ledzilla
10-25-2008, 07:12 PM
I just finished installing some extra sockets under the dash. With plans to put a radar detector and GPS in my car, it seemed like a good idea. I already picked upa GPS (Navigon 5100). I popped into the local Autozone and bought two extra sockets. I ended up taping them together with electrical tape. I also used quite a few spade connectors, but the connection ends are insulated, so I could leave them untaped. I still taped over the end where the wire is inserted to help ensure it stayed together. And I know some of you frown on connectors, but I've never used shrink wrapping and I totally suck with a soldering iron. The "assembly" was secured behind the console panel using zip ties, since I just can't get my hands in there well enough to use anything more sophisticated. Anyway, I got it all put together and then the sockets wouldn't work. Turns out at some point in time I shorted the wires for the lighter socket and didn't know it. A quick trip back to the parts store and I had replacement fuses. Once I had a new fuse in, I plugged in the charger for the GPS and ran the wire under the dash and up the side. I tucked it under the weather stripping to keep it hidden, and you can barely see the wire at the top of the dash. It's more apparent when it's pulled back out to attach to the unit.
All in all, it turned out exactly as I hoped it would. I can keep my GPS wired to a socket and keep the wires out of sight. It'll be a little trickier when I finally get a radar detector since I plan to mount it near the center, and it'll be harder to hide the wire. I'd post pictures, but there's nothing really to see (which is the point! :D). Besides, the wiring I did, while functional and safe, isn't very pretty, and not worth looking at.
All in all, it turned out exactly as I hoped it would. I can keep my GPS wired to a socket and keep the wires out of sight. It'll be a little trickier when I finally get a radar detector since I plan to mount it near the center, and it'll be harder to hide the wire. I'd post pictures, but there's nothing really to see (which is the point! :D). Besides, the wiring I did, while functional and safe, isn't very pretty, and not worth looking at.