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sunroof Samba Member
Joined: October 06, 2006 Posts: 1747 Location: Winnipeg
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Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 5:22 pm Post subject: stealth power outlet |
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Over on the F*book '58 '59 group we were discussing a power outlet for a '58 beetle. We did not want to drill any holes tho. I suggested replacing the ashtray with a cigarette lighter and using the ashtray cover to hide the outlet. Well some months later I finally did something about it.
I had a boost regulator that I had built years ago to give 12 volts in my 6 volt beetle.
Here I am starting to mock up the box that will hold the electronics:
Everything fits nicely
Making sure it will bolt up to the dash OK
Looks good
Cut the box shape out of 18 ga galvanized
Started bending the box up with my vice. I got lucky as the sides were just as long as the long side of the box. I did not plan this, pure luck. I have folded boxes before in my other hobby, building guitar amps, so I knew I had to get the sequence right. I bent my cardboard version before starting the steel one so I didn't bend myself into any corners.
I then cut out a front plate and made sure it fit right
Here you see me punching the hole for the lighter with a Greenlee punch I bought to make holes in chassis' for tube sockets for tube guitar amps. It did this job perfectly
Some pretty welding
Fits great!
Wired up and ready to install. I added a switch so I could hook it to un-switched power. The outlets always seem to be switched power which means you can't charge your phone or iPod with the ignition off. This has been a nuisance for me in the past with my Toyota.
Wired up and bolted in
With the cover off
With the cover on
A couple of rare earth magnets hold the cover in place when the socket is not in use
Refer to this thread for my boost ivertor circuit:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...p;start=20
Don |
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Keith Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2005 Posts: 3635 Location: Brodheadsville, PA
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Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 9:42 pm Post subject: |
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That looks great. If someone was not worried about the original paint on the ashtray cover they could just make the ashtray cover hard mount on the box and then use the area the original ashtray knob is located for your power socket. Another hole could be drilled through the ashtray cover and the accessory socket could be used to sandwhich and hold the pieces together. Then a modified cigarette lighter could be used with the factory ashtray knob so everything looks factory (non-halo socket would be better for that). Also there would be no need for the switch if you wire it to constant power rather than switched power (with ignition key on) of course the halo on yours and how it gets its power may be the determining factor for the switch. _________________ Formerly known in the forums as "OVALTEEN"
"I firmly believe that some villagers from Botswana could probably build a better road than PennDot."- Splitty
"If you do anything to your car someone will hate on you for it. People absolutely love to complain and find fault with others. Don't let it bother you. Just live and have fun."- Lind |
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Donnie strickland Samba Member
Joined: December 21, 2009 Posts: 2403 Location: Moody, AL
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Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 10:17 pm Post subject: |
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Very fine work!
As I understand, this is hooked to constant power. Am I correct?
Also, the magnets are a nice touch. |
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sunroof Samba Member
Joined: October 06, 2006 Posts: 1747 Location: Winnipeg
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Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 6:45 am Post subject: |
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Yes it is hooked to unswitched power. The reason for the switch is so the light won't kill the battery when not in use.
Don |
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anthracitedub Samba Member
Joined: June 20, 2007 Posts: 3241 Location: Michigan
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Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 8:17 am Post subject: |
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Good job. |
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RareAir Samba Member
Joined: May 11, 2002 Posts: 14576 Location: 18 miles North of the border
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vwlovr73 Samba Member
Joined: April 20, 2000 Posts: 273 Location: ND
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Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 3:30 pm Post subject: |
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What a great idea! _________________ 1963 Beetle euro spec "Darrel" (since 2012)
Past - 1973 Beetle "Arthur" (owned 1998-2005)
Red River VW Club- http://www.redrivervwclub.com |
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sunroof Samba Member
Joined: October 06, 2006 Posts: 1747 Location: Winnipeg
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Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 4:12 pm Post subject: |
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Quote: |
Excellent idea. But was it necessary to cut the entire dash section out of the car to mock up the patterned box? |
Yes.
Donor car:
Don |
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reedwesd Samba Member
Joined: August 28, 2004 Posts: 144 Location: G-Town KY
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Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2012 8:50 pm Post subject: |
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Looks nice great work. |
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MURZI Samba Member
Joined: August 25, 2005 Posts: 5063 Location: Madisonville, La
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Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2012 9:40 pm Post subject: |
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Slick.......... Very very cool.
I just stuck mine back here...you can't see it, but it is in easy reach for cell charging or an air compressor.
_________________ 62 vert
2276
Tim’s welded heads
45 Dells
A1 sidewinder
Fk44 cam |
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