by "Thomas Nourse" (thomas)
Published 08/29/2017 at 19:51
by "Thomas Nourse" (thomas)
Published 08/29/2017 at 19:51
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STARS: 1
I decided to do something with the cord clutter in my car this afternoon.
I usually keep my phone on a magnetic vent mount next to the driver’s side door so I added a power point (12v socket with 2 USB ports) in the storage compartment below that vent. I hardwired that to the battery so it’s always hot - I like to leave my phone charging while I’m in a store and my car has a 10 minute shut off timer for all the factory outlets.
In addition, I also hardwired me dash cam and radar detector to their own circuits (dash cam is always hot while the radar detector is keyed).
I’m pretty proud of myself for this one. I hadn’t done any auto wiring work since I installed a stereo, amp, etc when I was 18. That project did not end well for the interior of that car but I managed to pull this off without breaking a single piece of trim. It also looks a lot cleaner so mission accomplished.
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
08/29/2017 at 20:26, STARS: 2
Damn dude, that is awesome!
I hate automotive wiring so much in newer cars. Very very clean install too.
Awarded: 25 Oppo Points
"404 - User No Longer Available" (toni-cipriani)
08/29/2017 at 20:34, STARS: 1
When I did my cam for my F30, I didn’t actually have to rip apart any trim, just one USB cable to the trunk, cig lighter adapter to the Motosafer and into the fusebox. The cable tucked in nicely under the weatherstrip and the door trims.
I do too need to sort out my phone charging, hate how my cig ligher lid can’t be closed with the adapter plugged in. Canadian cars don’t have the under dash socket.
"Thomas Nourse" (thomas)
08/29/2017 at 20:40, STARS: 1
That’s why I ran all new wire to the battery and fuse box in the trunk instead of tapping into anything behind the dash.
The nice thing about new card is that there are plenty of chunky trim panels to hide wire runs and good ground points galore behind the dash. That made this a lot easier than the last time when I had to fish wire under carpet and scrape my knuckles bloody trying to ground to the one piece of metal deep under the dash.
"Thomas Nourse" (thomas)
08/29/2017 at 20:51, STARS: 0
I thought about running a USB cable, but I already had the wire. I was able to cannibalize the 12v USB adapter for the ports and wired that in the space above the map lights. From there I just used the 1ft USB cable I already had.
It was a little more work removing and replacing the overhead lights, but I like to use what I have on hand for projects like this.