accessory power - solutions?

[davidnixon]

I am looking for ideas on accessory power - the cig socket is not cutting it for my radar detector, anyone switch this over to a "powerlet"?  With winter on the horizon I am also looking to add a harness for elec vest etc. - who has the hot set - up?

THX!

Dave

[ZG]

I am looking for ideas on accessory power - the cig socket is not cutting it for my radar detector, anyone switch this over to a "powerlet"?  With winter on the horizon I am also looking to add a harness for elec vest etc. - who has the hot set - up?

THX!

Dave

Just curious Dave, why is the oem plug not working for your radar detector?

[davidnixon]

Just curious Dave, why is the oem plug not working for your radar detector?

Socket will not stay in - i have the magnetic plate / clutch cover RAM mount and I think the vibrations are too much?  I have tried bending the metal prongs on the socket to no avail.

[Son of Pappy]

A wrap of tape around the plug will help, makes for a tighter fit.  I installed a set of BMW style outlets on the black panel below the outlet, ran power from the battery.  I also installed my Gerbings dual controller switches to this panel with the leads stored in the glove box, I used a rat tail files to make 2 half moon slots, one in the cover, one in the tray.  I also keep my Auto Com unit tucked away in the glove box.  Allows to me to neatly stow all wires when not in use and easy access when needed.

[ZG]

Socket will not stay in - i have the magnetic plate / clutch cover RAM mount and I think the vibrations are too much?  I have tried bending the metal prongs on the socket to no avail.

I had the same problem, here's a very cheap simple fix for ya to try. Put your plug in the socket, then wedge a toothpic in the gap between the plug and socket wall, use the side of a screw driver so that the toothpic doesn't dig into your thumb. Push it in there as far as you can and then break off what is still hanging out, then you can't even see it. I did this a year ago and my radar detector plug hasn't moved a bit since then and no lose of power.
 
Good luck! 

[lt1]

I have added 2 powerlets to my C14 - one on the left side of the dash, mirroring the cigar lighter outlet, and one on the right side under-seat panel, mirroring the seat release key location.

The dash install is a bit fussy, but was worth it when done.  In retrospect, installing on the black panel where the glove box resides on the newer models would have been easier.

[davidnixon]

Thanks all - issues resolved (if only everything were that easy)

[ZG]

Thanks all - issues resolved (if only everything were that easy)

Did you do the toothpic method??

[davidnixon]

Did you do the toothpic method??

indeed - simple and effective

[ZG]

indeed - simple and effective

Nice, I should buy a box of them toothpics and brand them as "ZG's accessory plug tighteners", $1 a piece... 
 
Glad it worked out brutha! 

[Pokey]

A strip of felt from velcro works wonders, when placed inside the socket.

[davidnixon]

Nice, I should buy a box of them toothpics and brand them as "ZG's accessory plug tighteners", $1 a piece... 
 
Glad it worked out brutha! 

ha ha - i thought the same thing!  thx ZG