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thinking about installing a USB jack in my upper switch row...thoughts?

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Old Nov 23, 2011 | 04:54 PM
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thinking about installing a USB jack in my upper switch row...thoughts?

There was a guy on the W203 forum that did a thread about custom switches for the upper switch row HERE. It was really inspiring but well beyond my abilities or level of interest. I did however mount a ball on one of the dummy switches for my Garmin:


Now, since I'm about to replace my thermatic HVAC control unit with a thermatronic, as well as replace my HU, I'm thinking about also putting a mini-USB jack in the dummy switch below to power the Garmin, assuming I can find one small enough, something like this:


I've got 12V power to USB already buried under the shift surround (I had put it there when I installed my Aux-in/iPod adapter) so it's as simple as running a cord and drilling/cutting the dummy switch. Am I crazy?
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Old Nov 24, 2011 | 08:53 AM
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I think is a good idea if you can keep the cutout very precise and clean. Question though, would it not be better to have the USB port on the other side? With the Garmin mounted you will have limited space to plug in a USB stick behind it and access will be a PITA.
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Old Nov 24, 2011 | 09:20 AM
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It's the Garmin I want to plug in, and I have a 12" cord that'll fit. I may even be able to find a shorter one.
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Old Nov 24, 2011 | 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by eddieo45
It's the Garmin I want to plug in, and I have a 12" cord that'll fit. I may even be able to find a shorter one.
Ah, sorry, I thought you wanted to add a USB for an aftermarket audio set up. Guess I should read a little better before posting, too much sand in my ears I guess...
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Old Nov 24, 2011 | 10:51 AM
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i say go for it if you use it that often.

mods will only seem ridiculous if you have no use for them. since your gonna use it often, more power to you.
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Old Nov 28, 2011 | 02:25 AM
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Can i have my iPod plug from the dash get extended to the switch somehow?
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Old Nov 28, 2011 | 08:04 AM
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Originally Posted by Amiricanmade
Can i have my iPod plug from the dash get extended to the switch somehow?
I assume you mean your aux input from your glovebox? Whether you have a real 13-pin iPod adapter or a standard mini-plug aux input, yes, you can reroute it out of the glovebox, but I don't think you want it in the switch row, as you'd then have the wire hanging in front of your radio. I have my iPod adapter in the ashtray.
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