I don't smoke so I don't need the ashtrays. Since there are no real good storage cubbys for my cell phone in the car I thought I would try my hand at a little modification. I thought about cutting out the plastic framework that supports the swivel ashtray lids but I didn't want to hack up the plastic inner console workings so I came up with this. I used .040 aluminum which cuts really easy with handheld metal shears and came up with a support that works inside the existing framework. It took multiple bends to fit the space available and add some depth (below the level of the ashtrays) which is restricted by the framework below The door doesn't close when the phone is placed inside but I kinda like the look with the phone accessible. And otherwise I would always forget and leave it behind. I used some packaging wrap material for soft padding, thin double sided tape and some black felt material we had laying around. I drilled a couple of holes in the aluminum to match the existing mounting holes and reinstalled the shifter console.
Works for my phone but smart phones are longer and would not fit without cutting away the plastic door support framework and eliminating the swivel door which would add the necessary length available. That would probably be a nice look if done by one of the talented craftsmen here on the site.
------------------ My rides... 1988 GT with a 3.4L V6 automatic 2006 Harley Sportster 'cause I love the twisties on two wheels or four.
I've mentioned this to a friend of mine that is into prototyping & molding. My idea was to disassemble cheap iPod/iPhone docking stations (to use their serial chip for charging) & manually wire the audio to audio, the doc connector to power, & possibly some sort of interface.
It never got off the paper & pencil stage
I bought some doc connectors, but never got around to doing anything like this
I'm in the process of making a new shift plate without the ashtray doors and the power window/mirror switches incorporated into the top plate therefore no need for the use of the lower plate at all.
My personal cell phone fits in the ashtray area with the ashtray removed w/o any other mods (older phone that is thicker).
My work phone (Atrix HD) is almost a perfect fit in the PW/PM recessed panel (I don't have PW or PM), but that isn't doesn't work if you have those options.
I've mentioned this to a friend of mine that is into prototyping & molding. My idea was to disassemble cheap iPod/iPhone docking stations (to use their serial chip for charging) & manually wire the audio to audio, the doc connector to power, & possibly some sort of interface.
It never got off the paper & pencil stage
I bought some doc connectors, but never got around to doing anything like this
I have often thought about doing this very same thing. It's the perfect location for a phone charger/docking station. Right now, I just place my phone in one ashtray slot, and my wallet in the other.
I just cut out a small piece of that nonskid material and set it on the ledge in front of the shifter (where your piece of paper is). The phone just lays on it and Ive never had it slide off. I use the same stuff in all my cars just setting on the dash. It wont stick if you use any of the vinyl dressings like Armor All.
Wasnt meant to. I just always go with simplest of anything because it generally works.... I use ashtrays for car wash change.
My phone is the only one Ive had that rings loud enough to hear with windows or top down. Most newer phones its easier to see the screen light up on an incoming call than to hear it. Sitting face up, you can SEE it ring. Verizon has been trying to get me to get a new free phone for 5-6 years. Ive told them Ill get a new one when you have one that rings louder than mine.
[This message has been edited by rogergarrison (edited 04-30-2014).]
