Safe to Drill Plastic between Speedo and Tach on Nav MINI?

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Dec 24, 2003 | 12:35 PM
  #1  
Does anyone know if there are any wires in the plastic separator between the Speedo and the Tach? I was thinking of mounting something here.

Here'a Pic. Click to enlarge.

<A HREF="http://www.littlemini.us/gallery/members/LinRichard1/speedotach_quest.jpg" TARGET="_blank">
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Octane Guy
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Dec 24, 2003 | 12:40 PM
  #2  
I think it should be safe but it might be a good idea to go to your MINI parts dept and request the part so you can examine it.

If they have one in stock you can ask to see it and then it will be apparent if there are any internal problems with drilling as you propose. Good luck.

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Dec 24, 2003 | 12:40 PM
  #3  
I would not do any drilling without first removing the tach/speedo assembly and disassembling it. There is a printed circuit board that runs the entire width of the unit, but there is a small amound of clearance on either side of it. Removal is easy, there are two torx screws behind it, lower the tilt column and remove these, there is one small connector, remove that. Several screws hold the assembly together.

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Let's Get Small!
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Dec 24, 2003 | 12:50 PM
  #4  
Certainly I would go down to your MINI Dealer and have the parts department pull that assembly up on ETKA to get an idea of all the parts involved.

What are you thinking of mounting?
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Dec 24, 2003 | 03:08 PM
  #5  
Thanks everyone!

Dave-

I'm thinking of mounting my telephone/web browser here. I'll post a pic in about an hour. I have a TMobile Color Sidekick and this would be a great place. At a stoplight I can send an email. Or answer my phone with my headset. Puts it in view. It's got a backlit screen so during the evening it's only lit when it's being used, otherwise it's dark so it won't be distracting.

It'll be removable so I can put the phone here when I enter the car, and removing it when I leave via quick release.


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Dec 24, 2003 | 03:09 PM
  #6  
Thanks Greatbear. Hmmm, maybe double sticky tape is safer. LMAO.

Richard

&gt;&gt;I would not do any drilling without first removing the tach/speedo assembly and disassembling it. There is a printed circuit board that runs the entire width of the unit, but there is a small amound of clearance on either side of it. Removal is
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Dec 25, 2003 | 12:40 AM
  #7  
Ok this is how I wanted to put my cellphone/palm computer
<A HREF="http://www.littlemini.us/gallery/members/LinRichard1/DSCN9318.jpg" TARGET="_blank">
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<A HREF="http://www.littlemini.us/gallery/members/LinRichard1/DSCN9316.jpg" TARGET="_blank">
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Octane Guy
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Dec 25, 2003 | 03:37 PM
  #8  
Looks like you need a HUD (heads up display).
At some point the addition of other things will block your forward vision. I wonder if another option would be to create some sort of mounting adapter holder for the dash and attach the holder with double stick tape then slide in your computer.Or how about on the center of the steering wheel?
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Dec 25, 2003 | 11:51 PM
  #9  
The funny thing is I currently can't see either my Tach or Speedo since the steering wheel blocks it. Putting my Sidekick in the middle is visible, but not obtrusive. I've driven with it there (temporary) and it's very convenient, and not in my vision at all. Since the screen is folded, it's very compact. The screen swivels out when I want to use it, and then swivels back in place.

Center of steering wheel? Don't we have an airbag there?

Don't think I'd like to be hit in the face with this baby.

The reason for putting it in this location, rather than the dash is primarily the way this computer/phone is used. It takes up a lot of room, more so than a typical phone. Anyways, thanks for your thoughts. If I come up with something, I'll post it here.

Richard
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Dec 26, 2003 | 12:42 AM
  #10  
That sounds like it should turn out nice...

I'm anxious to see the finished product Richard, be sure and keep us updated!
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Dec 31, 2003 | 10:27 PM
  #11  
Thanks Kilo-

I certainly will. I've got some time to work on this in the next few days!

Talk to you soon!

&gt;&gt;That sounds like it should turn out nice...
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;I'm anxious to see the finished product Richard, be sure and keep us updated!

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