Using Ashtray Insert for MagSafe charging - how to modify?

[G-bow]

Hello all,

I read elsewhere on the forum about some clever uses folks had for the ashtray insert. Basically they drilled a hole through the lid of the ashtray insert and attached a MagSafe charger to the top. Because I have the same experience that many have had with the poor performance of the Qi charger inside the center console (my phone overheats significantly, and doesn't charge well), I want to copy this and I bought an ashtray insert.

My problem is that I can't figure out how to remove the shiny plastic "wing" shaped thing above the lid (see picture below)

- I don't want to mess up the lid itself or break the ashtray... But it seems others have figured out how to disassemble this piece so the MagSafe can be bolted on in its place. Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks -

2023 4S, Chalk. 1st Porsche, I love it.

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[Hirschaj]

See this post and the others linked within… https://www.taycanforum.com/forum/t...he-taycan-what-are-you-using.1443/post-200599

 

[G-bow]

See this post and the others linked within… https://www.taycanforum.com/forum/t...he-taycan-what-are-you-using.1443/post-200599

Hi there - thanks! Yes - this is exactly the one I got the idea from - I just couldn't figure out how to do the actual modification to the ashtray. These show the "before" and "after" and I haven't been able to figure it out

 

[Hirschaj]

Hi there - thanks! Yes - this is exactly the one I got the idea from - I just couldn't figure out how to do the actual modification to the ashtray. These show the "before" and "after" and I haven't been able to figure it out

@ciaranob can probably explain it to you. He’s on here frequently.

 

[ciaranob]

@ciaranob can probably explain it to you. He’s on here frequently.

Yes apologies but I am under massive pressure to meet some deadlines on research I have been involved with and simply have no time for the Forum at the minute - @G-bow - once I get moment I cn def provide more detail to you - if you can perhaps let me know where you are stuck and I can at least focus a moment not that! Apologies again for the slow follow up.
Cheers, C.

 

[G-bow]

Yes apologies but I am under massive pressure to meet some deadlines on research I have been involved with and simply have no time for the Forum at the minute - @G-bow - once I get moment I cn def provide more detail to you - if you can perhaps let me know where you are stuck and I can at least focus a moment not that! Apologies again for the slow follow up.
Cheers, C.

HI - no worries at all, I’m sorry I didn’t want to bother you - I’m just stuck at the initial step, getting the plastic wing off without damaging the lid. But no worries, I can wait

 

[G-bow]

Yes apologies but I am under massive pressure to meet some deadlines on research I have been involved with and simply have no time for the Forum at the minute - @G-bow - once I get moment I cn def provide more detail to you - if you can perhaps let me know where you are stuck and I can at least focus a moment not that! Apologies again for the slow follow up.
Cheers, C.

@ciaranob , I finally figured it out. Pictures below before buying and mounting the charger. I managed to not do too much damage to it until I figured out how to get it apart (butterknife and then eventually a Dremel required as you said).

For anyone else who might want to know:
1) The entire lid is attached to a collar that makes the lip of the lower cup part. Twist and remove (I didn't know this, and pried it off with a butterknife, but after I had it off I could see it was a twist). The entire inside contents will come out with the lid, and you'll just be left with the empty cup.
2) Carefully separate the lower part of the lid itself from the upper part of the lid, there are a bunch of little snaps/catches that hold them together like a sandwich. Just pry carefully around the perimeter until the ring comes loose.
3) At that point the bottom side of the hinge mechanism will be visible and the attachment points holding the plastic wing with the Porsche logo will be visible (this is normally covered by the bottom of the plastic in the lid). There are 4 spots on the bottom side where they must have melted little plastic catches into holes. I used a Dremel to grind these 4 out. I was then able to separate the wing from the lid.
4) Reassemble the lid pieces by snapping them back together.

Once complete, the wing will be gone and the top of the hinge mechanism will be visible (see picture below). But I expect that stuff will be covered up with the Mag charger when I buy that and bolt it on top.

 

[gkondyl]

A lot of ideas were inspiring and with what I had available I was able to combine the less invasive option that will have maximum efficiency. I am able to charge while maintaining the ashtray capacity for storage/little garbage.
What I used were:

• Original ashtray
• 3m piece of tape
• Belkin MagSafe cover case
• Apple MagSafe charger

 

[Cyberdriver888]

@ciaranob , I finally figured it out. Pictures below before buying and mounting the charger. I managed to not do too much damage to it until I figured out how to get it apart (butterknife and then eventually a Dremel required as you said).

For anyone else who might want to know:
1) The entire lid is attached to a collar that makes the lip of the lower cup part. Twist and remove (I didn't know this, and pried it off with a butterknife, but after I had it off I could see it was a twist). The entire inside contents will come out with the lid, and you'll just be left with the empty cup.
2) Carefully separate the lower part of the lid itself from the upper part of the lid, there are a bunch of little snaps/catches that hold them together like a sandwich. Just pry carefully around the perimeter until the ring comes loose.
3) At that point the bottom side of the hinge mechanism will be visible and the attachment points holding the plastic wing with the Porsche logo will be visible (this is normally covered by the bottom of the plastic in the lid). There are 4 spots on the bottom side where they must have melted little plastic catches into holes. I used a Dremel to grind these 4 out. I was then able to separate the wing from the lid.
4) Reassemble the lid pieces by snapping them back together.

Once complete, the wing will be gone and the top of the hinge mechanism will be visible (see picture below). But I expect that stuff will be covered up with the Mag charger when I buy that and bolt it on top.

Hey
I have done the same ?
Trimmed down the edges on top. Have ordered some 3M 2mm foam pads with adhesive both sides. Plan to cut it to make the foundation even before placing the MagSafe on top.

 

[figure1a]

This works better than the ashtray method: https://nine-volt.com/products/wire...-for-apple-iphone?_pos=1&_sid=a6eb94f4e&_ss=r

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