Lotus Elise GPS mount

thingiverse

Certain Lotus Elise / Exige models have the option of a cup holder. No up-standing Lotus owner would have opted for one. However its inclusion needed two threaded holes to be made beneath the centre console. We can make more of these. Owning and driving a Lotus requires certain dedication. Historically mounting a GPS was one of these. To place a GPS in the traditional location (clamped to windscreen) is not possible. The power cable interferes with the steering wheel, or the unit obscures the view of the open road. Traditional approaches involve placing the GPS on the drivers lap, or having the passenger hold it. The alternative is an expensive after marker modification. This project is designed to utilise the cup holder mounting points to provide a means of safely holding a GPS or phone to the car. Print, make, and enjoy the experience as directions are available in finger tip distance from the gear stick. Instructions These instructions are provided in reference to a TomTom, utilising their own suction mount. However other devices can easily be accommodated by modifying the mount carriage. First acquire an Elise or similar Lotus that has provision for a cup holder. Where necessary amend the mount to fix the relevant device. With the Tom Tom I was able to take the suction mount apart and produce a part that mated to it using the supplied screws. Print both mount carriage and caddy. Cut two 6mm dia. tubes to a length of approx 240mm. Use aluminium to remain in-keeping with the cars cut-down interior. On each tube tap both ends. A drill chuck can be used to hold a tube tightly whist tapping. First tap one end to a length of 8mm, then tap the other to approx. 30mm. Twist the ends (tapped to a length of 8mm) in to the holes in the mount carriage. Feed the ends of the tubes through the caddy, remembering to add a nut and washer at the appropriate time. Use two 5mm dia bolts (minimum length 25mm) to attach the unit to the underside of the centre console.