Hi.

I’m trying to figure out how to install a USB port into the center console glove box (along with other wires through the underside of the console). It will require about a 1-1.25” hole cut out. The USB port housing is roughly 2” from the flange lip that will sit inside the glove box.

My concern is that if I drill/mount this at the front of the glove box (towards the shifter) the housing and wiring will interfere with the fitment of the console. Mounting it left or right is not an easy hole to drill (consulting with pro-carpenter friend). Also, on the right side it might interfere with the e-brake, but the left side (while a tight fit) might be best mount not to interfere with the console fitment.

Has anyone tried this or know enough about the tolerances of the console?

I figured I just might be overthinking this and the straight mount may work just fine.

The link to the item is: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MY1WDIU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_H6DVPGPTP4BMETA6J2K7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

Why not get a dual USB port fast-charging adapter that plugs into the cigarette lighter socket, or one that replaces the lighter socket and connects to the socket's wires? Amazon and ebay have a bajillion of them. A small one/mini can look like a built-in feature. Seems about as simple as it can get... unless you're a smoker, I guess.

If it's a matter of using the console to keep the phone and cables cleanly out of sight while connected/charging, that's a noble idea, but one that's liable to get old quickly, because you'll probably end-up having the phone out most of the time anyway. My truck has a USB port in its console, and it's a PITA to use. Much simpler to use a charger that plugs into one of the 12V power sockets in the dash.

 

Thanks so much for your reply, LAFireboyd. Of course, I have that option presently.

My project goal for the car is to have the car transport the rider/driver back to the 1980s, but take advantage of modern technology. Thus, I’m trying to keep the appearance as stock as possible, but have many hidden mods (e.g., charcoal canister has been deleted, but the unit/wiring remains in the car, currently getting upgraded brake parts but painting them to be hidden, etc. (Just wait until I start asking around here about stereo mods...ha!).

So I’m finding ways of keeping my cellphone out of sight as I never had one in my 89 Formula in college. This also has the added benefit of reducing the temptation of looking at the phone while driving.

 

I removed the stock cigar/cigarette lighter in my shifter plate and put in a dual USB outlet that was just slightly bigger than the cigar lighter. I think I opened up the hole slightly with a unibit and put a different connector on the wire to the cigar lighter so it would plug right onto the USB port.

If you're still set on getting something in the center console, take the shift plate off first so you can see where you have space behind the parts for wires and depth etc.

I feel you on your quest, I feel the same for as many of the mods as I can. I hid my alarm under the dash pad and hooked everything up without cutting, I also mounted the LED in the factory Security light in the dash. I did an LS swap and used as many GM parts as I could so it looks like it came from the factory that way (minus my air intake because I didn't have the time to do anything else).
I am also working on putting in a PWM dimmer in instead of the factory resistive/amplified dash dimmer. When I am done with that the dimmer wheel will dim the LEDs for the lighting while still maintaining the on function when rotated all the way.