OlyTDI
Veteran Member
I wasn't happy with the tuck-it-in-the-grill method of storing and using the plug for my FrostHeater so I decided to mount a dedicated plug-in device.
The unit I used can be seen here though I cannot remember where I purchased it. I think I paid about $35 for it:
http://www.google.com/products/cata...m=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=4642728895421430288#
It is Hubble Part Number HBL61CM64.
The process:
I chose the front bumper driver's side for a couple of reasons: First, it's the side I see when I get in the car, secondly, it just looks correct to me there, and thirdly, it's where the FrostHeater cord already resided, and fourthly, this area is the flattest area on the bumper.
Prior to install, I painted the device with touch-up paint matching my car. It was a clumsy process but it came-out more than adequately. I spray clear-coated the device a couple of times after the paint cured overnight.
As for mounting: First, tape-off the whole area you'll be working on so that there aren't any scratches and so you can mark-up the area with your sharpie or pencil. I used the blue masking tape and that worked well.
After measuring carefully where I wanted the hole (this was nerve wracking part -- second in "Oh-Sh!t" factor only to once drilling a large hole through the hull of a 36 foot sailboat) I drilled a 2 inch hole using a holesaw in the correct spot. The bumper is quite soft so the drill goes through in seconds. Just be extra careful, steady and grip the drill firmly.
After drilling the main hole and using the weather-sealing gasket as a template, I marked and drilled the four mounting holes using the appropriately sized drill bit. I should note at this point that I abandoned the included mounting screws and instead, went with stainless machine screws, lock washers, and nuts. I removed the tape before continuing, of course.
The rest was quite straight forward: insert the gasket into the hole, and then thread your FrostHeater cord (with plug freshly cut-off) into the back of the gasked (inside the bumper). I then stripped the three wires and crimped-on terminals that then were tightened-down onto the device. This made for a nice, firm, attachment. So you've got a wire coming through the back of the gasket and onto the device. Then it's just a matter of sandwiching the gasket between the device and the bumper, lining-up the holes, and through bolting with the stainless hardware.
Last steps were to seal the wire entrance hole from the inside of the bumper with some liquid electrical tape and to secure the cord to the horn using zip ties thereby creating a drip loop so that any water doesn't drip into the device.
Took less than an hour start to finish (minus the painting the day before). I placed the front of the car on ramps in order to crawl under the bumper and everything was quite accessable that way.
Here's the finished product:
Of course, I cannot assume any responsibility or liability for any problems you may encounter attempting this. Do this at your own risk.
Cheers
The unit I used can be seen here though I cannot remember where I purchased it. I think I paid about $35 for it:
http://www.google.com/products/cata...m=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=4642728895421430288#
It is Hubble Part Number HBL61CM64.
The process:
I chose the front bumper driver's side for a couple of reasons: First, it's the side I see when I get in the car, secondly, it just looks correct to me there, and thirdly, it's where the FrostHeater cord already resided, and fourthly, this area is the flattest area on the bumper.
Prior to install, I painted the device with touch-up paint matching my car. It was a clumsy process but it came-out more than adequately. I spray clear-coated the device a couple of times after the paint cured overnight.
As for mounting: First, tape-off the whole area you'll be working on so that there aren't any scratches and so you can mark-up the area with your sharpie or pencil. I used the blue masking tape and that worked well.
After measuring carefully where I wanted the hole (this was nerve wracking part -- second in "Oh-Sh!t" factor only to once drilling a large hole through the hull of a 36 foot sailboat) I drilled a 2 inch hole using a holesaw in the correct spot. The bumper is quite soft so the drill goes through in seconds. Just be extra careful, steady and grip the drill firmly.
After drilling the main hole and using the weather-sealing gasket as a template, I marked and drilled the four mounting holes using the appropriately sized drill bit. I should note at this point that I abandoned the included mounting screws and instead, went with stainless machine screws, lock washers, and nuts. I removed the tape before continuing, of course.
The rest was quite straight forward: insert the gasket into the hole, and then thread your FrostHeater cord (with plug freshly cut-off) into the back of the gasked (inside the bumper). I then stripped the three wires and crimped-on terminals that then were tightened-down onto the device. This made for a nice, firm, attachment. So you've got a wire coming through the back of the gasket and onto the device. Then it's just a matter of sandwiching the gasket between the device and the bumper, lining-up the holes, and through bolting with the stainless hardware.
Last steps were to seal the wire entrance hole from the inside of the bumper with some liquid electrical tape and to secure the cord to the horn using zip ties thereby creating a drip loop so that any water doesn't drip into the device.
Took less than an hour start to finish (minus the painting the day before). I placed the front of the car on ramps in order to crawl under the bumper and everything was quite accessable that way.
Here's the finished product:
Of course, I cannot assume any responsibility or liability for any problems you may encounter attempting this. Do this at your own risk.
Cheers