USB Cubby Box mod

Technical Area Electrics & ICE
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I’m new to MX5’s but the little tunnel storage box / cubby hole was just crying out to have a USB port put in it. 

Any who, I took the basic surface mount USB socket I had installed in the dash of my old Polo and put it in the cubby hole, It was relatively easy with sharp bit in the dremmel!

I forgot to get any pictures of the underside of the centre console but here is a brief description.

The indent for the cup holder is sort of lop sided, on one side there is enough room to pop a surface mount USB.

Has anyone else done anything similar  ? 

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I can’t get any context from that photo, can you post one from further away. I can make out the 2 mounting holes with the bronze paint showing though but can’t work out what the surrounding plastic is…

I realise it’s in the centre armrest storage compartment…

I think I’ve got it now, the boot release/ fuel flap release is just off camera at the bottom of the photo, yes?

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I did this to mine, although it’s a bought unit to replace the standard cup holder centre cubby.

Can connect the link box (plugged in to the rear of the head unit) to a USB stick or 3.5 audio jack. There is a spare 12v socket in there also, to the front of the cubby.

 

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Mick,

I am going to do the same as you, I have a replacement for the standard cup holder and a link box

that plugs into the rear of the head unit,

What I would like to know is did you have to remove the head unit or can you remove the glove box

to get round the back and plug it in that way.

 

thanks

Ned  

6

 

The head unit had to come out on mine.

I know there is a way to get at it from the glove box opening but I think it’s very fiddly and the aeriel jack plug is in the way.

There is an excellent youtube vid of the NC radio removal, if you don’t know how it’s very useful.

I had the whole centre console out to feed wiring through etc, just remember to cover the bare gear selector shaft (knob removed) with a cloth/towel so as not to damage the radio facia when withdrawing.

1 Like
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I’ve not had chance to get a better picture of this since I did it.

Yeah you are right its the centre cubby box bit but it will all become more clear when I get a better photo tomorrow. 

I have noticed mx5parts sell a pre made USB socket that fits in one of the blanking plates, looks pretty cool - http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/plug-holder-mk1-25-p-1687.html


The idea of having an extra 12v socket in the box would be useful, where did you get your aftermarket cubby box thing ?

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This is the one that I have …

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/centre-console-storage-tray-power-outlet-mazda-mk3-p-1538.html

 for my MK3 but not sure which MK you have 

Cheers

Ned

 

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Ned …yeah that’s the one I have, bought off a forum member.

I am guessing going on the OPs picture he has a Mk2, not sure about anything available for that similar to the Mk3 cubby option.

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Also this from MX5parts, which I fitted inside glove box.

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/plug-holder-mk1-25-p-1687.html

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Got a better picture today 



And a close up 





Its not the cleanest recess close up but It wont be on show constantly and it gets the job done.

It comes directly from my aftermarket radio USB so theres no power wiring required.

Yeah its a Mk2 or I probably would have just bought an updated cubby box off mx5parts.

A cigarette lighter socket would be good but the only place with enough clearance to fit it would be in the curved area near the cup holder.Â