UPDATE-hardwiring done: custom mount for my PDA/GPS phone

[DocRiSK]

Busy weekend for my Z4 coming up... had windows tinted today, full professional detail scheduled for saturday, and been working on this...

Purchased a Brodit holder for my PDA/GPS phone which has a fixed charger and is designed to be hardwired, however, they only make one mount to attach the holder to. Problem is the mount is located to far away and to low for my taste. Searched several local stores and online but couldn't find anything. Bimmian has mounts for almost everycar except for the Z4!!! :headbang: - so I decided to design my own mount.

The holder and the mount that proclip offers:





Decided that I wanted my mount closer to me. Removed the center air vent and radio and did a little exploring and came up with an idea. Here are some pics:

Started with 26 gauge sheet metal and shaped it into this:





Then covered it with black leather vinyl and attached the base of the holder:





Here it is attached to the vent, still needs to be hardwired:








Hardwiring completed: This was done using pre-existing factory openings to run the wires. No drilling or other damage was done to the car.

Special thanks to forum members who have posted various threads that helped a great deal as references with this project.

 

[Mattt]

Are those sharp edges ok?

 

[DocRiSK]

Are those sharp edges ok?

Just had to be a litttle cautious when installing it, but once it's on there no problem. It basically clips on to the back of the vent face and the little tab like portion fits into a grrove that keeps it from sliding sideways, so thats the only place that there is any contact . Also the covering has some padding which helps with the rest of it.

 

[Shipkiller]

Nice Doc,

To make the install look more professional, and to hide your cord, run the cord behind the dash and have it come out in the area between the steering wheel and dash. That way only about two or three inches are showing and not the whole thing.

It is easy to route if you pop the dash access plate off and then you can use your hand to route it up to the steering wheel.

I think this somewhat shows you what I mean.

 

[DocRiSK]

[/quote]

:scratchhead:
How did you mount your ipod holder there??? I looked high and low for a mount to place in that area, but couldn't find anything! Do you have a pic which shows the side or back of the holder where the mount is visible?

As for the hard wiring I am thinking of doing what you said about running it between the dash and steering wheel and towards the bottom I found a small opening which, will allow me to run it to the fuse box with out drilling any holes.

 

[Shipkiller]

I used the ProClip IPod mount attached to an old cell phone mount. I removed the actual cell phone cradle and just used hard mount and then I use double stickyback tape to hold it in place. I know some don't like that method, but if you use good quality tape, then it STAYS in place, and it is somewhat easy to remove it you need to..

Check out these threads:

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3584&p=50925&hilit=ipod+shipkiller#p50925

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3698&p=52353&hilit=ipod+shipkiller#p52353

 

[Rasalon]

Thanks for puting ther Pics back, I see you have covered up the vent, do you notice much difrence in airflow? does the heater interfear with the PDA function? I have my own version for a PDA mount but it is not as elegant as a flush mount. So I'm looking for something better.

 

[DocRiSK]

Thanks for puting ther Pics back

:scratchhead: never took it off, must have been a server problem.

I see you have covered up the vent, do you notice much difrence in airflow? does the heater interfear with the PDA function? I have my own version for a PDA mount but it is not as elegant as a flush mount. So I'm looking for something better.

I left enough room behind the mount so air can still flow, if need be. When running the AC I can leave it open, which would help keep the device cool. With the heater on I can close the one center vent directly behind the mount and leave the other open and directed away so very minimal loss of air flow. Both the center vents are supplied by the same single duct.

 

[Rasalon]

thanks, I'll give it some more thought, coould you post the dimentions of the bracket? and is there any rattling while you drive

 

[DocRiSK]

thanks, I'll give it some more thought, could you post the dimentions of the bracket? and is there any rattling while you drive

No rattling since it doesn't budge at all; even when I'm sliding the device in and out! I am really happy with the fit. I have to remove it before I take the car into the dealer for servicing on Monday, so I can measure it at that time, Just PM me so I don't forget.