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Old 10-05-2021, 11:54 PM   #1
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Gauging interest in Easy Door Panel Swap Bezel E-Series

Hi folks,

Considering the relative hassle of repining the window and door lock switches when upgrading from 92-08 to the newer style (09+) door for the ford vans, I have been inspired to design an easy-swap bezel piece that clips in to the newer door panel but accepts the existing oval switches from the earlier vans. Not that I知 afraid of wiring, it just doesn稚 seem worth it to figure out my exact van combination. That, and the fact that the switches and bezel are often sold separate from the door panel at extra cost.

I致e got my prototyping about done and the prognosis is good. A few pics are attached.

So, my question:
If I were to have these parts tooled up and injection molded so that a sturdy piece results, would people be interested in buying a set of driver and passenger bezels?

For me, I decided that I would buy the connector and splice an extension in for the newer style mirror switch. This avoids having a blank block off plate on the new door panel, but I could just as easily design the bezel to accept the old mirror switch in the old location. Doesn稚 make sense to have a tool made for both cases. Anybody have a preference here?

I知 not sure how much these would cost, but it would certainly depend on quantity. The equivalent motorcraft part is on the order of $20 for each side.

Please let me know if you would be interested in something like this.


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Here is a compilation of a few threads on the subject in case you want to go down the rabbit hole.

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ics-23694.html

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...0-a-27025.html

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ics-24918.html

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ing-13576.html
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Old 10-06-2021, 05:30 AM   #2
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I was actually thinking about the same project a few weeks ago. I知 sure there is value here overtime.

Looking forward to cost to produce.
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Old 10-06-2021, 08:32 AM   #3
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Good idea, I'd be interested
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Old 10-06-2021, 09:39 AM   #4
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I’d like this.

My vote would be to use the new switch. The knob design isn’t susceptible to water damage like the old switch. I have to replace mine every few years from having the doors or windows open in the rain.
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Old 10-06-2021, 10:26 AM   #5
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What the benefit to replacing the 92-08 van door to the 09+ van door?
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Old 10-06-2021, 10:33 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mikracer View Post
What the benefit to replacing the 92-08 van door to the 09+ van door?
So your La Quinta shuttle van interior can now look like a Marriott shuttle van interior. Duh
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Old 10-06-2021, 11:22 AM   #7
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Mik, in my case the advantage was increasing door storage. The older doors on my MY2000 van just had the bungy pockets. The newer panels have large molded plastic pockets for holding stuff. They also have 2 pockets instead of 1.

I opted to retain the original mirror switch but I think using the newer switch switch would be cool too as long as the wiring is pretty straight forward.

Here is the hacked bezel that I made:



I think the idea of someone making these bezels is a great idea. Pretty easy to do the door swap if all you had to do was purchase the bezels!
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Old 10-06-2021, 01:25 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mikracer View Post
What the benefit to replacing the 92-08 van door to the 09+ van door?
I suppose I should have said door panels. The newer panels are more modern looking and have better storage.
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Old 10-06-2021, 02:38 PM   #9
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Yep ^^^^ They are worlds better IMO.
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Old 10-06-2021, 02:38 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by simplesez View Post
So your La Quinta shuttle van interior can now look like a Marriott shuttle van interior. Duh
That is funny.
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