The Unofficial "Ask a Stupid Question" Thread

[Grog6]

Has anyone ever modified/removed the 97 coin holder. I really A. don't need it, and B. don't like the look of it. I'm thinking about replacing it with sort of a small cubby slot, a place to hold lip balm, cough drops, etc.

The coinholder piece is removable. but, I'd trade console tops with you. I have a loose non coinholder one.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

The coinholder piece is removable. but, I'd trade console tops with you. I have a loose non coinholder one.

Well, I can't go to a previous model year because I'd lose the cupholders. I want to modify my current panel.

 

[NEURO]

That's intriguing to add a USB port and what looks to be an additional 12V port (in addition to the cigarette lighter serving the same purpose). Or are you considering using that port hooked to a power inverter to get 120AC out of it?

For the USB port, there's also plenty of options to buy inexpensive USB chargers that plug into the cigarette lighter. I have one for that purpose.
And instead of blocking off the coin slots, could two of them have been repurposed to be the USB & 12V ports you added to minimize the surgery & work you're doing to the console?

Just my two cents. I like the direction you're going, but these ideas popped into my head to ask.

 

[Grog6]

I found the boat shops had the best quality 12v socket/cig lighter ports.

 

[XR7-4.6]

Well, I can't go to a previous model year because I'd lose the cupholders. I want to modify my current panel.

Seriously. I had(and still have in storage) the objectively cooler and rare 94-95 SC 5-speed console but the cupholders are so much more practical and cleaner looking. The coinholders are a compromise

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Plus I put work into cupholder illumination, so they're not going anywhere.

 

[97 30th]

That's intriguing to add a USB port and what looks to be an additional 12V port (in addition to the cigarette lighter serving the same purpose). Or are you considering using that port hooked to a power inverter to get 120AC out of it?

For the USB port, there's also plenty of options to buy inexpensive USB chargers that plug into the cigarette lighter. I have one for that purpose.
And instead of blocking off the coin slots, could two of them have been repurposed to be the USB & 12V ports you added to minimize the surgery & work you're doing to the console?

Just my two cents. I like the direction you're going, but these ideas popped into my head to ask.

 

[NEURO]

Plus I put work into cupholder illumination, so they're not going anywhere.

Cupholder illumination is a great idea.
I'd like to hear what you did and how you did it.

 

[NEURO]

Oh, that's very nicely done. Great job.
Is the voltage reading for the car's battery, since they removed the voltmeter from the '97 instrument cluster?

 

[Grog6]

I was considering a ring of white leds on tape around the top, dim.
I need one more 97 console top.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Cupholder illumination is a great idea.
I'd like to hear what you did and how you did it.

It's just one tiny green LED placed at the far 4:30 o'clock end of the cupholder, wired to the shifter illumination.

 

[97 30th]

Oh, that's very nicely done. Great job.
Is the voltage reading for the car's battery, since they removed the voltmeter from the '97 instrument cluster?

Correct.

 

[NEURO]

It's just one tiny green LED placed at the far 4:30 o'clock end of the cupholder, wired to the shifter illumination.

Simple & elegant solution. I like it.

But what's this?

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Simple & elegant solution. I like it.

But what's this?
View attachment 17244

Well, that button was a mistake...

But initially, it was my Overdrive Off button; then it had no function for a while; and now it's a temporary power button to the tape deck motor.

I use a tape deck adapter to connect my phone. The noise of the motor always bothered me, but you need the motor to initially engage the adapter when turning on the radio, which only takes a second. After that, the motor is no longer needed.

But if I did it again, I would place this button close to the radio. Meanwhile, my Overdrive Off switch has turned into a small steering column mounted stalk, which is my version of a shift paddle.