Added AC power to the dash

[alpinecowboy]

I got a little bored tonight and decided to see about adding an AC plug to my dash.

I had purchased an inverter a while ago but couldn't figure out where to put it. After staring at it I decided to take the faceplate off and I saw pretty quickly that the whole plug could be easily extended and mounted to any flat plastic surface.

After hunting on my dash a bit, I decided that the little removable panel under the radio would be the perfect spot so I went for it.

First things first, I took the old inverter faceplate off, disconnected the wires (using snips and a soldering iron) and cleaned them up.

 

[alpinecowboy]

Next, I had to cut out a place to mount the plug and switch in the designated panel.

To do this, I used the metal faceplate as a guide and my dremel tool to cut out the openings. It took a little careful work to get them just the right shape and size, but it was relatively easy.

Keep in mind, I've never used a Dremel tool before tonight so there was a bit of a learning curve...

 

[alpinecowboy]

Last, it was just a matter of rewiring everything (just five wires) and hooking her up. Now I can keep the inverter secured in the dash and out of the way and have an easy place to plug in my laptop.

All in all it was $35 for the inverter and 60 minutes of my time. The last picture looks a little crooked, but it's just the way I took the shot - everything is straight and level.

 

[NYC FJ62]

I'm so glad someone finally did this.

I've gotten tired of seeing an entire AC/DC converter stuffed into an opening in the dash.

Sometimes, Form > Functionality.

Good Work!

Best part is, you can put other "outlets" in the car and to run off the same converter. Not at the same time but you can have one in the cargo area or wherever you like and all you have to do is run the wires to the main box (the one you have) and buy the outlet.

It'll take me some time to dig up the site where you can pick up the outlets similar to the one you just re-located.

 

[Micah]

Great job!!! I am going to have to do this sometime when I get the money. I will save this thread. By any chance do you are could you get a picture of the inverter mounted inside the dash?

 

[alpinecowboy]

Thanks for the good words. You're right on with additional outlets. McMaster-Carr has them for about a buck a piece! I'll see if I can get a pic up of it mounted in the dash... it is kinda stuffed... Another option would be to mount it inside the glove box... I may end up doing that anyway.

 

[NLXTACY]

That looks damn familiar

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/239781-how-power-distribution-part-3-inverter-install.html



Good job!

 

[alpinecowboy]

Nicely done as well. I knew I couldn't be the first person to come up with this!! It's so easy - nice install on your part as well.

 

[TLC Norway]

smooth!

 

[shotgun12321]

Genius...i'm bookmarkin this for reference.

 

[NLXTACY]

Nicely done as well. I knew I couldn't be the first person to come up with this!! It's so easy - nice install on your part as well.

Its funny, when I first brought it home I was looking at it and thought, hmm...wonder if I remove this. Then I took it apart and saw how ridiculously easy it would be to extend the wires. I am pretty surprised more people haven't done it.

 

[imabigbangkindaguy]

This may sound like an elementary question (remember I am a rookie), but how did you wire the inverter to the cruisers existing wires? Electrical scares me, and have never really done it. But I enjoyed your double din install so much that I ordered the same deck and am willing to tackle that on my own. Seems like a good time to do the inverter as well!

Thanks,

Richard

 

[Max.Powerzz]

A definite mod for the "best mods under $50" thread.

 

[TexasAgFJ60]

just so I can find this later...

 

[NLXTACY]

This may sound like an elementary question (remember I am a rookie), but how did you wire the inverter to the cruisers existing wires? Electrical scares me, and have never really done it. But I enjoyed your double din install so much that I ordered the same deck and am willing to tackle that on my own. Seems like a good time to do the inverter as well!

Thanks,

Richard

The inverter is made with either battery clamps or a 12v outlet. All you are doing is extending those wires to go directly to the battery and possibly increasing the awg size depending on the distance/wattage. Then with the other wires in the inverter, all you are doing is extending them, thats it.

 

[SUUEEET]

Nice

After the radio install AND this you are my hero. I've been wanting to update different parts of the 62 with outlets. The weather radio put a big smile on the face as she LOVES the weather. Keep up the good work. Any idea if you're coming to the round up?

 

[kling-on]

Nice work I've been thinking of doin that with mine buy in the rear side panels for camping stuff

 

[mmw68]

How do you plan to mount the blender? You do know it's legal to make Margaritas in Texas while you drive!

 

[Gurr]

Is there a thread like this for a 60?

After the power outage today, I can see where this would come in handy...along with the middle of nowhere.

 

[Tofudebeest]

I love both, though that plate used in the first one is already used in mine. I didn't mind putting mine where the ashtray was, but these mods are WAY cleaner looking. I may paint my inverter from red to black, so it is not so damn obvious, and then do kind of an install later when I make a console.