DIY Hidden Glovebox

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Cuppa

DIY Hidden Glovebox

Post by Cuppa »

The cab of our '06 Nissan DX Patrol cab chassis had limited storage space

Having recently swapped the original bucket & bench seat for two bucket seats & a centre console, I remained keen to find a storage space for the iPad which would keep it out of sight & allow it to continue charging when the vehicle is parked (with ignition off).
From my reading on a Nissan Patrol forum I became aware that there was an empty unused space behind the dash on the passenger side. On higher specced models this space houses an air bag, but our Ex Telstra vehicle is the base model without such refinement. Looking around the net I discovered a few folk have used this space to build a second (& hidden) glove box. I thought I could do better than many I saw.
The pics below show my efforts, finished today. Might not look like a big job, but several points at which you only get one chance to get it right or face disaster. Probably the hardest thing I've done in either the bus or the camper fit out!

Before starting (had just fitted two bucket seats & centre console in place of original bench seat)
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Cover removed
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Hole cut
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Cardboard mock up
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'Box' made - 3 sections to allow fitting into aperture.
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Carpeted
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Determining the hinge point for the 'door' was probably the hardest bit - involved guesswork & finger crossing.
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Finished item - open the 'door doubles as a small 'table'
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And closed - looks like it did when it left the factory. Sufficient height inside to easily stow the iPad. Socket inside is USB & switched on via a dash switch, independent of ignition.
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Cuppa

Edited for spelling
Last edited by Cuppa on Sun Jun 02, 2013 11:36 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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BruceS
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Re: DIY Hidden Glovebox

Post by BruceS »

Very neat job Cuppa!!
How many requests for that mod have you received?
Is it just a magnetic catch?
8-) 8-)
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Re: DIY Hidden Glovebox

Post by Shirley »

Looks good.
Shirley & Bruce.
Cuppa

Re: DIY Hidden Glovebox

Post by Cuppa »

Thanks.
Have had a couple of requests Bruce, but I've told them they can be responsible for their own nightmare!
It's a 'push to open' magnetic catch as used on glass door tv cabinets.

Cuppa
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Re: DIY Hidden Glovebox

Post by Dot »

Not just a pretty face then hey Cuppa? great idea though. :D
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Re: DIY Hidden Glovebox

Post by T1 Terry »

Very clever piece of work Cuppa, finished job looks very neat both inside and out. Take a well deserved bow, a job well done.
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Re: DIY Hidden Glovebox

Post by Craig »

Well done Ian! You have done a great job. 8-)
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Re: DIY Hidden Glovebox

Post by Greynomad »

Real spiffy, mate! Invisible to the casual car thief...
Now, can you have a go at a Winnie Explorer for me? ;) :P
Four acres of plain vinyl dash... :roll:
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Re: DIY Hidden Glovebox

Post by Rover All Over »

Congratulations Cuppa, the hard work was well worth it.
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Re: DIY Hidden Glovebox

Post by Wilbor »

Well done Cuppa, it does look good. I haven't seen to much of the finished Patrol :) /camper since the demise of a forum or 2, how about an update
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