[g13]

So after work on Saturday i spent sometime installing my 3rd 12 volt outlet and cleaning up all my cords in my dash so it all looks neat and tidy. Here's what I have done so far. Added 12 volt outlet next to the steering wheel with add-a-circuit for I pod mount. ran the AUX cord down and behind the dash. Installed multi 12 volt outlet with usb in the glove box for added power outlets. Ran my Navi cord through dash to the mount. Added 12 volt socket to center console, ran wire under the rubber floor. (NOT EASY!!) and used add-a-circuit. Back up camera and monitor used as a way to watch and look at my daughter instead of using the stupid mirror to mirror method. Well here's some pics. I'm also going to post my new stickers in the show us you stickers thread!

I really like this flex tune mount you just plug your ipod or iphone into the mount and it charges and controls your volume instead of doing it on the ipod and the radio unit and trying to find a good balance. I have had it for a while and the AUX port just stopped working but it still keeps it charged. I would normally plug the AUX in where the arrow is

 

[ElementFanatic]

the mods look nice and clean, but that sweat band on the shifter.... EWWWW i thought you had better taste!

 

[g13]

I just dont like having to put on my bullet proof vest to go to the south side to catch a baseball game! lol:lol:

 

[magoosmc]

Nice...
What did you use to drill/cut the hole for the outlet to the right of the steering wheel? I read a post that suggested a unibit but the cheapest one that would do the job was $50. Pretty pricey hole. Alternative suggestions? I' like to get it right the first time.

 

[ramblerdan]

You don't need a Unibit; an inexpensive hole-saw bit will work fine—even one made for wood, if you're careful. I don't recall offhand the size I used on mine, but it was probably 1 1/8" or 1 1/4".

I think you'll have better results with a circular hole saw (as above) than with the flat-bladed type G13 suggests below. Those are awfully hard to control with thin plastic.

 

[g13]

Nice...
What did you use to drill/cut the hole for the outlet to the right of the steering wheel? I read a post that suggested a unibit but the cheapest one that would do the job was $50. Pretty pricey hole. Alternative suggestions? I' like to get it right the first time.

Just use an inch Drill bit like this one. But use a small basic drill bit first to create a center starter hole then just finish off the job. I think an inch is about the standard for 12 volt outlets but just measure which ever one you buy

This is what I used

These Marine outlets are really good and sturdy. I don't like the out let or install of the one next to my steering wheel to much, but I am impatient and you have to live and learn, thats why the one in my center console looks so good!:roll:

 

[g13]

once you get that done you just need to wire it using an add-a-circuit
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60913&highlight=add-a-circiut

there are some other posts about doing this step by step and which fuses to tap into.

 

[g13]

not a bad suggestion at all ramblerdan.

 

[Snuffleupagus]

Nicely done! Awesome job, g13.


Ok, I just noticed there is something seriously wrong with that glove box.... it's empty! :shock:

 

[chesterspot]

It never crossed my mind to put a 12v outlet next to the steering wheel but it makes sense and bugs me having to reach across to the passengers side to grab my ipod/zune/phone. I hate it when wires are strung all over the place so I will be doing this and looking for the tuneflex or something like it. I may try to find the stock aux/12v socket thing and put it there so it looks factory.

 

[CoreySixx]

hmmm...

Looks good but yeah i agree...whats up with the cubs sweat band??? Thats very unattractive..LOL

 

[magoosmc]

You don't need a Unibit; an inexpensive hole-saw bit will work fine—even one made for wood, if you're careful. I don't recall offhand the size I used on mine, but it was probably 1 1/8" or 1 1/4".

I think you'll have better results with a circular hole saw (as above) than with the flat-bladed type G13 suggests below. Those are awfully hard to control with thin plastic.

Once again this place is filled with a wealth of information! I was going to go with the "ramblerdan hole saw idea", but then I had a flash of inspiration - why not kill two birds with one stone! I now have a hole in the dash as well as one in the firewall for the foglight wires!

Note to self for future questions:
1. Engine runs rough.
2. How to replace headlight.

 

[E_BikeR]

Once again this place is filled with a wealth of information! I was going to go with the "ramblerdan hole saw idea", but then I had a flash of inspiration - why not kill two birds with one stone! I now have a hole in the dash as well as one in the firewall for the foglight wires!

Note to self for future questions:
1. Engine runs rough.
2. How to replace headlight.

LOL:lol::lol::lol:

Seriously I have been planning this "right of the steering" power install all winter, and somebody beat me to it. :twisted: I even have that same tuneflex adjustable ipod carrier in the seat back pocket for this mod. I plan to add more in that small space too. Pictures to come.

Nice work g13!

 

[magoosmc]

I decided to have a go at it this morning. For those that have considered it, it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. The "ramblerdan" hole saw suggestion was right on the money. An hour, including the time it took to go borrow the hole saw. 7/8" was the size that fit. I masked the area around it with painters tape to prevent scratches and had at it. The plastic was a lot less brittle than anticipated and the blade walked through it. Used the "add-a-circuit" and jumped off the #2 fuse so that it is hot all of the time. Grounded it on the universal ground behind the console. It went so well I decided that while I had the tools out I would add a second one to the left of the steering wheel. I would also like this one to live at all times - any suggestions as to which circuit to tap?

 

[g13]

that looks really good!

 

[Snuffleupagus]

I would also like this one to live at all times - any suggestions as to which circuit to tap?

Unless you are going to go crazy with plugging in a whole lot of devices, you can splice into the line you have coming from fuse #2. If you really want to add another add-a-circuit, you can use the fuse #3 slot.

PS, nice install.

 

[LMntGuy1982]

If you use a Hole saw spin it backwards just before the saw teeth grab. It will keep it from skipping at first and set a nice smooth start.

 

[ramblerdan]

^ Good suggestion, LMntGuy!

The plastic was a lot less brittle than anticipated

That's the beauty of the Element's interior plastic: It's soft enough that it doesn't want to crack. OTOH that's also the reason so many people bitch about how easily it scratches. Compromise ...

#3 is always hot and unused in the U.S.; it's for the Canada-only DRL circuit.

As Snuff noted, you should be able to run both new outlets off a single 15A fuse, since nobody actually uses these things for cigarette lighters.

 

[ElementaryEd]

Once again this place is filled with a wealth of information! I was going to go with the "ramblerdan hole saw idea", but then I had a flash of inspiration - why not kill two birds with one stone! I now have a hole in the dash as well as one in the firewall for the foglight wires!

Note to self for future questions:
1. Engine runs rough.
2. How to replace headlight.

Thats funny! Nice Glock btw.

 

[GRNDHOG]

I just wish there was a "HOW TO" for adding a second AUX jack. I'd love to add the outlet, just like shown, but would like to have the second AUX jack so that I still have the original one accessible and useable at all times. Does anyone know where to find that? I've searched with no luck.