Grit Overland Carbon Fiber Light Switch Panel

Introduction

Grit Overland, a leading adventure-van upfitter in the Portland area, asked Real Carbon to create a lightweight, aesthetic custom light-switch panel cover for an overland van. Real Carbon delivered a precision carbon-fiber solution that reduces weight while elevating the interior finish.

Design and Purpose

• Project goal: Replace bulky OEM switch bezels with a slim, strong carbon fiber panel that matches Grit Overland’s high-end builds and reduces overall vehicle weight.
• Design approach: We focused on carbon fiber design to balance fit and finish with manufacturability. We used genuine carbon fiber to achieve a showroom-quality result.

Materials and Fabrication

• Materials used: Real carbon fiber sheets and carbon fiber panels were selected
• for high strength-to-weight performance and consistent surface finish.
• Fabrication methods: The panel was produced with composite fabrication best practices — layup of carbon fiber plate/sheets, CNC trimming, and edge finishing to create a clean carbon look and durable carbon fiber parts suitable for vehicle interiors.
• Custom options: As a custom carbon fiber part, the panel demonstrates how carbon fiber fabrication can produce bespoke carbon fiber products for specialty enclosures and panels.

 Features and Benefits

• Aesthetics: Marbled or plain weaves offer premium finishes, showcasing the distinctive appearance associated with genuine carbon fiber and high-end carbon fiber products.
• Engineering: End-use customers know that carbon fiber components indicate the entire system is well designed, engineered, and constructed.
• Fit and integration: The panel features a true carbon fiber panel for switch hardware, CNC—cut to accept switches and mounting hardware for seamless plug-and-play upfits.

 Why Choose Real Carbon for Similar Projects

• Engineering-first composite assembly: We combine composite engineering and design expertise with carbon fiber manufacturing to produce reliable, repeatable panels and specialty enclosures.
• Capabilities: From small interior panels to composite tubes and more complex composite parts, Real Carbon handles carbon fiber fabrication, custom carbon fiber fabrication, and part finishing for functional and decorative applications.
• Customization: Whether you need carbon fiber plates, carbon fiber sheets, or fully finished carbon fiber panels, we tailor our materials and processes (including carbon skinning and finish options) to the specific application.

Interested in a custom carbon fiber light panel, enclosure, or other carbon fiber parts for your build? Contact Real Carbon to discuss designing with carbon fiber and turning a concept into precision composite fabrication.