That's the plan!

 

Still trying to find a center vent (not dash speaker) dual gauge pod

 

Doesn't Tripoint already make this?

 

Center A/C vent replacement. Not the dash speaker.

 

I even included the parenthesis that time...

 

Pics of those cig lighter plugs

 

Headliner "tabs" and sigarette lighter plug would rock!

 

Here are some photos of different ideas. We came up with just a standard plug, then fitted one with a key slot so you can use your RX7 key to insert and remove the plug, otherwise you'd have to pry it out which isn't ideal. Then we designed a full delete comprised of two pieces that screw together with the OEM hardware.

What does the community want to see?





Full delete.





Two part delete.





Back side.





Front with alignment key.





Plug with key slot for easy removal.





With and without key slot.

 

I am in favor of a plug with a key slot for the cigarette lighter.

 

But how are you supposed to light your cigars?

 

I like the plug without the key slot since I would not be removing it. Does the plug just swap the lighter? I would like to avoid removing my gauge panel again lol.

 

Exhaust flames

 

But of course

 

Correct, the plug just replaces the lighter. The full delete does require access to the back side of the bezel.





UPDATES

Okay, we've been fairly busy around here with all of these projects so the cluster hood is taking longer than expected. Rest assured, OP will deliver! I promise. However, in the meantime we came up with this neat little USB/AUX switch.

It has two USB ports, because let's be honest, two is always better than one. And the AUX is currently uninstalled since we blew through our stock for the BMW switches quicker than expected. It is a two-part design that will bolt together with included hardware. The output on the backside is the same as the front, so install is simple. You'll be able to run the USB/AUX cables to wherever you'd like: to your radio, a 12v source for charging - whatever you decide. You can also mount it into whatever port you'd like, seeing as we designed it to fit like an OEM switch.

Here's the prototype:





Front face





Two part design





Installed into the center bracket





Backside





Fully installed.




Thoughts on design?

 

I can only express myself by

 

I love it. It's awesome. My *only* concern is about the USB comming up at a 90 degree angle and the potential to knock an elbow into it an break something.

What if the switch was a little thicker and USB / Aux was at more of a 15 degree angle? I know that might mean only one USB per blank - but most of us have extras, especially when replacing the exhaust overheat / security lights.

Perhaps a little retainer for the USB "tail" as well?

Whatever the final design, put me down for one.

 

It's just too tight of a fit to angle the ports, I think even with the option of just one. You can install the switch into any of the ports on the center console, though, as pictured below. I feel like that location would be out of the way enough.

 

It could work if you spun up a PCB for it. Pretty simple to build realistically, but the plastic would need to support the USB plugs since angle mounting them would prevent you from soldering down the structural tabs.

Alternatively you could mount the PCB itself at an angle, then just wire up the male ends by cutting up some USB cables and soldering them to pads.

Easiest might actually be to use one PCB per plug that is just the female plug with two screw holes and four solder points for a short male cable.

I can mock something up in eagle if you can give me dimensions. They should be cheap to build so they shouldn't affect cost by more than $5-10 per unit at most, assuming you order in low quantity and get the PCBs run at OSHPark

 

Yeah, I think where you have it is probably the best place for it. Bummer you can't angle 'em.

 

What's the distance between both of the ports? It looks tight. Think someone inserting a USB thumb drive that has a thick housing (someone common). All of a sudden the secondary port becomes useless to use at the same time if one won't clear the other. If you have the opportunity, make them as far apart as possible.

 

We'll give these a shot and see how it goes. The benefit of this setup is the ease of install - everything just plugs in.

Agreed, but it's just too tight. I don't think there will be a problem with the orientation, though.

There is about 5mm of space between the bases of two USB cables. Unless you have an exceptionally thick thumb drive it won't be an issue.



UPDATES!

Here's the finished component! Just remove the OEM bracket and switch from the desired port you wish to install this, separate the part using a 2mm allen wrench, install into the port and tighten the bolts down, then use whatever length cables you desire to wire up the ports! Installing the components takes all of 2 minutes once the center console is removed.

 

Very cool items! Keep up the good work.

Vince

 

Here's a few of the parts lined up in finished form!

 

It would be good to have a cover over the USB ports, just an idea

 

I agree, and we could get a stockpile of rubber plugs for the component, but my thought is that most people would just lose them within the first week anyway. There is always the option to pick up a pack of 10 on your own to have, something like this:

USB Port Silicone Rubber Dust Cover - modCover.com