looks smart. 2015 HT XS 90
2008 SVX 90
2000 XS TD5 90

1st Mar 2020 8:06pm

custom90

Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20347

Looks good, I prefer that side switch panel to the one with the circular hole at the bottom.

Only thing I would say is, although you may have done this anyway.
Be sure to check that there is no wiring behind the cutting tools, there is a lot of wiring behind the dash sometimes factory or aftermarket and would cause a big headache if cut though.
The best way to do this is with the centre dash out for access, unfortunately a bit ore work but worth checking and of course measure multiple times and cut once as you did.

Like the Check Temp install too in that location, was there much involved with that? $W33T $0U7H3RN $UG4R
🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇪🇺🇸⛽️🛢️⚙️🧰💪

1st Mar 2020 8:11pm

PCM

Member Since: 25 Jan 2019
Location: North East
Posts: 874

Looks smart.

I did exactly the same thing with the console, but using the same cutter I sliced off the silly round bit from the side console.
With a bit of black putty added during fitting you honestly can’t see the cut even with detailed studying.

I also quite like the fact I don’t have any blanks.

My son and side panel came from Defenderupgrades. Very good quality, but did have the silly circle.

Click image to enlarge

1st Mar 2020 8:17pm

siglo

Member Since: 07 Aug 2015
Location: Kuwait
Posts: 50

custom90steve wrote:
Like the Check Temp install too in that location, was there much involved with that?

Since my defender did not come with the head lights leveling option, I just needed to cut out the space where the switch goes and fit the check temp in its place.

PCM wrote:
I did exactly the same thing with the console, but using the same cutter I sliced off the silly round bit from the side console.
With a bit of black putty added during fitting you honestly can’t see the cut even with detailed studying.

I also quite like the fact I don’t have any blanks.

I thought about cutting the circle off, but I wanted the extra switches to see if I can install a rear wiper with OEM switches and relocate a light switch I have to the panel. I don't like the blanks either, but they give me room for future switches. I think I should get a winch installed now to use a couple of blanks for the controls maybe

)

1st Mar 2020 8:37pm

Pickles

Member Since: 26 May 2013
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 3784

2013 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Keswick Green

Top job, top post.
Thanks siglo, Pickles.

1st Mar 2020 8:57pm

custom90

Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20347

siglo wrote:
custom90steve wrote:
Like the Check Temp install too in that location, was there much involved with that?
Since my defender did not come with the head lights leveling option, I just needed to cut out the space where the switch goes and fit the check temp in its place.

Mine is the same without the levelling switch, I might do the same.

$W33T $0U7H3RN $UG4R
🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇪🇺🇸⛽️🛢️⚙️🧰💪

1st Mar 2020 9:08pm

siglo

Member Since: 07 Aug 2015
Location: Kuwait
Posts: 50

custom90steve wrote:
Mine is the same without the levelling switch, I might do the same. Thumbs Up

Just keep in mind that it won't be easy to read. I mainly use it to check the temperature and I do that while the vehicle is stationary.

I've changed the location of the internal temperature sensor today as well. It used to be up in the A pillar so it wasn't very accurate. I've relocated it to shelf underneath the passenger grab handle. Hopefully it would be more accurate. I did not connect the check temp to the A/C so it's not really that important anyway.

1st Mar 2020 9:34pm

blackwolf

Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17372

2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey

I really like that Twisted side panel!

Does no-one besides Twisted do one with that configuration of switches and without the utterly stupid round hole? What is the purpose of the round hole, by the way?

Can anyone tell me how much Twisted charge for the side panel on its own? (I've just seen the price of the complete double-DIN dash from twisted and it nearly made me spill my beer)

1st Mar 2020 9:57pm

siglo

Member Since: 07 Aug 2015
Location: Kuwait
Posts: 50

I came across another supplier in the UK that cuts off the round part and refinishes the panel. I could not get them to sell me the panel only though. Their double DIN kit also required to cut off the part with the clock and vents from your original dash so it wasn't very appealing for me. Let me know if you want their details and I'll search through my emails and get your their contact info.

Twisted charged me £90 for the side panel, which is quite expensive for what it is, but I think it's worth it.

2nd Mar 2020 3:30am

pj2106

Member Since: 20 Dec 2012
Location: Huntingdon AKA The Shire
Posts: 1500

2008 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey

I have a friend who is in the process of designing his own side panel the same as this for his landy

I think once done he is going to produce them. 2008 110 2.4 XS Utility (Hagrid)
2002 90 TD5 Hardtop (Sully) Sold
1998 300TDi D1 (Billy) Sold

2nd Mar 2020 7:32am

pj2106

Member Since: 20 Dec 2012
Location: Huntingdon AKA The Shire
Posts: 1500

He just made these for me

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge 2008 110 2.4 XS Utility (Hagrid)
2002 90 TD5 Hardtop (Sully) Sold
1998 300TDi D1 (Billy) Sold

2nd Mar 2020 7:34am

siglo

Member Since: 07 Aug 2015
Location: Kuwait
Posts: 50

They look nice, it seems your friend must have access to a good 3D printer. I would recommend he designs similar tabs as the twisted one for the panel to fit the dash. Or even better use the same kind of torx screws that hold the original LR panel. That would look even better I think and make the installation easier.

I forgot to mention that the twisted panel needs you to clear out some plastic from behind the hole so the tabs can fit. That part was pretty annoying. I had to either remove the steering to use the Dremel or do it with hand tools. I did it with a small knife and file from a multi-tool.

2nd Mar 2020 7:57am

siglo

Member Since: 07 Aug 2015
Location: Kuwait
Posts: 50

I thought I should update this thread with more info regarding the JVC double DIN unit. I've got the ISO adapter to connect it to the LR harness.

The adapter for puma is missing pin A6 (according to JVC numbering) which is used for illumination function.

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I've visited a local stereo store and got the same type of PIN with cable (Orange) added to the adapter.

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I've faced a weird issue with the AM/FM antenna cable. I am using the stock AM/FM antenna without a splitter and using a separate DAB antenna.

The LR antenna connector seems to be longer that standard ISO.

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When I insert the antenna all the way, I lose AM reception completely. When the antenna connector is half way inserted only I get reception just fine. I will add a rubber grommet to the connector to prevent it from going all the way in and find a way to secure it to the unit so it would not fall off in the future. The JVC antenna socket looks fine to me.

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Also, I found out that if you ground the hand brake lead of the JVC unit, you can use the keyboard in Android auto instead of voice commands. I did not test it while moving, but I think it should work. It was annoying to pull the hand brake at stop lights every time I wanted to type something into android auto.

I found a plug behind the dash that I am not sure what it is for. I suspect it might be for an option that I don't have (traction control, head light level, or rear wiper). If anyone knows what it is for I'd appreciate it.

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11th Mar 2020 7:24pm

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