What do people use? I want to control panel to some misc accessories like a fan and traqmate. I saw an 8 switch painless-wiring panel for about $250. Cabelas has a similar 6 switch panel for about $60. Moroso also has inexpensive panels, but they seem to be pre-labeled, which I didn't want. 

Given that the switches cost $5 I'm having trouble understanding why sticking 8 of them in a piece of aluminum is worth the $210 difference from painless. 

Maybe I should buy my own aluminum panel and head down to my friend's drillpress.

Thoughts? Wisdom?

I just finished wiring another Raven race car. John was really busy and I enjoyed the challenge.

We just cut a piece of aluminum to fit and use a nice Brother label maker to make it pretty. After drilling holes, use some fine sandpaper to give it a brushed look. We have no trouble finding good quality switches for about C$1.50 each. You don't need to spend that kind of money.

I did the same, I cut out and fitted a piece of aluminum, drilled the holes, and then painted it with a rattlecan (my dash is black, so bare aluminum would look a bit out of place). I purposely didn't mark any of the switches, however, because I have to know them all by feel anyway when on the track. The Painless ones are likely fused, which if you build your own I would highly recommend to save your wiring and such from fire if a pump or fan seizes and overheats (unless you have spare fuses in your panel somewhere to supply power). Adding fuses to each line is pretty simple if you are at all handy, Allan rewired his dash this weekend and it didn't blow up or burst into flames... yet... Hey, did you hardwire the "Easy" button too, Allan? :-)

I should wire the Easy button, shouldn't I. Too bad I didn't think of that. Would mean not having to change batteries.