On the description of the "Euroshelf" parcel tray on Outmotoring's web page:

http://www.outmotoring.com/euro_parcel_tray.html


It says "Please note that the hole that is built in to the left side of the tray which is supposed to fit the factory driving lights does not fit the actual switch supplied with the driving light option (the switch needs a little bit of shim material to make snug fit)"

I'm not sure what they mean by the switch "needing a little bit of shim material" - that sounds a little suspicious. Has anyone here done this? How does it look after you've shimmed the switch the required amount?

Thanks,
Scott

 

Scott, my best guess is that the rectangular hole on the right side of the euro shelf if a bit large. By shimming I think he means the switch is slightly smaller than the hole. Why not give Aaron @ OutMotoring a call. I'm sure he can answer your question better than I can.

 

Thanks - I'll do that if I can't get any other responses. I'd just like to hear from someone that isn't trying to sell me one.

Scott

 

Scott,

When I installed the shelf in my wife's car, which already had the OEM DL's and the switch installed in the knee bolster, I modded the blanking plate to accept the OEM switch.

It took a little bit of time but with a sharp utility knife and a steady hand, you can cut an opening so that the switch fits perfectly and no cheesy shimming needed.

I'll post some pictures up tomorrow when I get home, if you'd like.

 

Well I don't know about Scott, but I sure would like to see some pictures... I have no clue what the heck anyone is talking about here. Maybe some pictures would clear this up for me

 

The easiest way to see what's going on would be to click on the link from my first post. From there, click on the "how-we-did-it" link.

Now, look at the last picture (of the finished installation). The blanking plate in the picture is below and to the left of the A/C vent. Evidently, the hole covered by that blanking plate is too large to accept the driving lamp switch.

But from Smokey's post, it appears that the blanking plate is large enough to simply leave it in place, and just drill/cut a hole in the blanking plate so that it will be a snug fit for the switch.

From OutMotoring's description, it sounds like they're suggesting shimming the switch instead, to make it large enough to be a snug fit in the opening, *after* removing and discarding the blanking plate.

I like Smokey's idea better - that's pretty much convinced me to get one of the parcel trays.

Scott

 

Which was my goal............ I get a kickback

Man, if that's all it took for you to get the shelf, don't go anywhere near the Pulley threads

Yup, blanking plate goes in hole and switch goes in new hole cut in blanking plate. I used the switch template from the OEM instructions - pay attention to orientation - and positioned it, traced it, drilled the corners and by making multiple passes with the razor knife was able to get a snug fit. Actually the switch has flexible tabs that will catch the edges of the plate.

It's a great addition to the car and lends itself to many things: aux jack location, extra 12 volt outlet etc

 

I'll do it, Thanks

 

Funny you should mention that - I have a pulley already, waiting for me to install it in my wife's car as soon as my MINI arrives (I haven't installed it yet because I'm using her car for autocross events until mine arrives, and I want to stay in G-stock class). Actually, it's the fact that I want to stay in G-Stock that's keeping me from getting really silly with the upgrades for my soon-to-arrive car. As it is, I have two dozen non-performance-oriented parts in the garage waiting to be installed when it arrives.

I really liked the idea of the parcel tray, it was just the thought of having to do an ugly kludge to get the light switch to work that was keeping me from pulling the trigger.

Thanks again, Smokey.

Scott

 

No problem Scott and I'll have those photos in the AM

 

Aaron over at outmotoring is a real nice and honest guy.

he will give you straight answers. if the sw is a tad small,
just wrap it with some e-tape from behind and make it fit.
alittle customization is no brainer and no biggie if you want
to start modding cars.

i would either make a new hole or just shim it as explained.

 

Well I'm a few minutes late but here they are, I think they are rather self explanatory but if you have any question feel free.

The photos of the 2 blanking plates side-by-side are of mine from the 02 without a switch and the 05 with the OEM switch. Remember to pay attention to the orientation of the blanking plate. It will only fit correctly one way.

Additionally, the OEM switch has a raised rib on the top edge, but instead of cutting a slot for it in the blanking plate; I opted to just trim that rib off.















Personally, I think it looks better then a few wraps of tape and was worth the time to do it

Good Luck Scott

 

The hole in the parcel shelf is for the manual adjuster for euro HID lights, thats why the driving light switch doesnt fit. The euro switch is larger.

The call it a euro parcel shelf for a reason.

 

Thanks for the great pictures, Smokey!

Scott

 

I have the parcel shelf and the factory driving lights. I bent out the metal spring clip things a bit and they've happily held the light arming button in place for about 2 years with no problems.