I am ready to install a couple of Vans provided ACS heater pulls. Does the knob come unscrewed so it can be panel mounted thru a smaller hole in the panel, or do you drill a larger hole?
I thought about that, but was worried about weakening the panel by slicing the bottom flange.
As far as I can tell, the only way you can install them in a moderately sized hole is to thread the cable through the hole first from the front side of the panel. This makes removing the panel a hassle since you'll have to remove the cable from securing points and whatever it operates first.
I'm thinking of creating tiny sub-panels for the cables that run through the main panel (Cabin Heat and Parking Brake). These would be attached to the main panel from behind with nutplates, covering a hole large enough for the knob to pass through. The knob would attach to this smaller plate.
Not sure what would be more of a hassle, constructing these or fiddling with the cable under the panel.