Thread: How to cut a USB rectangle in a dashboard

I made a metal plate for my dash that has 2 USB ports on it, using cables very much like in your picture, but taken from a PCI slot card faceplate.

I used the PCI faceplate as a template and drew the rectangle holes, then used a dremel tool to make the openings. The first one I did looked like crap but I learned how to slow down and move more carefully. The second one came out pretty good, although not perfect, but good enough for me. I used a flat file to square out the corners since they were rounded from the dremel metal cutting bit.

Good luck!

You have to be VERY careful with the Dremel, or you can overrun your lines. It's best to practice in some scrap similar to the dash.

Another approach that's less likely to produce a mistake (and the resulting expletives) is to simply drill two (or three) properly placed holes and file out the space between them. The drill diameter should be the the same as the width of the hole you want. Using a centerpunch on the dash to make dimples that mark the hole locations so the drill bit doesn't wander. You may have to hold a backer board in the area where you use the centerpunch.

Originally Posted by MichaelPlace

I have a couple of these: http://www.datapro.net/products/usb-...e-a-cable.html




And i want to fit them to (cut a long story short) a dashboard piece thats plastic and screw into it so the only thing visible is the female USB socket and the two attaching screws.

If i invest in a dremmel router attachment will that cut the perfect rectangle?

It's going to be on show so I don't want the rectangle holes to look gash. Any other options?

I don't mind buying a different USB socket if it's going to be easier.

Cheers

OMFG, I'm glad I came across this post, I have been looking for something like this. My setup has 4 USB ports and 6 additional USB each for the independent systems. I have 6 extensions going to my center console but wasn't sure if they made the cable you pointed out. Now I can hide the 4-port hub also..... Thanx a bunch!

For the record, HiJackZX1, there are much cheaper cables available at FrontX. Someone else posted the website a while back, and I ordered some USB extension cables from them for my dash. The look the exact same, are very good quality, and cheaper.

Originally Posted by colin

For the record, HiJackZX1, there are much cheaper cables available at FrontX. Someone else posted the website a while back, and I ordered some USB extension cables from them for my dash. The look the exact same, are very good quality, and cheaper.

Yea I saw that. FrontX has theirs for 7.00 a piece. What I needed was the name of this cable, which I didnt know till I found this post.