USB and Auxiliary Power Connections

[twas_brillig]

There's a thread entitled 'USB' over on the Spridget side that would be worth reading for anyone who wants to add a 12 volt plug-in of some sort.
I won't attempt to summarize the discussion there, but will add that the approach we took years ago was to remove the passenger side grab handle and wooden backing piece behind the dash, replaced the wood with a larger piece, and mounted a cigarette lighter connection onto the wood. We use it when driving to power a GPS unit, and will swap out plug-ins/adaptors as required to charge phones etc. It's completely hidden and out of the way - also a bit awkward. Doing it today, I'd probably take the same approach but probably add a second purpose built USB connector only and maybe try for a more solidly built 'power take-off' (I think that's the modern phrase). Can't remember if I put a fuse in (just in case), but hope that I did. Doug

 

[gonzo]

Good idea. I use the Cig "Lighter" and plug adaptor(s) powered now from on a axillary fuse block. 12V power, USB, USBc, etc., etc. functions.

 

[tahoe healey]

I put a cig lighter under the glove box of my BJ8 to plug my GPS and it has a port for the USB to charge my cell phone. Very cheap and very easy to wire.

 

[Healey Nut]

Easy add , voltmeter with dual USB outlets , Amazon .

 

[Jkirchner]

Good idea. I use the Cig "Lighter" and plug adaptor(s) powered now from on a axillary fuse block. 12V power, USB, USBc, etc., etc. functions.

I made a panel to hide the stereo wires on the passenger side of the console and installed a lighter socket and a usb port that plugs into my stereo.

 

[Editor_Reid]

Very clean install!

 

[Warren]

I made a panel to hide the stereo wires on the passenger side of the console and installed a lighter socket and a usb port that plugs into my stereo.View attachment 95352

Very nice!
I did similar................Retro Radio w\ USB MP3/WMA Playback & 12v cig lighter\power supply