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dashboard installation of lock box

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Fred Wacksman, Apr 24, 2009.

  1. Fred Wacksman

    Fred Wacksman New Member

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    I want to install a lockbox in the area under the flip down box in the center of the dash. The box will fit perfect, but I want to know if the area is hollow behind it so I can use a butterfly toggle to secure it.
    I can't see behind there and don't want to drill into some harness or other item stored behind there. It seems as though it is hollow. I only need about 2" of clearance since the toggles are small/short, the box is approx. 8x6x1.5".
    Thanks,
    Fred
    [email protected][​IMG]
     
    #1 Fred Wacksman, Apr 24, 2009
  2. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    No it is not, besides its PLASTIC. It would take about 12 sec. to rip it out and walk away with it!!! and that's including taking time to drink some coffee!!

    You would be better served if you could secure it through the floor, assuming you have an open area to drill and place screws to penetrate the bottom of the lockbox!!!
     
    #2 KK6PD, Apr 24, 2009
  3. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    If you mean the curved panel that goes to the floor it pulls off easily. I think there is one clip that just pulls out and the panel then pulls off. If you mean above this you can check in behind the panel right under the CD box once that lower panel is off.
     
    #3 patsparks, Apr 24, 2009
  4. Fred Wacksman

    Fred Wacksman New Member

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    This is the location just below the CD box and I knew it was plastic, but didn't know if it was sturdy, or if it contained some components. What is behind it?
    I was hoping it was well secured and not easily removed.
    The floor won't work, I already tried there without installing it and it would be a problem with my feet hitting it.
     
    #4 Fred Wacksman, Apr 24, 2009
  5. Fred Wacksman

    Fred Wacksman New Member

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    This is the location just below the CD box and I knew it was plastic, but didn't know if it was sturdy, or if it contained some components. It's slightly horizontal to the floor, not the light grey panel below it. That section I would describe as verticle. It does feel more sturdy than the verticle panel.
    I guess if I had a picture it would be better. What is behind this area?
    Thanks for the responses.....
    Fred
     
    #5 Fred Wacksman, Apr 24, 2009
  6. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    Hi Fred,

    it is difficult to attach things to the dash because it is mostly plastic and the space in back of it is jammed full of wires and ducts and mysterious bits and pieces. If you want to seriously lock something it needs to be bolted to a metal part of the car. The floor or doors are good spots. The ceiling or one of the pillars might do. If you are bumping your feet on it, move it somewhere else. After all, you have a whole car to work with.
     
    #6 kenmce, Apr 29, 2009
  7. Frayadjacent

    Frayadjacent Resident Conservative

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    There's not a lot of room behind that box. I removed mine to cut a hole for the iPod cable in my car. There may only be one or two inches of space behind it. You do have some room in front of the front edge of the box between it and the flip down door.
     
    #7 Frayadjacent, Apr 30, 2009
  8. Fred Wacksman

    Fred Wacksman New Member

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    Hi to all that responded to my post. I decided to not go forward with this idea. I went up to my dealer (where I worked as a part-timer for 12 years) and talked with one of the lead techs I've known for all those years and he understood what I was trying to do. He felt I had enough space and it was sturdy enough, but when I tried to install it, that was no picnic.
    So now it's stuffed under the seat with the supplied cable which is supposed to be very difficult to cut easily. Given time frames for a car thief, it should do the trick, just not as convenient.
    BTW, I didn't drill any holes !!!!!
    Just curious, has anyone ordered a 2010?
    Thanks for your responses,
    Fred:)
     
    #8 Fred Wacksman, May 8, 2009
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