Sometimes it is the small things that matter. While this mod is not needed it is certainly nice. The OEM dash has a center plate that holds the hazard light switch, clock, and cigarette socket. But over the years those things get loose. Also by the driver side dash is a small switch area where a dash dimmer switch is and space for two other aux switches. Problem is that space does not take Carling switches and the dash dimmer switch is an outdated design and tends to go bad.
Series Defender is a small shop that creates some nice bespoke parts for Land Rovers. One of the things they make are metal switch plates and custom wiring harnesses to change the hazard switch and dash dimmer switch to Carling switches. They have lots of plate configurations to choose from. I decided I like the OEM analog clock so I picked up the center plate that changes out the hazard switch, keeps the clock, but converts the cigarette sock to a USB power port. But just to be safe I also picked up a six slot Carling plate as well in case I want to change my configuration. For the driver side switch plate I changed out the dimmer switch to a Carling unit and will use the other two slots for future aux equipment (off-road fog lights and roof rack lights).
While certainly not necessary it creates a clean look, is more robust than the OEM plate, and allows you to use the industry standard Carling switches. Like I said, it’s the small things that matter.