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Where To Build A Box Into The Car?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by kenmce, Jun 16, 2010.

  1. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    I am looking to install a new piece of equipment into my car. :rockon: The main unit is a box seven inches wide by four and a half inches high by nine inches deep. I'd like to build it into the car somewhere, not have it taking up space in the cabin.

    It would fit in the trunk, but then I'd have to plug and unplug everything every time I go into the lower trunk, so I'd like to skip the trunk. :( Under the driver seat is taken up by the GPS unit and there is a piece of I-don't-know-what-it-is :confused: under the passenger seat.

    I already have stuff relating to the yellowtop battery and inverter taking up space inside the right rear corner. I'm reluctant to try and shoehorn anything else in there.

    Is there any space under the center armrest if I were to take it apart?

    Is there any room inside those bulges on either side of the rear just behind the second seat? If so, how do I get in there??

    Anyone have any suggestions?
     
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    The JBL audio amp is under the passenger seat.

    The bulges behind the rear seat are for the rear wheel wells.

    I'd suggest installing this box in the black plastic tray over the spare tire, and this would allow a short power cable leading to the 12V battery.
     
  3. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    The JBL audio amp is under the passenger seat.

    Aha! So that's what that little rascal is up to!


    The bulges behind the rear seat are for the rear wheel wells.

    The wheels don't go up that high. These bulges go right up to the windows. I figure there's probably some HV battery air tubing, but maybe it doesn't fill all the space.


    I'd suggest installing this box in the black plastic tray over the spare tire, and this would allow a short power cable leading to the 12V battery

    I'm gonna' have to run so many wires that one more doesn't really matter.
     
  4. BAllanJ

    BAllanJ Active Member

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    Maybe you could give up the secret drawer space under the centre consol.
     
  5. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    Does that consol come off?
     
  6. chuckknight

    chuckknight New Member

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    I don't want to run outside with a tape measure at this hour, but what are the interior dimensions of the armrest console, and the upper glove compartment?

    Might those be viable mounting points?

    BTW, what are you mounting in your car? Enquiring minds, and all that.
     
  7. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    Would it fit under the rear seat?

    (Note: Getting the rear seat cushion back in place and snapped down can
    be somewhat tricky.)
     
  8. jelloslug

    jelloslug It buffed right out!

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    There is quiet a bit of space between the little cubby on the drivers side of the trunk area and the outer body.
     
  9. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    yes

    .
     
  10. Boo

    Boo Boola Boola Member

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    The center console is removable. It is bolted to the floor with 4 screws.

    If you're on TIS, I think it's the Instrument Panel chapter of the Prius Repair/Service Manual that shows how to remove the center console.

    Or you can search PriusChat for how it's done. darelldd's post in this thread is short and sweet:

    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...erywhere-removing-center-storage-console.html
     
  11. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    I pulled the center consol. There's not as much room as I thought in there. Six years worth of dirt was lurking below :( I could fit the unit in if I sacrificed the large compartment. It would be somewhat hard to work in there, so I'll keep looking.


    I tried that spot. I made a cardboard dummy of the box and placed it. The box would stick up and out, even if it is squeezed all the way over by the mouse entry port.


    I pulled the seat. There is a small amount of space all the way to either edge. Under most of it there's about the right amount of room to install a placemat, nothing bigger.


    I poked around the left hand bulge. The rear of it is all steel, no space at all. Couldn't reach all the way up to the front of the bulge.


    I'm down to either the right hand bulge, the inside of a rear door, or I may have to fall back on the upper trunk.
     
  12. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    Depending on what this mystery hardware is, you could go the opposite route and display it prominently right out in the open.
     
  13. chuckknight

    chuckknight New Member

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    Must it be in an enclosed space? Beneath the dashboard, on top of the transaxle hump, is a fairly large and unused space. Some creative coachwork could keep it hidden...or just revel in its techno-glory.
     
  14. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    Not my style. On the old Toyota I even had most of the trunk lettering stripped off the car. Besides, if it's hidden It's unlikely to go missing.


    This would be to the center of the car under the dash? Any suggestions for best access?


    As a Prius owner, I naturally thrive on quiet competence.