Guide: S15 Eclipse Mint Installation (Center Console)

[pmod 261]

This is possibly one of the stranger DIYs you could do, but it has potential.

 

In NSW (Australia), there is a brand of breath mints called 'Eclipse', which come in a metal case. I assume these are sold elsewhere in the country, and perhaps other countries too.

The case comes in silver, cobalt blue, dark blue and green.

 

 

 

 

It just so happens that the case is a similar size to the often unused switch hole in the S15 center console. With a little modification, it can be snugly inserted into the existing hole in the console. Painted the same colour as the console trim, I'm sure it wouldn't look much out of place.

My console came from an ADM 200sx.

 

Difficulty = 1

Where 10 is rebuilding an engine, and 0 is picking your nose.

 

Time Required = 15 minutes

Take your time, as you won't get a second-shot to correct mistakes. If painting and following the optional steps, it will take a little longer.

 

Tools Required

A small file and/or a razor knife. I only had a pocket knife at hand, which shows just how basic this mod is.

Take care not to cut your hand if applying force with a knife.

 

Usage

The obvious use for the case is to store breath mints. Alternatives include:

• Coins, fuses, candy, sultanas
  
• Drill some small holes in the top and hold air freshener material
  
• Remove the lid and hold cigarettes, tissues, receipts, etc
  
• If you had a really long straw, you could rig up a hands-free cocaine snorting system (drugs are bad mmkay)
  

Process

Step 1. Remove the alignment tab with a knife or file.

 

 

Step 2. File the front and rear edges of the hole until they're almost gone. The sides facing the doors need not be touched.

Test-fit the box as you work, to ensure a snug fit.

 

 

Step 3. Test fit the mint box and insert it as far as needed. If you take your time, you can make it a loose or rock-solid fit.

 

 

Optional Step 4:

If you desire a loose fit for ease of removal, then file the hole a little larger and mark the carpet below with a pen. Remove the center console.

Glue some velcro (wire-loop side only) to the under side of a small block of wood, then position it on the carpet where marked. Glue some foam rubber in place to adjust the height of the bump-stop to suit, and to make some walls to hold the case in place. If I choose to do this, I'll add some pics.

Edited March 20, 2012 by pmod

[loki323 0]

Lol!

[pmod 261]

I wonder if it's possible to mount the original switch to the lid of the eclipse, so you have a hidden compartment for.... Mints yeah mints

 

Sure, there are a bunch of ways to do that. Would make this mod seem less dodgy though .

If I remember to look for a switch next time I'm a Pickies, I'll post something up.

[Melbournejoe 0]

LOL! Jdm or adm? I don't seem to have that hole... Now where am I going to put my mints...?

[pmod 261]

LOL! Jdm or adm? I don't seem to have that hole... Now where am I going to put my mints...?

 

Damn, that's no good at all. My dash came from an ADM S15.

[Suspop 0]

That's not bad actually. I never use this for coins, so it's pretty useful. I was thinking of integrating my headunits remote (well rewiring on a new panel) and putting it in the ash try area.

 

But yeah, mad shit. Would like to see more ideas of what it could be used for

[pmod 261]

That's not bad actually. I never use this for coins, so it's pretty useful. I was thinking of integrating my headunits remote (well rewiring on a new panel) and putting it in the ash try area.

 

But yeah, mad shit. Would like to see more ideas of what it could be used for

 

Other ideas I came up with that will probably never see the light of day:

• CarPC scroll wheel: The stock S15/maxima/Pulsar/whatever illiumination dimmer fits this area. If you remote-wire the scroll wheel section of a mouse PCB, it can be made to fit in a gutted dimmer. You can run multiple USB mice.
  
• Alarm LED: Insert a piece of perspex and mount the flashing LED of an alarm behind it. This could be done to the same holes near the driver's door, for a cleaner look.
  
• Bass Control: Fit a plate and mount the potentiometer for remote bass control. Some amps on the market come with a wired bolx to control bass gain.
  

Edited February 20, 2012 by pmod