Thread: Bugbyte's 2001 New Beetle -Mac Mini Install

Those are cool! However, I don't think I have the room to add them. Space inside the Mini is extremely limited, so I've only got a very small amount of space.

There are only 2 connections to make. I think I need to pull a McGyver on this one. Something like using the pocket clips from two ball point pens and having them touch two metal contacts or something like that.

Although it doesn't look like it from the "finished product" output, I made good progress this weekend. Here's a photo of the project right now.



I completed the shielding for the cables to protect them from the heat in the heat/Air cond. duct. It's the stuff in red in the picture above, while the dock itself is in yellow.

I went out to the car and tried to take as accurate a measurement as I could of where the ductwork begins and it's location so I could attach the dock to the center console. I drilled two holes in either side of the dock and put screws into it, fixing its position in the center console.

Then, the moment of truth -test fit number one. I brought the whole thing out to the car and slid it into place. Incredibly, it fits! However, it is going to be a real challenge to ensure that all the gaps in the ductwork are closed off from the console. Once it's in place, you can't really tell where the gaps are or aren't. Maybe a flashlight in there and I'll check for light leakage.

Anyhow, that's a task for another day. I came back to the workshop and began work on the lower ductwork to vent the exhaust into the dash. I got all the pieces cut out and they are glued together and drying now.

A little more fabrication, basically in getting the ductwork to line up. The "***** around factor" is pretty high there and I'll burn a lot of time trying to get it to work, but that will be most of the fabrication.

I also had an idea about how to fix my P1900 switch problem. I think I'll get two springs out of some ballpoint pens and solder wires to them. I'll put them side by side and drill small holes for them in the back of the dock. On the Mini, I'll put two metal circles and solder wires to them. The circles will line up with the springs. When the unit is docked, the springs will press against the circles and should complete the circuit.

You could try some thin foam padding between the ductwork and the console to make sure that you get a more-or-less airtight seal..

That's exactly what I was thinking. Do you know of a likely place to look for it? Would an auto parts store be a good place to look? Otherwise, I was going to try a craft store.

Probably the craft store.. or.. a lot of times there is a thin sheet of padding included when you buy a motherboard (between the motherboard and the bottom of the box). You should be able trim that to make a gasket..

I've used Great Stuff before, around the house, but it dries to be sort of hard. Do they make a version that stays flexible?