As many of us know, things like cellphones, laptops, gps, etc. didn't exist when the wonderful 123chassis were being built. Bottom line is that I need 12v lighter-type receptacles, at least one extra as the factory location is less than ideal for use with accesories. I have considered taking apart the center console and installing a lighter-type socket in the space where the "fader" is since it doesn't do anything with the aftermarket stereo and my wood is not great so I don't mind cutting on it. Anyone else have another solution? A single or twin socket setup with its own housing that could be mounted on the side of the console would be just the ticket..... Any ideas appreciated. RT

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When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K

Here is what I did when I had my 83 300D w123.. I had a radar detector, a cell phone charger and a laptop charger in that car.

I bought a 3-socket ciggarette lighter adapter. I cut the end off to expose the wires. I ran the wires underneath my center console into the dash where I tapped off the original cigarette lighter line. I screwed the adapter to the side of my center console for easy access.. I sold the car here to user "car54". Let me see if I can find some pictures of it.. it worked great.

I like the screw you put in to hold the wood trim piece in the right spot...I may have to give that a try

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2001 VW Jetta TDI, 5 speed, daily driver
1991 Ford F-350, work in progress
1984 Ford F-250 4x4, 6.9l turbo diesel, 5 speed manual
Previous oilburners: 1980 IH Scout, 1984 E-350, 1985 M-B 300D, 1979 M-B 300SD, 1983 M-B 300D
Spark-free since 1999

Where did you get the triple-socket deal? That is exactly what I need! I have checked all the "McParts" places and can only find single flush mounts or cheesy exposed underdash units... Thanks, RT

__________________
When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K

I found a double setup at one of my local stores and made just a slight mode to the install shown above in that I mounted them sideways pointing to the front of the car. that way if anything got spilled it missed this outlet...

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'99 S420 - Mommies
'72 280SE 4.5 - looking to breathe life into it
'84 300SD Grey - Sold
'85 300SD Silver - Sold
'78 Ski Nautique

I bought it at a flea market for like $3.00.. don't know if you can find one of these cheapie things locally.

WooHoo! Found a nice two-outlet setup at a bigger "McParts" a couple of towns away. Only $7.99, such a deal! RT

__________________
When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K

Funny you ask. I just completed one that lays in the storage area. I wired it to the connector in the ash tray area, ran the wires under the consol and it lays in there real nice.

I was never impressed with the ash tray one, all of my cars seem to have some dead spots there.

Don

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DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed

Try Radio Shack, they sell 3 socket-power outlets.