Aux Panel all-change mockup

The existing Radio is also coming out and with it a re-arrangement of the Aux panel.

Today was just to mock up the new layout moving on from drawings to arranging actual items so I can check the 'clutter level' and visibility of controls. I really didn't want to break up the minimalism of the GRP dashboard so focusing on the lower Aux panel area only.

Current layout:

Hardboard mockup - with the radio position checked that it remains visible from the drivers seat beneath the GRP dash. The bottom row will be: Heat pull knob, Heater fan switch, Lighter socket, Fog lamp switch, DRL switch. One more small button to sit top right area as an aerial override.

The horn will no longer have a button and be via steering centre push only.

Radio & buttons offered up. Granted its not an entirely waterproof radio, but it has no moving parts - no CD drive, fascia is not removable, SD card/USB slots in the front have covers and display backlight is blue to match my other buttons. While it is not the most expensive unit in the world I think it has a nice understated simplicity about it.

There should be some protection from the aux panel location under the main dashboard too so I'm going to chance it.

Because there is no CD/Tape drive the unit sits reasonably shallow; still to work out if the heater will need moving for this to fit though, there is just room, but the matrix will be hot & that is the last thing the radio heat-sink need right next to it. The bottom row of switches are quite tight to the base too now so some general re-work on the tunnel cover will be required:

I think we are good. Ultimately this will be built in vinyl covered aluminium like the current panel. Next step is dash, aux, heater etc out & some fun with plumbing and wiring.