GPS Charger

P

peterevans

Member
Hey Everyone

Quick question...
Due to the placement of the charger/lighter plug on the A2 being behind the Handbrake...my GPS charger cable is a bit short. So I end up with the cable stretching from the lighter plug to the middle of the windscreen (place where the GPS is setup).
So the cable smack in the middle of the gear knob, quite dangerous and awkward when changing gears.

I've been to halfords, but could really find any solution at first glance.

I am sure some of you had similar problems...
If you could please share your experiences and how you solved it, it would be appreciated greatly.

P
 
Hi Peter,

I know this will sound a touch "Blue Peter", but I have velcro fastened a small clear plastic hook to the top right hand side of the ledge which encompasses the gear lever and meets with the dash. I then latch the cable onto this hook and this holds the cable in place and away from the gear lever and out of mischief.

Because the hook is small and clear plastic, I leave it in situ all of the time; it is barely noticeable in truth. The velcro fastening allows for removal if it is required though.

Happy to provide a photo tomorrow if this is of interest.

Darren
 
You have been to Skipton Autos previously, so be aware that Mike can fit a 12V connector on the panel below your Headlight switch that takes care of the inconvenience that you are currently experiencing.
I have seen the adaptation on Pamanal21's car.... it's very neat and professional. PM the Skip about this Jose.

Cheers, M :)
 
Hey Darren

Thanks for the zippy response...sounds good.
If you could provide a photo, that would be great. ;)

Thanks

P
 
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Why not try a cigarette lighter extender, they even come with multiple sockets, I have one in my Mercedes which has four output sockets on it, you can run your gps, charge the iPod, charge the phone etc all from one extension, quite safely.

As a matter of interest, what type of connector does your gps unit use?


;)
SARGE
 
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Peter,

In between repairing the garden gate and other sundry chores, I managed to take a few pictures today as promised.

2009_05100023.jpg


2009_05100024.jpg


2009_05100029.jpg


2009_05100028.jpg


Hope this is of use/interest.

Darren
 
Nice clean A2 Darren. :D
Where did you pick up the TT pedals and are they easy to fit.?I quite fancy those for Ada now I see them on a car. Looks good.

PS - Peterevans name is Jose! Interesting story if you ask him ;)
 
murdo said:
Nice clean A2 Darren. :D
Where did you pick up the TT pedals and are they easy to fit.?I quite fancy those for Ada now I see them on a car. Looks good.

PS - Peterevans name is Jose! Interesting story if you ask him ;)
Click to expand...

Thanks Murdo - I am a pedantic OCD cleaner; cars especially though that is me full stop; always have been and probably too old to change now.

As for the pedals, yes I purchased a set from ebay, though they may not necessarily be too pricey from a main dealer. Around £30 - £40 for a full set.

The brake and clutch pedals are straight forward: remove the existing rubber ones and replace with the TT pedal covers. The accelerator, however, is too wide and simply slides off. Some people have used "no-more nails" to adhere the pedal cover; I have used really good velcro fasteners - which has the added bonus of being able to return to stock with ease, should the need arise.
Velcro may sound a touch dicey for foot pedals, but the grip is excellent and it is impossible to slide the pedal off; either by hand or foot. Removal would necessitate a "pulling" action. It is still firmly held after 8 months in situ.

I much prefer the look personally; it's all about the detail as you will know yourself - fogs, need I say more...;)

Cheers,

Darren
 
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Darren C said:
I much prefer the look personally; it's all about the detail as you will know yourself - fogs, need I say more...;)
Click to expand...

LOL! Aye you are quite right :D
I am looking at a couple of sets on eBay. I'm sure I have seen these before on Tank, but Mikes car has so many toys the mind boggles!
I'll probably stick the accelarator on with sicoflex. I'm quite happy that once bought, they'll be there to stay.

Anyway, we disgress.... back on track...GPS cables! Reading Jose's post I think his problem was a short power cable interfering with the gear change. Its all personal preference I suppose, however I mount our sat nav on the little side window. So if Jose could work with that option, I still reckon a 12V connector on the dash panel below the light switch is a great idea. Ive seen it on Alan's car (Pamanal21) Jose, why not PM Alan and see what he thinks?
 
Hi Darren

Thanks so so much for the photos, looks very neat in did, unfortunately my cable is not as long as yours, need to find a replacement. But that is an awesome idea.

I really like the pedals too...and also the wheel seems to have a different leather on it...how did you manage that?

And yes in did, the real name is Jose...why peterevans.... to cut a long story short, it's just a child's name that my cousin gave me. ;)

@Murdo: That's totally right, my cable is a bit too short...I'll ask Alan and Skip, about the modification, it doesn't sound to expensive...but then again it might be. ;)

I'll keep you updated.

And by the way, talking about details, now that I have my A2, in great working condition thanks to Skipton, it's time for those details...
I am really excited about all the great little touches people are doing, either suspension, or that sweet cruise control...all great touches
 
peterevans said:
I really like the pedals too...and also the wheel seems to have a different leather on it...how did you manage that?

I'll ask Alan and Skip, about the modification, it doesn't sound to expensive...but then again it might be. ;)
Click to expand...

I'm not that expensive Jose - well, not compared to the dealership networks!

As to the wheel, it is an S-line wheel, in perforated leather.

The irony is that Darren got the wheel from Skipton Autos a few years back, and that was expensive, as he had to buy the airbag to go with it! If I remember rightly Darren, you were about to set up a monthly direct debit to me!!:D

Cheers,

Mike
 
Sarge786 said:
Why not try a cigarette lighter extender, they even come with multiple sockets, I have one in my Mercedes which has four output sockets on it, you can run your gps, charge the iPod, charge the phone etc all from one extension, quite safely.
Click to expand...

Youre right Sarge, the The '4 in 1's' are handy things - I have used one for a long while as I need it for all the bells and whistles at work.
It always just sat in the centre console before and it bugged my low level OCD nature because it looked cluttered :eek:
On the A3, I have used a double sided sticky pad to fix it underneath the centre armrest. Looks really neat and folds down inside the centre cubby when nothing is attached - I will post some pics when Fi gets back with the camera! :D
 
peterevans said:
Hi Darren

Thanks so so much for the photos, looks very neat in did, unfortunately my cable is not as long as yours, need to find a replacement. But that is an awesome idea.

I really like the pedals too...and also the wheel seems to have a different leather on it...how did you manage that?

And yes in did, the real name is Jose...why peterevans.... to cut a long story short, it's just a child's name that my cousin gave me. ;)

@Murdo: That's totally right, my cable is a bit too short...I'll ask Alan and Skip, about the modification, it doesn't sound to expensive...but then again it might be. ;)

I'll keep you updated.

And by the way, talking about details, now that I have my A2, in great working condition thanks to Skipton, it's time for those details...
I am really excited about all the great little touches people are doing, either suspension, or that sweet cruise control...all great touches
Click to expand...

You're welcome Jose. It sounds as though a multiple socket extension may well be the way forward for you. Although I understood that your cable was short; I had thought that if there was sufficient play my solution might have helped. It might still be something that you wish to adopt with any new cabling/extensions that you opt for.

Re: the wheel; I think Mike has replied suitably on my behalf.

Good luck in finding a solution to your issue - whatever the avenue you choose to pursue.

Darren

Skipton01 said:
The irony is that Darren got the wheel from Skipton Autos a few years back, and that was expensive, as he had to buy the airbag to go with it! If I remember rightly Darren, you were about to set up a monthly direct debit to me!!:D

Cheers,

Mike
Click to expand...

Indeed Mike, I think that I was your best customer at one point. If fatherhood wasn't upon me again and the cash flow was a touch better - I would have regular appointments scheduled for fettling at Skipton Auto's penned in the diary throughout the year.

Hope Ang and yourself are keeping well?! I think that we are in need of a summer social to catch up with one and all.

Regards,

Darren
 
Yes after browsing a bit I think I'll go for the extension...cheapest way to go..

I saw this one at halfords seems pretty good, but maybe too flashy:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_236393_langId_-1_categoryId_165489

And this one, which is probably too long:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_384305_langId_-1_categoryId_165489

If you guys have any other recommendations, it would be great.

@Sarge: Thanks a million for the tip. I am not sure which type of connector the GPS has, I'll check tonight, and let you know. ;)

Thanks for all the help everyone...

Jose
 
I removed the trim around the driver's door and around the handbrake.

Took a tap off the supply to the lighter and ran the cable (just a 12v accessory socket) under the seat and into the trim.
This has the advantage that should I change to a sat nav with a different connector it's just a matter of popping off the trim and plugging the new cable in.
Very little cable is on display and can be easily tucked down and out of sight.

Cheers

glock17
 
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