any creative android auto phone mounts?

With android auto I don't think I really need to see my phone screen while driving. Ideally I could just get into the truck and slide my phone into some slot like a disk.

I google'd around a bit but didn't really see any existing solutions for this. I'm not super handy but I could probably chop the top off a phone case and glue a USB cable to the bottom and hide the whole thing in the center console or something.

Amazon has a "phone docking station" type thing that I could just set the phone on, which seems easier than attaching the cable, but then the phone would be up on the dash or something.

Also considered putting a cheap android phone in w/ a data-only SIM that I could just leave in the truck, but I think eventually the phone dies if you're not driving enough.

Is everyone else just connecting/disconnecting from the USB cable each time you get in and out of the car? How can you live like that?

 

I carry my phone in my shirt pocket. Use blue tooth for connection. Works great.

 

I think the android auto requires the USB cable connected, and getting the phone charged is nice bonus.

 

I have a 3d printer, and made a dock for my galaxy phone that does exactly what you're talking about. I don't have pictures of it right now, but basically it takes up the right half of the Qi charging area. I'm fine sacrificing the wireless charging because the phone charges through the cable while android auto is running.

In the picture below, the red is my phone, the blue part is the phone slot, while the green is the base that holds the cable secure. I was playing with having holders for a mini flashlight and a multitool, but I might redesign the part to just be a coin slot or blank tray (I'm afraid the multitool gives someone a reason to break into my truck). I'm still kind of testing it out. It took me a long time to get the outer dimensions perfect so that it just slides in. Overall, I wish it was a little less bulky. It partially blocks the light in the cubby. The good part is that it doesn't interfere with either of the cupholders.

I'm going to do a more proper write up on it when I can take some photos of it.

 

That is dope. I should learn 3D printing stuff looking forward to your write up and photos.

 

some kind of hybrid using the DMM, ram arm, and Hondo bits. perfect for me.