Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Glovebox 12v socket

Hi All, another question from this newbie!
Our 2004 plus 8 has got a 12v socket in the glovebox, I'm wanting to replace this for a usb socket and possibly also fit a tracker while I've got access.

I'm guessing that the 12v socket will have a threaded nut behind the glovebox to hold it in place, how easy/hard is it to access the back of the glovebox?

John

Access to the rear of the whole dashboard in one of the easier jobs on a Morgan.

First drop down the steering column to its lowest setting

Then take out the two wood screws, one each side of the dashboard at the lower corners.

The whole dashboard will then come towards you in the car. Most of what lies behind is now accessible.

Only a few tips , try not to leave the dash supported only by electrical cables or you risk later connection problems, give the earths a good tighten up while you are in there, lastly label the relays which are mounted on the wooden bulkhead (it will save you lots of time later) Sorry I can't remember offhand which is which but there are 4 in total (unless someone has added additional items post delivery)

This should give you all the access you need to the back of the glovebox.

That socket was designed (and fused?) for a trickle charger, if you are planning to run any high current items you might need to think about the fuse value.

Whilst some do you use cigar lighter sockets for charging it's not a good choice and was certainly not designed for such. It's all in the name but over the years became (sadly) accepted as a power source for accessories. The lack of positive security and spring loaded point contact for centre pin do not make for an ideal connection. MMC's current face down location does nothing to improve these facts with a good jolt often parting plug from socket.

Hella/DIN sockets are however designed to power accessories, have a positive pin location and higher current rating. Once you have such there are adaptors available (eBay) to give a couple of USB outlets.

Just pull off the connector and put the USB one where you want it. I fixed mine to the roll over bar but you might not have one.

just get a plug in usb socket...mine has two usb sockets...

Please note that most USB sockets also consume power when nothing is plugged in.

That's why mine are powered from an ignition switched circuit (I used the radio feed since I don't have a radio).