Creating a new switch for lights with custom lettering

2253 Views 17 Replies 10 Participants Last post by Dcaplan, Feb 13, 2008

Dcaplan

Discussion Starter · Feb 12, 2008

I am going to be doing a few mods to the Taco, heated mirrors, aft lights and bed lights.

For the lighting I would like to use the same switch as the fog lights use, as in adding anothing one of the same switches, one for the aft lights one for the bed lights. I would like to add some custom lettering below the image of the light though to make them more 'OEM looking' as well as easier to use for those not acustom to my truck.

While I can make the lettering in Illustrator, I am not sure how to get it on there and ensure it is long lasting. I am not concerned with it being able to 'light up', but I would like it to look OEM. Any ideas?? I am stuck on this and I am wondering if anyone may have any great thoughts kicking around their head.

This is the switch I am talking about:

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1 - 18 of 18 Posts

Angus_NB

· #2 · Feb 12, 2008

You could try shops that computer cut vinyl. I don't know if they could do something that small though.
Post back if/when you find a solution. I would be interested in this also.

Chalkie

· #3 · Feb 12, 2008

I think you might be able to use one of those Brother Label Machines. Use the smallest size text, white lettering on a clear background. You should be able to get 3-4 capitol letters in the width of a switch.

Trail Gator

· #4 · Feb 12, 2008

I had been wondering about the same thing actually.

Angus_NB

· #5 · Feb 12, 2008

Those labels wear off fairly fast on something that you touch often.

Dcaplan

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 12, 2008

Angus_NB said:
You could try shops that computer cut vinyl. I don't know if they could do something that small though.
Post back if/when you find a solution. I would be interested in this also.

I will phone a few on my local printing guys and see what they can offer and let everyone know. If I can get someone to print on them directly that would be interesting as well.

I will look into the Brother idea as well and see how that looks and how it will stick to the surface of the button. First things first, gota find me a switch at a reasonable price

beastbluetaco

· #7 · Feb 12, 2008

ask sockmonkey if he can make something for you. I think vinyl would last pretty long.

K2DAMFJ

· #8 · Feb 12, 2008

Silk Screening?

I think that what you are looking for is "Silk Screening". I believe that is what is used on the factory switch.

Dcaplan

Discussion Starter · #9 · Feb 12, 2008

K2DAMFJ said:
I think that what you are looking for is "Silk Screening". I believe that is what is used on the factory switch.

That is a great idea. My girlfriend actualy works in the art department at the Univeristy of Guelph, stupid me for never asking her.

I will see what she can do, if she can pull it off than I will be willing to make a handfull of them with a few names on them if people are interested.

Chalkie

· #10 · Feb 12, 2008

Angus_NB said:
Those labels wear off fairly fast on something that you touch often.

Not really. Our cabin has those Decora light switches (the wide rocker type things) and I used one to label all the switches so when friends use the cabin they know what is for what. They have held up 2 years, so far.

But, yeah, silk screening or some other type actual print process would be preferable I am sure.

borderbrat

· #11 · Feb 12, 2008 (Edited)

what about something like what was done for the heating control colour change. sand off black down to the translucent white thinger apply stickers for lettering then paint pull off stickers and viola. this is what I've been contemplating on doing for all my switches

edit: like this http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=210226

Jaime

· #12 · Feb 12, 2008

Dcaplan said:
I will see what she can do, if she can pull it off than I will be willing to make a handfull of them with a few names on them if people are interested.

I'd definitely be interested if you did this

Angus_NB

· #13 · Feb 12, 2008

Chalkie said:
Not really. Our cabin has those Decora light switches (the wide rocker type things) and I used one to label all the switches so when friends use the cabin they know what is for what. They have held up 2 years, so far.

But, yeah, silk screening or some other type actual print process would be preferable I am sure.

That's exactly what made me say they don't last long. I have a double switch in my basement that I labeled and it didn't seem to last very long. But, now that I think about it, it probably has been there 3 years.
Time flies.

SilverTipTaco

· #14 · Feb 12, 2008

This is the idea I’ve been kicking around for doing my switches. Use an engraver to engrave the name you want on the switch. Set it for a very, VERY shallow pass and it should act like a little sander, only taking off the black of each letter. No repainting required? (should also be back-lit?)As I stated this is just a thought at this point because I have yet to get spare switches to play with to see if it is possible. BTW I’m not talking about one of those cheap engrave your name on your tools engraver. These are the computer controlled engravers like trophy shops and such use. The plastic engraving bits spin as they engrave, so it shouldn’t create mounds of plastic as it goes. I really need to get a switch and try it to see if it works! If I do I’ll post the results.
Anyway, just an idea and I think that’s what you were looking for "ideas".
Goodluck with what you choose!

sockmonkey

· #15 · Feb 13, 2008

Dcaplan said:
While I can make the lettering in Illustrator, I am not sure how to get it on there and ensure it is long lasting. I am not concerned with it being able to 'light up', but I would like it to look OEM. Any ideas?? I am stuck on this and I am wondering if anyone may have any great thoughts kicking around their head.

add vinyl letters, then clear coat over the vinyl.

I did this in the dodge i had before the tacoma, looked great.
can't get much crisper looking than cut vinyl

beastbluetaco

· #16 · Feb 13, 2008

sockmonkey said:
add vinyl letters, then clear coat over the vinyl.

I did this in the dodge i had before the tacoma, looked great.
can't get much crisper looking than cut vinyl

That's exactly what I was thinking. Vinyl would look good and the clear coat would secure the vinyl on.

Jaime

· #17 · Feb 13, 2008

beastbluetaco said:
That's exactly what I was thinking. Vinyl would look good and the clear coat would secure the vinyl on.

This is going to sound really anal, but wouldn't the clear coat make the switch noticeably glossier than the rest of them?

Dcaplan

Discussion Starter · #18 · Feb 13, 2008

You could go with a non-gloss clear-coat. I think whatever I choose I may clear-coat it just to ensure it lasts. My new switch is on order and I will let you guys know how it turns out!

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