eddieo45

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?

Kevwood

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.

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.

Kevwood

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...

bheng

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.

user 76208202

Can i have my iPod plug from the dash get extended to the switch somehow?

eddieo45

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.