This isn't quite as epic as a slide out computer, or having an in-dash car-puter in general, but it was more a 'quality-of-life' mod for me.

I don't smoke, and figured there was nothing I was ever going to use the ashtray for anyways, so when my ZT-3 wideband came in the other day I decided I wanted a convenient way to hook it up along with my Tactrix cable without having cables stuffed in the glovebox or dangling around under the seat.

Here it what I used from my local CompUSA (A useless bunch of employees, but not a lot of other choices for me local since I wanted to finish it up that day):
A female USB extension: (http://www.compusa.com/applications/...4989&CatId=444)
USB A-Male to A-Male cable: (http://www.compusa.com/applications/...08101&CatId=77) I had one laying around...
Cheap un-powered USB hub: (http://www.compusa.com/applications/...5152&CatId=392)
Female A to Mini Adapter: (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812576002) I had one laying around..
Serial > USB Adapter: For the ZT-3 (http://www.compusa.com/applications/...3829&CatId=464)

I used a cordless Dremel with a drill and routing bit to cut the hole out in the ashtray along with 2 part epoxy to affix the female connector end underneath.

I removed the small lightbulb in the console, and cut out a small hole right in that area to route the cord through.

I didnt do a great job, as I eyeballed most of the cuts and holes, but the end result looks pretty decent I thought. I do need to grab a black paint pen and clean up the edges where you can see the white-ish glue residue still.

One note a friend of mine pointed out - If you want to have a setup that will work with most USB cables you can buy at walmart/Best Buy, you might want to use a female B type connector instead of a female A type connector. You cant apparently buy an A to A male cable commonly now.

 

looks good man. what made you come with with the usb idea?

 

great idea, clean looking

 

What kind of shift knob is that and does it come in a 6 speed version?

 

I just hate the clutter. I have a Moates Ostrich USB cable and an ALDL USB cable in my Syclone. My wife drives the truck as her daily and made an offhand snarky comment about having yet another car with cables and wires under the seat and in the glovebox, so I decided to shut her up. =)

 

I have no idea. It was on the car when I bought it and the emblem in the center is missing. I had changed it out when I first bought the car, but put it back on because it has a really nice feel to it.

 

Great idea...