Custom label for automotive switch panel?

[StolenFox]

I built this hidden switch panel for my transmission controller and I would like to label them in a professional looking manner. A black label with white print would probably be the best mimic of a factory look. Hoping this group could offer some ideas for a classy solution to label it as follows:

TAP +/- TCC PER

Thanks in advance!
S.F.

 

[Roberts210]

What kind of trans are you running? ATS maybe?

 

[Slupie]

Brother makes label printer and tape that prints white on black. That's E39 center console.

 

[LXCam]

Check out Brady label makers. I have one that prints both white or black on a clear label that would work perfectly for that. I've never tried the white ink as all my backgrounds where fine with the black, but it does look very cool.

 

[black00lightning]

Check out the graphics section.
http://superiorrestoration.com

 

[ilovevocs]

Have a sign shop print a vinyl sticker. The kind they use to print vehicle graphics.

I have had bad luck with label makers; the labels fade in the sun over time.

 

[MP&C]

These are engraved anodized aluminum..

 

[Scottwi]

Check at a trophy supplier or someone who makes name tags. They can usually make one off plaques.

 

[porkshark]

Never used them myself, but others have had good results here:

https://www.frontpanelexpress.com/

 

[StolenFox]

What kind of trans are you running? ATS maybe?

4L80E with a Jake's stage 2 kit that I built.

Brother makes label printer and tape that prints white on black. That's E39 center console.

I've got 2 brother printers but oddly enough neither have the "+" symbol... Right you are, it's an E39.

Check out Brady label makers. I have one that prints both white or black on a clear label that would work perfectly for that. I've never tried the white ink as all my backgrounds where fine with the black, but it does look very cool.

Thanks, ill check those out!

Check out the graphics section.
http://superiorrestoration.com

Very, very cool. I had no idea that anything like that existed. I didn't see where they would do a custom one-off.

Have a sign shop print a vinyl sticker. The kind they use to print vehicle graphics.

I have had bad luck with label makers; the labels fade in the sun over time.

I've been thinking about that too. Our thermal labels at work don't seem to last very long...

These are engraved anodized aluminum..

Very nice, care to make one more in black for a nominal fee?

Check at a trophy supplier or someone who makes name tags. They can usually make one off plaques.

Hadn't thought about that, it's a good idea too.

Never used them myself, but others have had good results here:

https://www.frontpanelexpress.com/

That's pretty slick, ill check into it. I would imagine that it would be easy to design it too.

Thanks to all who replied!

S.F.

 

[6PTsocket]

Brother makes label printer and tape that prints white on black. That's E39 center console.

My old P touch interfaces with my pc. and has access to hundreds of symbols. It can also handle many computer image formats and can import and print any image or font on the label. I am sure there there is a current model with similar features. One current less featured model has many fonts and 300 symbols so there is undoubtedly a +. I am sure there are some base line models with few features but there are plenty that do a lot more, from Brother. They have a very broad range of labels that are easily found. Not just colors but labels with specal features like flexible for tagging wires and special adhesives for rough surfaces, narrow for compact disc spines etc. are available. I don't think you will find that versatility and ease of purchase in other brands.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[gte718p]

Not something I have tried yet, but I'm definitely wanting to try. A guy at my maker space was using the laser cutter to cut thing vinyl for switch labels. The laser cutter allows a much higher level of detail then the plotter..

If you are crafty, you could do the same process to make a stencil and then paint the labels on for a super slick factory look.

Final incredibly slick, but harder idea. Take the little panel out and have the labels cnc engraved or laser cut through the piece. Put a piece of plexi and back lights under it.

 

[StolenFox]

Never used them myself, but others have had good results here:

https://www.frontpanelexpress.com/

Went ahead and gave this a try. Pretty slick software download lets you design what you want, gives you an immediate price and let's you place the order. Will report back with pics one it arrives.

S.F.

 

[clubairth]

When I do this type of work I use a stencil. Any label will always look like what it is; A piece that has been stuck on and is not factory.

I use this place and she mainly makes decals/stencils for model airplane guys. So lots of detail and many colors But she will make almost anything and her prices are very reasonable. I send her a detailed picture with dimensions and make sure you know what font you want. She is also good at matching the factory font.

https://callie-graphics.com/

I am an old car guy and had to redo some dash knobs that were beyond bad but the truck is rare and no parts exist.

Here they are when I started;

Here they are after much JB Weld to fix the knob and using a stencil to reproduce the factory lettering;

And installed back into the dash, sorry not a good picture because they really pop in the dash;

I messed it up the first time because the stencil requires a very dry spray. If you build any paint film the stencil will tear the lettering up when removed so a bit of a learning curve but all 4 stencils were only about $15 with shipping so I just ordered another set after the mess up.

I painted the knob color first and block sanded the knobs until I was happy with them. Then more tan paint,then stencil with white paint letters and then a top coat of satin clear for wear protection.
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[kbs2244]

I like the paper holder.

 

[StolenFox]

Had this plate custom made at FrontPanelExpress.com:

And here it is installed:

Thanks to everyone who replied!

S.F.

 

[brittf]

Very nice. I like it.


Britt

 

[MP&C]

Nice!