It is easy - in the US, anyway - to buy such 12v / USB / USB-C / voltmeter converters that plug straight into the cigar(ette) lighter. They may possibly require a little restraint when disengaging a plug. In addition, for those who are interested in originality, the plug-in adapter doesn't require permanent modifications. All that said: The most important thing to note is how much we fellow XK8 owners appreciate all the effort that you put into producing your very helpful, high-quality videos! MANY THANKS!
RnJ, quite agree you can buy similar plug in versions. Simpler to fit but far less elegant, as cannot close the ash tray lid. I also had problems disconnecting them as you describe, pulling out the lighter socket unit. I also love originality but dislike smoking. At the end of the day it wasn't a really big thing either way. I always love tinkering and this was other opportunity, its was really that simple. Thank you very much for your comment feedback is always welcome. Thank you for your kind words, just happy the videos are useful and appreciated much, thanks Damian
Just done mine now Damian. I even managed to get the back nut to tighten right up by shaving the outer edge of it down so it passes the ashtray door mechanism. I would never have done this without your video, so thank you again.
Andrew, good idea to shave down the nut slightly. I think I will try that the next time the centre console is removed. Much appreciate your support, regards Damian
Hi Damian. I’m going to add a usb socket like yours on my car. Is the red wire now redundant and did you have to split the original wires apart. Steve 👍
Steven, The red wire is for the interior light inside the cigar lighter. It was redundant for my installation but could be used to add illumination to the remaining ash tray. Sorry cannot fully remember splitting the wires apart but I did have to remove some of the harness protection to allow access. Hope that helps and good luck with the upgrade, regards Damian
Carl, agreed there are simpler options but prefer the integrated socket. You can also close the lid whilst devices are connected. Can be hidden and therefore a more elegant solution. Could go on but really its all rubbish. The real reason is I just like messing with cars. Thanks for the comment, regards Damian
I went for the plug in option, but added a similar fixed unit like the one shown here but fitted it into the rear of the arm rest box, so 4 USB sockets available in total. The armrest ones are useful, I can drop my phone in to it and using a short USB cable it gets charged etc.
It is easy - in the US, anyway - to buy such 12v / USB / USB-C / voltmeter converters that plug straight into the cigar(ette) lighter. They may possibly require a little restraint when disengaging a plug. In addition, for those who are interested in originality, the plug-in adapter doesn't require permanent modifications. All that said: The most important thing to note is how much we fellow XK8 owners appreciate all the effort that you put into producing your very helpful, high-quality videos! MANY THANKS!
RnJ, quite agree you can buy similar plug in versions. Simpler to fit but far less elegant, as cannot close the ash tray lid. I also had problems disconnecting them as you describe, pulling out the lighter socket unit. I also love originality but dislike smoking. At the end of the day it wasn't a really big thing either way. I always love tinkering and this was other opportunity, its was really that simple. Thank you very much for your comment feedback is always welcome. Thank you for your kind words, just happy the videos are useful and appreciated much, thanks Damian
Just done mine now Damian. I even managed to get the back nut to tighten right up by shaving the outer edge of it down so it passes the ashtray door mechanism.
I would never have done this without your video, so thank you again.
Andrew, good idea to shave down the nut slightly. I think I will try that the next time the centre console is removed. Much appreciate your support, regards Damian
Hi Damian. I’m going to add a usb socket like yours on my car. Is the red wire now redundant and did you have to split the original wires apart. Steve 👍
Steven, The red wire is for the interior light inside the cigar lighter. It was redundant for my installation but could be used to add illumination to the remaining ash tray. Sorry cannot fully remember splitting the wires apart but I did have to remove some of the harness protection to allow access. Hope that helps and good luck with the upgrade, regards Damian
Very nice video. I have always wanted a charger in my center console.
Carl, agreed there are simpler options but prefer the integrated socket. You can also close the lid whilst devices are connected. Can be hidden and therefore a more elegant solution. Could go on but really its all rubbish. The real reason is I just like messing with cars. Thanks for the comment, regards Damian
I went for the plug in option, but added a similar fixed unit like the one shown here but fitted it into the rear of the arm rest box, so 4 USB sockets available in total. The armrest ones are useful, I can drop my phone in to it and using a short USB cable it gets charged etc.
Terry, good useful addition. Like the idea of keeping the wires and the phone out of sight. Thanks for your idea, regards Damian
Far better to use a tapered drill to enlarge the hole as the bit you show is only any good when starting with a small hole.
Phil, tapered drill is a probably a better idea. I don't have one so improvised and used the wood bit, regards Damian.