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MG MGF Technical - Lighter socket in boot of MGF ?

Hey All,

I have one of those little cooler units which runs off a car lighter socket. I was thinking about putting in the boot of my "F" just in case I break down one day and need a beer to calm my nerves !

Anyway, I was trying to work out a way to put a 12 volt lighter socket in the boot. It's a little beyond me and though I'd ask you guys.

Anyone got some ideas or tips ?

Cheers

Sonny
Sonny Foster

Sonny,

I'll let one of our resident electrical whizz kids explain how to connect up the plug. However, the mini fridge that I have specifically says not to run it in a closed boot. I presume that the enclosed space will quickly heat up and may not give the cold (coolish) air supply that the unit requires.
David Clelland

I agree with David - these little coolers give off an enormous amount of heat AND the boot is hot enough already PLUS remember they (the coolers) will only reduce a certain number of degrees (about 20) of the ambient temperature so you will probably end up with warm beer!
Ted Newman

I wonder if you can get a 12v portable version of those white wine instant flash coolers you see in Oddbins etc... Chill a bottle of white wine in about 30 seconds or something !
Alex T

I ought to be pretty straightforward to do Sonny - one decision you need to make is whether you want it to be always live, or switched to the ignition.

Regarding location, I think that the guys are probably right - the rear luggage compartment is probably not idea. However, the front 'boot' compartment is probably far more ideal - it isn't sealed and has some ventilation. Better still, because the battery is also in there, it is an easy wiring job to place an accessory power socket- probably mounted on the front bulkhead shroud.

No idea as to the dimensions of the mini fridge you intend to fit - that may be the sticking point for you. But I am sure that where there is a will, there is a way! :o)
Rob Bell

These Mini Fridges are ideal and I certainly endorse the "Do Not Run In Boot" recommendation.
MGR did one which was on offer at Silversone a couple of years ago. I have one of these and found a suitable mains adaptor. The cooler is filled and run in the hotel room overnight. This is sufficient for a cold beer all day without running it.
For the more serious day, we have a Large Cooler Box which straps to the Boot Luggage Rack with the cable under the HardTop seal to the Cigar Lighter. This is good for the beer, wine and BBQ steaks.
Geoff F.
G. Farthing

Sonny,

If you break down just walk to the nearest pub and have a cold Guinness instead. It's a lot less trouble! ;-)


Cheers,
Branko.
Branko

Rob,

Sensational idea - put it in the front boot ! Might look at doing that this weekend.

Easy access to the battery makes life very easy. Now,I just have to work out how I get it connected to the ignition rather than directly to the battery ?

Branko,

I agree that walking to the local might be a little easier for that beer, but let's face it - in Australia most (not all) people think someone driving a nice "F" is a w#!ker !

How cool would it be to break down and pull a cold one out from the front of the car. Nothing says "Now that guy is cool no matter what".

Don't get me wrong, I don't want the "F" to break down on me, but I do like to be prepared ;-)

Thanks for the advice all.

Cheers

Sonny
Sonny Foster

Sonny, you'll want an in-line fused power supply from the ignition. Have a look at Dieter's webpage (http://www.mgfcar.de) which has the electrical diagrams, so see whether there is a 'local' power supply you can pick up from. Either that, or run an extension from the existing cigar lighter in the cabin. There is a gromet in the bulkhead panel that could be used to take this power cable.

Good luck with this project.

There's an advert in the UK for an Australian lager that goes along the lines: "Australians couldn't give a Castlemaine XXXX" which would be appropriate to your breakdown senario! ROFL
Rob Bell

I can see aussies not getting on with the F. More of a ute culture? Is that how its spelt Sonny?
Practical manly cars etc etc. Just look at the Monaro- albeit not a ute.

Still I love the fridge idea. I drove to Jerez from Dorset with my best friend and if we had thought of that.....

Imagine driving through the spanish plains in an F with a cold beer and the wind in the hair. (i am a passenger in this scenario!)

P66DDY
Paddy

This thread was discussed between 08/06/2005 and 10/06/2005

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