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  #1  
Old 12-22-2010, 10:40 AM
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ashtray panel revival

So, i've long envied the ashtray panel bgkast made for his gauges.

However, I want to make one with space for one gauge, as well as an 120v AC outlet, USB ports, and maybe keep the 12v cigarette lighter outlet.

Yesterday I bought this power inverter at Ace hardware to use for parts. It was $25 marked down to $20 with a $10 rebate. It's smaller than it looks in person, and I don't think it would be difficult to get this all behind an ashtray panel.

Is anyone interested in this project, or can help getting these panels cut?

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Old 12-22-2010, 10:43 AM
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on the 123 there is quite a bit of room back there, but there is a relay that's back there too. be careful.
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  #3  
Old 12-22-2010, 11:38 AM
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About a year ago in the Star, there was a restored bio/veggie wagon from SFO. He had a complete new wood insert built for the center console that extended into what used to be the carpeted area with cup holders and other accessories.

I'd imagine if you had the resources, there are many different things you could build into this versatile space.
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Old 12-22-2010, 11:49 AM
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It will need some ventilation. Without it you may find it getting hot and shutting down.
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Old 12-22-2010, 02:57 PM
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I would mount the inverter under the seat unless it gets wet down there.
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  #6  
Old 12-22-2010, 03:56 PM
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What would you need 120v plug on the dash for? Blow dryer?

I can see it being done in the back of a wagon, or even the truck of a sedan, but not on the dash.

The reason that this inverter is made for a cupholder is so that it's not in an enclosed area. I know the inverters in motor coaches are encased in an electrical box that would help isolate any possible fire. All auto units I've seen have cooling fins and an enclosed case.

Not really something I'd want to mount in a tight space.
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  #7  
Old 12-22-2010, 04:09 PM
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=8-0
Quote:
Originally Posted by winmutt View Post
I would mount the inverter under the seat unless it gets wet down there.
If you install 120V wiring, consult an electrician or electrical PE, or the NEC if you are literate in that respect. If a hot wire shorts to the body and is unable to ground out and pop a breaker, you or a passenger could be the ground path, say with your hand on a door striker and a foot in a puddle. Starting a fire is a possibility too.

The obvious bodge of putting an inverter under the seat and running a 6' grounded extension cord under the mat puts the cord in a thermally insulated area, subject to salt, water and chafing. Since the unibody is the ground path for the electrical system it could make the whole body hot.

Whatever you do, remember that a ground path with a lower resistance than you is your friend.
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82 Benz 240 D, Kuan Yin
12 Ford Escape 4wd

You're four times
It's hard to
more likely to
concentrate on
have an accident
two things
when you're on
at the same time.
a cell phone.


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  #8  
Old 12-22-2010, 06:11 PM
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blow dryer, water boiler, waffle iron...
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  #9  
Old 12-22-2010, 07:52 PM
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Why stop there?

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82 Benz 240 D, Kuan Yin
12 Ford Escape 4wd

You're four times
It's hard to
more likely to
concentrate on
have an accident
two things
when you're on
at the same time.
a cell phone.


www.kiva.org It's not like there's anything wrong with feeling good, is there?
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