Switch Panel for '94-96 Caprice/Impala Coin Tray

For some time I have wanted to install some switches in my SS to allow me to control various accessories I've installed. I wanted them in a location easy to access but I wanted something that looked like it belonged there. I posted on the Impala SS Forums to find out what other's had done. My original intention was to purchase the OEM switches used in Caprice wagons which were installed in place of the coin tray in my SS. However, Mike Morgan of GOFASST posted for me a photo of what he had done himself in the same location. I really liked what he had done and decided to make one of my own. The installation went well and looked pretty good so I posted again on the Forums to find out what, if any, interest there may be in a pre-made switch panel. Thus, this project was born!

This page exists to inform those interested in the specifics of this item. Included here are pricing and ordering information, installation instructions and photos and comments from Karl Ellwein who was kind enough to test the prototype for me.

This panel has been sucesfully installed in a 1995 and a 1996 Chevy Impala SS. Since the interiors are identical in this area for the 1994 - 1996 Caprice and Impala SS it should fit any of these vehicles without problems.

One concern that I had about this mod was in modifying the interior in such a way that it could not be undone. Perhaps it's just me being silly but I've done most of the mods to my SS with the thought that should there be a sudden increase in value on the SS or just some desire to revert the car to original, the mods could be removed, making the car, once again completely stock. With the exception of the four small holes to be drilled for support (which are completely hidden with the dash installed) there are NO modifications to the dash structure. If, in the future, you decide you want the coin tray back, it can be done with little headache.

I am open to constructive suggestions for improving this product. Please email me with idea's for improvement!
Thanks for visiting!

Coin Tray Switch Pricing

At this time, you have three options for purchasing the Coin Tray Switch Plate. All options include, insured, USPS shipping to the 50 states, an SEM (15243) satin black painted plexiglass plate, four screws and nuts for plate support and installation instructions.

  1. Blank Plate Only - $10
    2. The least expensive option, this is a non-drilled plate only. This option allows you to drill and install your choice of switches or other items, such as LED's, in a pattern of your choosing.
  2. Drilled Plate Only - $10
    3. With this option, you will recieve a plate only drilled with four holes arranged in the pattern as shown in the photo above. I have tested rocker switches of the following brand and part numbers in the plate:
    Conduct Tite! - 84842, 84840, 84871 - These switches I found at Advance Auto Parts.
    Pilot - PL-SW22G, B, R (the last letter denotes the LED color) - I found these at Auto Zone.
    Click here to see a picture of the packages
  3. Plate Kit - $45
    4. At this time, this is the most complete package available. In this package, you will receive the drilled plate as above with four black switches with LED status lights as pictured above. Unless otherwise specified during your order, your switches will be one each of Red, Green, Blue and Amber colored LED's. I am NOT including any wiring or connectors at this time simply due to the wide array of uses for this plate.

Ordering

Please email me at gmcarnut@gmail.com to place an order. Let me know which option you would like and how you will be paying as well as any other comments or ordering instructions. Please also include your mailing address where I can send the plate.

Payment: I accept Personal Check, Money Order or PayPal for payment. I prefer the first two methods simply because PayPal charges me a fee for each transaction. If you pay by Personal Check, I will hold your order for 7 business days to ensure that the check has cleared.

Mail your payment to:
Michael Prosise
472 Fullerton Ln
Bentonville, VA 22610

or PayPal to:
gmcarnut@gmail.com

Shipping: This is not my full time job! However, I will endeavour to ship orders for option one and two within two days of payment. The kit's however, will take slightly longer as I do not keep a large stock of switches. I will make every attempt to have the kits shipped to you within not more than two to four days of payment.

Installation instructions for the Coin Tray Switch Panel

Stupid Legal Disclaimer: By installing the switch panel you hereby release me (Michael Prosise) from any liability for problems with your vehicle or injury to self or others during or after installation of the switch panel.

Notes -
- There is a top and bottom to the switch plate if pre-drilled. Note the arrow I have made on the back pointing to the top of the plate. If you install the plate upside down, the switches will not be aligned and may not fit in the dash hole.
- I have left the protective paper on the back of the plates. You may remove this paper or not at your option, it will not show through the SEM paint on the front side.

  1. Remove instrument cluster bezel and lower dash panel
  2. Remove coin tray by gently prying the plastic clips away. The coin tray will come out using the hole in the left side of the dash, but it is a tight fit. Some minor flexing of the dash frame will be needed. Or remove the single screw holding the light switch panel in place and remove panel.
  3. Test fit your switch panel by inserting it through the same hole used to remove the coin tray. The panel should fit snugly against the coin tray area.
  4. Bolt or glue?
    5. If you wish to use the included screws to hold the plate in place now is a good time to drill the holes for the screws. Use a 7/64 drill bit and drill four holes, two on each side through the dash plastic and the switch plate at the same time, this will ensure that your holes line up. You will have to hold the plate in place while drilling. BE CAREFUL NOT TO DRILL THROUGH YOUR HAND! Use light pressure on your drill as pressing too hard could crack the plastic switch plate.
    If you decide to glue the plate in place, this should be done after all of your wiring is complete.
  5. Remove the plate, leaving it out for now makes it much easier to get all of your wiring in place.
  6. Run all wiring desired for the switches. Allow them to hang out the large opening to the left of the switch plate/coin tray hole.
    7. NOTE: I found a convenient place for a ground was to install a ring connector at one of the bolts holding the lower dash in place.
  7. Install your plate.
    8. If using bolts, insert the bolts from the front side and hand tighten each one. You just need enough support here to keep the plate from moving when you press the switch buttons.
    If gluing place glue on the left and right sides and press into the frame. Allow to dry for an appropriate amount of time.
  8. Once the plate is installed, it’s fairly difficult to work behind it if the instrument light panel is installed so I recommend installing the plate at this time and routing the wires through the top right hole first, connect the switch and then install it. Then follow the same procedure for each switch in a clockwise fashion. This should provide you with the maximum amount of working space while installing.
  9. Test your new switches to verify operation.
  10. Reinstall lower dash.
  11. Enjoy your new SSwitches!

Here is a test fit of the Coin Tray Switch Panel into
Karl Ellwein's 95 Impala SS


Start with a view of the dash from Karl's 1995 Impala SS.


Here is the switch panel with 4 switches already installed and the protective paper still on to keep from scratching the plexiglass prototype.


Start by taking out the instrument bezel. Karl's is full of gauges, hence the extra wires.


Remove the lower dash trim to give access to the headlight switch assembly which has the coin tray attached. The coin tray just snaps in here so removal is not too difficult. This photo was taken after installing the switches but you get the idea. All the extra wires are for Karl's already installed dash switches which can now be moved to the switch panel. Note the removed coin tray sitting on top of the dash.


To make life easy you can remove one screw and pull out this entire headlight switch assembly. The top of this is fastened to the upper dash by 2 press-clips just like the rest of the dash trim. This shows the coin tray already removed. The switch panel will go in from behind and sit right in that rectangle hole and you can screw it in for support.


Here is a side view to show all the room for wires. The switch panel snaps in very snugly but you still should support it with screws.


And a front view of the headlight panel installed with the switch panel. The lower rocker switches are cocked a bit by accident here. Just note that when viewing.


Drill four 7/64" holes through both the trim and the switch panel surface for screws. You can omit this step and use glue if you prefer. It is strongly suggested, however that you use some sort of support, otherwise the plate will eventually get pushed back from repeated switch pressing.


Here is a photo of the switch panel with the dash trim snapped back into place. This is the drivers seat view. That brown paper is protecting the panel and would be removed if this were your switch panel.


View from the drivers window.

Thank you!

I take this opportunity to thank the following people, without their help, this project would not have been possible.

Mike Morgan (GOFASST) - Thank you for the idea to build this to begin with. Mike was kind enough to let me take his idea and build a product.

Karl Ellwein (WAIL) - Karl took time from his busy schedule to take his car apart and test fit the prototype for me as well as take photos along the way.

Matt Brame (Millbrook High School, VA) - Thank you for the use of your shop equipment and your time helping me with the prototypes and templates.

© Copyright 2005 Michael Prosise. The materials contained on this site may not be duplicated, or reproduced without the express consent of the owner.

© All photographs are courtesy of and copyright, Karl Ellwein.

Email me to report broken links, page errors, etc.