Alternative to radio in the center of the dash

[Chrisrich]

Has anyone come up with any creative ways to fill the hole in the center of the dash where a radio would sit (I'm thinking S4).

I don't want to put a radio in there, and wood blanking plates are hard to get to look right (for me, at least).

I'm thinking a compartment for a tool pack behind a nice hinged door? A mini-humidor for cigars? Anything?

[ppnelan]

How about a black-painted plate with a long 'World Champion Car Constructors' badge?
My +2 has a (probably home made) black plate around the radio, and my S4 has a wooden blanking piece that matches the (replacement) dashboard with a badge.
Try making something & see what it looks like...

Matthew

[RichardS]

Very small chilled drinks cabinet? Could be filled with miniatures!

Richard

[richardcox_lotus]

SatNav screen that glides out of the slot & then hinges up.

Or car defence system switches a la 007's aston martin

(Excuse the ramblings, Friday afternoon at work)

[trw99]

Cubby hole for your cell phone - for those times you break down!

[mac5777]

I have been looking for a hinge that you tap and it opens. I have a remote modern radio and if the blanking plate flips up or down the radio controls will be in view. That type of small hinge is in modern cars like cup holders etc. Any ideas---could be a great after market item.
Chrisrich, if you don't have the matching blank plate, a metal or even a finished piece of wood that is painted crackel black, like the ash tray, would look like it belonged there.
Sarto

[1964 S1]

I have the original never listened to PYE radio in my +2 and have thought hard about selling it. If I did, I'd create a small (radio size) cubby box mounted behind the dash, maybe faux interior paint job to match the burled dash,,,, good for all sorts of things as mentioned, phone, liquor, defense devices etc; I wouldn't bother with a door as it would look "after market" no matter how good. Just my opinion.

[mac5777]

Actually for my use I do have a matching blank plate. The hinge would leave the dash looking untouched. I would be able to open and shut the blank plate with a touch or even a pull knob of soures. All of the hinge attachments would be attached to the back of the dash and the blanking plate leaving the plate flush with the dash. I have a small modern "secret radio" that would mount behind the dash and blanking plate keeping it hidden.
Stuart, thanks for your thoughts, lets talk.

Sarto

[mopho]

Or extra gauges, here's mine

[Chrisrich]

Youch.
That is gorgeous.
Really something.

[Frank Howard]

Morgan,

Not to change subjects, but could you please tell us about the hand brake? Where did you get it? Did it come off another car? Does it interfere with the passenger? Does it work? I'd love to replace mine.

[mopho]

Morgan,

Not to change subjects, but could you please tell us about the hand brake? Where did you get it? Did it come off another car? Does it interfere with the passenger? Does it work? I'd love to replace mine.

It's from an E-type Jaguar. I've never had any passengers complain about it interfering, it is pretty flush with tunnel (but is a tight fit)

It works for a couple of minutes usually

It works good (if you can call the Elans handbrake as working good) as long as I am diligent about keeping it adjusted, which I am not, so I don't use it

[pamitchell]

I'll post a photo of my radio blanking plate. It's a Healey blanking plate from Moss Motors and I put the World Championship winner strip on it.
It is a wrinkle black finish wiith 2 holes for stainless screws to secure
home made metal strips behind it.
Rgds,
Phil

[Chrisrich]

I'd like to see that, as right now that's what I'm thinking of doing, too.

[pamitchell]

Here's a photo of my radio blanking plate. It's a Healey blanking plate from Moss Motors and I put the World Championship winner strip on it.
It is a wrinkle black finish wiith 2 holes for stainless screws to secure
home made metal strips behind it.
Rgds,
Phil