Let's see your frugal DIY mods!

I used a rubber sheet I got at Tractor Supply. Comes in 4'x6' sheets 3/4" thick. I cut it to fit. $39.99 but I think I got it on sale.

 

Nice! The turf actually isn't very cheap, but it was just lying around after a project left some leftover!

 

Just a few things that I've done lately..

 

Man that astro-turf looks good!

 

Excellent!

 

Probably- I don't like to crank mine too tight because I'm afraid of cracking the plastic bed. It would probably work if you tied the bike down with a ratchet strap, just to be safe.

 

Great idea. I have one of these and haven't found a spot to put it yet.

 

Thanks @Crom ! Been admiring your cargo tie-down setup for a while

 

You're welcome!

 

Quick fist would be a good idea too.. Nice.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Interior....aspx?t_c=9&t_s=411&t_pt=101273&t_pn=EOR10010

 

How does it work

 

Harbor Freight load bar. It's their cheaper one.. Haven't actually drove with it on, but upon test fit the other night, seems to be nice.

 

What is that shelf/bracket called and where do u get one and how much does it cost?

 

the shelf is a kb vodoo cargo bssket, vendor on TW. all the other stuff i made.

 

Redid the cheap hangar shelving with some more useful recovery and safety gear.

 

So this idea started out expensive and difficult but instead became a quick cheap mod. In other words, completely backwards from most of the mods I've done

I've been thinking about mounting another device into the truck that can run my OBD reader and Waze all the time. I have those functions on my phone but I wanted something that was always available in the truck. I decided to get a cheap android device and mount it in the center console storage hole. I've seen pictures of other mods where people have installed switches and OBD readers to panels above the hole. I was going to run USB power to that area from the AUX power switches and make a custom mount for the new device.

Well, I couldn't find an device I liked, plus I'm not too crazy about android anyway. My Nexus tablet is always updating and generally runs slower every year. I also needed something with a smaller screen than the average tablet.

As I was surfing the web, I noticed that Best Buy was dumping Nokia phones for cheap. I have a Nokia 635 and it's a great phone (too bad Microsoft may be jumping out of phones). Best Buy had a 640 on sale for $30, so I figured what the heck. For that price, I could upgrade my phone if the truck thing didn't work out. So I ordered the thing and thought about how to mount and run it.

Well, it turns out Waze for Windows phones cannot run landscape. It also turns out you have to rip apart most of the dash to get to the power leads of the AUX connectors. The good news is that the Nokia 640 can be activated using just a Microsoft account and WiFi. So I loaded the software I needed and used my old cupholder mount to hold the device. Fits perfect in the rubber cupholder, nice and tight, perfect spot just in front of the shift. Before I shift into reverse or forward, I just extend my finger and start up the unit. The 640 has a pretty good battery and should last a week of 45 minute commutes before I need to recharge it. I figure I'll try that before I start pulling wire.

So, here is my $30, 5 minute install, OBD and Waze machine.

 

@SilverJack

Doesnt Waze/GPS on a phone require either wifi or data service, making it kind of useless for general GPS use?

Sweet for OBD/bluetooth music either way.

 

Yup, you are correct. In most cases, I will let Waze grab traffic data from my home network when I start the truck. That should be enough to get me going. After that, I will tether off my Nokia 635 (should be simple winphone to winphone). I haven't tried a full test yet, so I'll let you know. It will also grab weather data, so I can see a real weather map.
I'm still playing with this idea, but so far just having an OBD without a lot of effort is great. I may even try bluetooth cameras for side visibility. The biggest benefit is having something that is 100% reversible and quick disconnect. I'm having a ton of fun for $30

 

Waze maps after downloadable, so you can use it without having wifi or data.