Install a Full Power Panel in Your Car
When I was a kid all I ever wanted was an outlet in the car so I could charge my Gameboy, laptop, iPod or whatever I was obsessed with at the moment. (Not kidding.) Mum and dad never made that dream come true, and I just believed it would never happen. Maybe some day when the car I drive isn’t a leased vehicle I’ll be able install this full power panel in my car. Until then, this DIY is for you.
Install a Full Power Panel in Your Car
Add a USB Power Outlet to Your Car
Maybe all the power you need comes in the form of USB ports. And shouldn’t all cars have USB ports, really? If you’re not lucky enough to drive a fancy, USB port-addled vehicle you can install some of your own.
Add a USB Power Outlet to Your Car
Turn a Nike+ Sensor into a Keyless Car Entry System
We’ve all been there: you’ve just finished the thumb wrestling championship and wound up beaten by a rising new comer. Your thumbs are tired. They’ve had the fight of their lives. You couldn’t possibly ask them to do so much as push the unlock button on your car remote — it’s just not fair. Give your poor thumbs a break and build this keyless car entry system out of a Nike+ sensor so you’ll never have to press those stupid buttons again.
Turn a Nike+ Sensor into a Keyless Car Entry System
Turn Your Car’s Cup Holder Into a Laptop Stand
Nothing good can come from checking your email while driving, but maybe you have a legitimate use for a laptop in your car. If you’re lacking a GPS device, or at least something with 3G data access, you can always keep handy driving instructions on your laptop. While this might be a better job for a quick print-out, if you’ve got a use for a laptop stand in your car you can learn how to make one here.
Turn Your Car's Cup Holder Into a Laptop Stand
For more car hacks, check out our Top 10 DIY Car Hacks. Got any great DIY car upgrades of your own? Let’s hear ‘em in the comments!
MarkD
Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 11:11 AMBetter yet – sell your car(s) and buy a couple of nice bicycles and join a car share scheme.
You’ll feel better and become more healthy as a result.
davo
Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 1:50 PMHa ha ha… nike sensor keyless start?!? That’s a great way to get your car stolen – I’m pretty sure it will void your car insurance if you did something like that. Is there a way to make it a unique code? For example, garage remote have a little dip switch you can set so that any one can’t come along and open the door. I’d be concerned about security. BTW very original idea though.
simmo
Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 1:51 PMUSB outlets that can be plugged into the car’s cigarette lighter can be purchased from Harvey Norman, Dick Smith et al for between 12 and 20 bucks, seems a bit easier
Tor
Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 9:27 PMEasier, yes. Satisfying, no. There is something profoundly enjoyable about using something you have put together, even if merely a usb slot :P