How To: Zen Micro Car Mount
A Zerosign original project: Make your own Zen Micro car mount.
The Plan: Create a durable and stylish, yet cheap, car mount for the Zen with easy to find items.
The Parts: Two full-size Altoids tins, One big-size plastic paper clamp thing, One can of spray paint, some velcro strips.
Step One: Cut out an area for the audio out connection. For this I used a cutting rotary tool - don’t worry, the sparks won’t hurt you.
Step Two: I solder welded one of the clamp arms to the lid of one of the Altoid lids. Its really ugly, but it’s ok, I’ll cover it up later.
Step Three: I then cut the lid from the other Altoids tin in half and placed it over the soldered lid to cover up the ugliness. Once I was satisfied of where it was sitting I then solder welded the second lid onto the first to hold it in place. In the picture above the second lid was already painted black.
Step Four: I then taped the other arm of the paper clamp to the back of one of the lidless Altoids cases (not shown) and spray painted the whole thing black. After the paint dried, I glued small peices of a mouse pad inside the tin to provide cushioning and protection to the Zen.
Here is a side view to show how the whole mount is put together around the arms of the paper clamp.
Finally, stick the soft side of the velcro strips and the console and stick the hard side to the bottom of the mount. This provides more than enough support for the mount and allows absolutely no slipping around. Insert the Zen snuggly into the holder and enjoy. In the picture you can see the finished project. Not bad for my first attempt, though if someone desired to put more than five bucks into it, I’m sure it could be improved upon. All in all though, I must say the project was a success. I have a customized Zen Micro car mount that definately looks better than simply placing the zen in a cup holder, and it was cheap as dirt to make. Ø
why?
Comment by bob — December 30, 2005 @
Very creative, I did something similar for my iPod.
Good job,
nikosapi
Comment by nikosapi — December 31, 2005 @
because it looks leet
Comment by vlad — December 31, 2005 @
I just clicked on here while LISTENING to my Zen Micro!!! What are the odds?
What is kinda bumming me right now is the fact that I just trashed two Altoids cans about two weeks ago. Was gonna keep em,and thought nah,what could they ever be used for?
But a great idea,and I plan to implement it myself.
Comment by steve — January 1, 2006 @
Just a tip:
Saw off the entire top of the sans-lid portion (the one that houses the Zen), because then you have access to the on/off switch.
Great project, I also added a clip on the side for my FM transmitter.
Comment by Ben — January 14, 2006 @
Things to do with Altoids Tins
Did you ever wonder what you could do with all those empty Altoids tins you have collected? Me neither, but evidently others have contemplated this for us.
Here is a list of 94 funny/wacky things to do with Altoids tins.
Here are some more thing…
Trackback by Candy Addict — March 15, 2006 @
Wat a waste of time you geeks should reall yget a life maybe you should invent a girlfriend and get some action!
Comment by Ryan — October 2, 2006 @
Better mention something about step one, Wear some gogles or those sparks might well hurt you or your eyes.
You only get one pair!
Comment by timberknome — December 27, 2006 @
to look at
Comment by amplifier of car — January 10, 2007 @
Thanks for the automotive tips and information. I also offer some great tips on cars and automotive news on my blog.
Comment by Makabongwe Maseko — January 19, 2007 @
I do agree with you.
Comment by Used Cars — January 21, 2007 @
That’s a good idea
Comment by car audio — January 23, 2007 @
Very nice posting, thank you very muc. Cheers. Michael.
Comment by Tavla — February 11, 2007 @
Just want to say thanks!
Comment by Acura Lens — February 23, 2007 @
Great idea. I will try.
Comment by MJ99 PHP Scripts — March 12, 2007 @
I was kind of dissapointed till i went to a car show and saw that with a bit of innovative skill a semi professional look can be achieved.
great idea.
Andy http://www.bravemain.com
Comment by bath vader — March 16, 2007 @
nesquik choco ))…
Kids love chocolate milk from Nesquik! monopril Have fun online with Quicky the Nesquik bunny….
Trackback by Jutoome strong bones — April 11, 2007 @
hey i think thats a great idea man . good job
Comment by mouseman — May 17, 2007 @
i want one >;)
Comment by zack — May 21, 2007 @
dont we all want one??
, its a great idea, im just too lazy to make one.. u should sell em!
Comment by stever — October 22, 2007 @
ingenious, but would avoid using sardine cans - the whole smell thing.
Comment by paint protection — November 26, 2007 @
I love going to Car Shows!
Comment by Car Shows — December 19, 2007 @
Great Post. I always tend to buy a used car, you lose some much with a new car when you drive it off the forecourt. I always buy a used car within a 12 – 18 months old and always from a dealer so I know it has a good service history.
If you are in the UK and are looking for a used car why not try:
www.autotrader.co.uk
www.ebaymotors.co.uk
www.netcars.co.uk
Comment by Used Cars — December 20, 2007 @
Well Presented
Dzo
http://www.getbestcars.com
Comment by Dzo — February 14, 2008 @
interresting little concept
Comment by fishyman — April 28, 2008 @
Water Car Run on WATER+Fuel. Hydrogen Save Gas=FREE ENERGY!
Comment by cosmosbis — May 2, 2008 @
How To Run A Car On Water…
Most experts will agree this is true….
Trackback by How To Run A Car On Water — August 7, 2008 @
public car auctions…
Excellent post. I will surely drop by again….
Trackback by public car auctions — August 8, 2008 @
Great Post. I always tend to buy a used car, you lose some much with a new car when you drive it off the forecourt. I always buy a used car within a 12 – 18 months old and always from a dealer so I know it has a good service history.
Comment by laptop battery — August 26, 2008 @