I am in the process of custom mounting my Garmin GPS unit into the cubby in my 05 Coupe and I need to run my power wire through a hole from the cubby and into the arm rest power plug. Is it necessary to remove the whole thing, or can I unbutton a few panels and snake my wire down and out the side? I'm really trying to avoid taking the radio and everything out so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, does anyone a guide or pdf file that shows how to remove or get access to the cubby?

Thanks and any help is much appreciated.

 

Are you talking about the upper "cubby" where the pop up navigation is installed? If yes, I am interested in doing the same thing you are. I don't have any answers for you but I am anxious to get them.

 

In short, yes. And it is a pretty lengthy removal too. Search Ipod integration on google and here and you'll find the removal guide for the stock stereo/cubby thingy

I def. want to see your install once it's done. keep us posted!!

 

Thanks guys, I'll do some searching on google and see what I can find. I really don't mind pulling everything apart if that is what is takes, I just want to do it right.

My plan is to make it look like a factory integrated part, but maintain the ability to take it out and use it one of my other cars. I've already made my measurements, so it shouldn't take long to do once I get the cubby out. I'll keep everyone posted and take lots of pictures.

Thanks

 

Which Garmin unit are you going to install? I am considering the Nuvi 260W.

 

I've had the center stack apart several times.
It'd be next to impossible to fish down w/o taking things apart.
It's really congested.

 

That's the exact unit I am using. I love the 260W and getting the 2009 Maps for free from Garmin made it a little sweeter. It fits nicely in the cubby and blends in with the silver / brushed aluminum trim.

 

Well...I finished up the install about 30 minutes ago, and I think it looks pretty good. I ended up just cutting off the cig lighter end and splicing into the back of the OEM cigarette lighter plug. I may end up pulling the lid to the cubby back out and completely notching it, so the unit sits inside the lid a little more...but for now it'll do

Here are two quick pics I snapped before the batteries in my camera died, I'll get more later.

I would also like to give thanks to the guy on here who did this first. I can't remember his name, but he came up with the idea and I just followed along.

 

That looks very nice! You should really post a little DIY on this with all the materials used...

 

Are you able to close the cubby cover at all or do you just leave it open?

 

+1, I was just about to ask that.

 

The cover will close 100%. That was one reason I mounted it in there, so I could just close the cover and not worry about taking the unit out every night or leaving it in the sun while at work.

Also, the unit will auto-power / auto-shutoff...meant to mention that earlier.

 

A DIY for this would be greatly appreciated.

 

I'll take most of it apart and go back through it taking pics along the way so I can make a quick little DIY. The hardest part about the whole install is using a dremel to notch out the cubby lid where the power plug goes into the unit. I'm not sure where different units have their plug, but it'll be easy to adapt for other applications.

Thanks again for the kind words and I'll get the guide up asap.

 

this is what ive been wanting to do exactly!
Please post all parts needed so I can go ahead and order..
You had the empty cubby to start out with right?
Excellent job!!!

DOMO