[MINIAC]

Just completed the install of a Fischer Universal C-Box in the cubby hole under the toggle switch row:


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1. Model # 21172 as shown on Vehicle-Controls website
   
2. Mounted underneath radio-a/c-toggle stack
   
3. CD dispensed by pushing a button
   

Getting the C-Box to fit in the cubby hole was quite a challenge due to the slanted under-cowling and location of the cigarette lighter. A mounting bracket had to be modeled, first from cardboard and then from aluminum flashing. Quotes of $45 - $55 from two metal shops to fabricate a steel bracket from the model, sent me off to Home Depot in search of a cheaper solution. A few days later, after utilizing high school metal shop skills in assembling roughly $3 worth of frame angles [2], tie plates [3], sheet metal shingles [1] and machine bolts plus nuts [8], the mounting bracket was ready for installation:


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1. Side view of bracket showing ~25 degree angle required to parallel slant of under-cowling and clear cigarette lighter
   
2. Top view of bracket with locking base for C-Box attached
   
3. Mounting bracket fitted in cubby hole ... feet of bracket slide under back of cup-holder / cigarette lighter surround
   
4. C-Box fitted on locking base
   
5. Back of C-Box butts up against base of under-cowling ... holding storage unit (and mounting bracket) firmly in place
   
6. Just push a button and out pops a CD ... Sticky Fingers no less

[MINIAC]

MiniMania has the Fischer C-Box on sale for $29.95, which is almost half the retail price.

The C-Box measures about 2.75"x6"x6" (HxWxD) so it may also fit on the Euro driver's side shelf if you have one.

[chrislemon]

anywhere I can get this item in the UK?

either that or has anyone had anything shipped international from minimania?

[MINIAC]

Have you tried Mini Spares?

[chrislemon]

had a look on their site. Can't seem to find it?

Are you sure they do it?

[MINIAC]

Mini Spares and Mini Mania are sister companies. I would think Mini Spares could contact Mini Mania to find out where they sourced the C-Boxes. AFAIK, Fischer is a German Company.

I suggest contacting Mini Spares and asking them if they can get you a C-Box.

[chrislemon]

Thanks MINIAC

I'll give it a go and let you know what happens

[very mini]

this is great!

[Delta72]

This is pretty nice and nifty and all that but why not just get a CD holder that goes on your sun visor? I've had one for my previous cars (Mini is on it's way) and they normally held 12 CD's and I could change CD's while driving since it was right in front of me. Seems like a lot simpler thing to to for about US$5.00, no?

[very mini]

you are right, delta, cheaper, and easier to get a visor CD holder, but I actually like the look of the box in the little area. Plus, if I get a visor CD holde,r how will I look in the mirror to apply my lipstick!! Mouahahah! YEah right

[Delta72]

I didn't want to mention the loss of the vanity mirror because, well, vanity is a personal thing. I'm an ugly MF and I could care less about looks but I can see how it can serve basic pourposes, cleaning teeth, contact lens replacement. Either case I mainly use my rear-view mirror for stuff like that. Other than that the Mini being small in a lot of things, space is very valuable in this car so I would think the best use for that pocked below is for getting that cubby pocket thingie and use it as mini storage.

Hehe, I made a funny without even trying.

[Mini_Joe]

I think this thing is a great solution, just not confident enough in my ability to fit it properly. It seems like a great use for this wasted space. Wish someone would market a bracket for it.

[minimarkcs]

I really wanna do your solution but am not very clever with my hands.
Q1: Did you make holes anywhere? If so where.


Q2: How many beer chits for a replica bracket sent to Germany ? I only need the brackets as I can get the C-Box here in just about any supermarket for a bit less than you paid.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by minimarkcs

I really wanna do your solution but am not very clever with my hands.

Q1: Did you make holes anywhere? If so where.

No drilling is required to mount the bracket in the car ... the feet of bracket slide under back of cup-holder / cigarette lighter surround.

Quote:

Q2: How many beer chits for a replica bracket sent to Germany ? I only need the brackets as I can get the C-Box here in just about any supermarket for a bit less than you paid.

The best I could do would be to provide the dimensions for the bracket and then you could take it to a machine shop for fabrication.

[minimarkcs]

The measurements would be a great help, I do know a couple of guys who should be able to fix it up for me. Thanx.

[MINIAC]

Referring to some pictures from my original post:


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Making and fitting the bracket:

1. Cut a piece of 1-2mm thick metal so it is 6.25" in length and 4.75" in width
   
2. Round off all four corners
   
3. Make a 90 degree bend 1.50" from one end to form the FOOT of the bracket
   
4. Make a 65 degree bend 3.00" from the other end to form the MOUNTING SURFACE of the bracket for attaching the C-Box "flat" locking base

   Making the two bends above should result in the BACK of the bracket measuring 1.75" in height, and the bracket should look like that in picture 1 above except it will have one wide FOOT rather than narrow two feet.

5. Drill four holes in the bracket MOUNTING SURFACE for the C-Box "flat" locking base such that it is centered when attached as shown in picture 2 above
   
6. Paint the bracket and let it dry
   
7. Attach the C-Box "flat" locking base
   
8. Attach a round (approximately 1.00" diameter and 0.125" thick) self-adhesive rubber bumper to the underside of the bracket MOUNTING SURFACE to protect the back edge of the cigarette lighter surround from possible rubbing (hidden in picture 3 above)
   
9. Fit the finished bracket by loosening the #2 Phillips screw inside each cup holder, lifting up the cup holder surround enough to slip the bracket FOOT underneath and retightening the Phillips screws
   
   The bracket may not seem that secure after retightening the Phillips screws, but once the C-Box is slid into place and butts up against the base of the under-cowling (see picture 4 above) it's rock solid.
   
   Hints on sliding the C-Box in and out of the "flat" locking base:
   • Rub a soap bar along the "toothed" edges of tracks on the underside of the C-Box to make it slide easier
     
   • When sliding the C-Box into the locking base, use one hand to push in the C-Box and the other to hold the BACK of the bracket
     
   • When sliding the C-Box out of the locking base, use the fingers of each hand to push the back of the C-Box and thumbs to apply a counter force to the BACK of the bracket

[minimarkcs]

Respect my friend. Fantastic description, thanx a lot. With that I reckon that even I can manage the job !
*offtolocaldiystore,smiling*

[brett]

I use this cd wallet. The photo doesn't show the colours to well but it matches perfectly with the Silver on the dash board the same black as the top of the dash board
Available from www.crest.com.au

[minimarkcs]

OK, it's in !
I did it myself and must say that I'm rather proud of myself. It almost looks factory standard. Sits very nicely without movement/ rattles so now I'm happy. Thanx again for your superb instructions to allow a DIY idiot to accomplish a professional job.

[MINIAC]

Congrats on your C-Box install

I know what you mean about taking pride in your work