Actually, it has the appearance of a housing for a small cone midrange driver, but it's a bit heavy for that. However, it is possible it could be from one of those applications.
Just recently got one installed in my car while I was getting some service work(free install). I thought it was pricey too, but after owning a 430 Spider for eight months and my only complaint was that the car needed a cup holder, my wish was granted. Sure makes my wife happy. I told her it was one of her birthday presents(good timimg). As for the hand brake, it does slightly touch my can of Diet Coke, pushing it aside a tiny bit. But, not a problem. We are happy.
Stand by because tomorrow I am putting mine in my 360. I first have to find a spot for the lighter plug so I can recharge the phone! Pictures to follow.
Here's the deal for a final report. I first removed the ash tray filler, and then removed the screw holding the assembly. I then removed the whole unit and examined the wiring. There is a small light that illuminates the cigarette lighter housing. The wire to that is yellow with a small red stripe. It comes on only when the lights are turned on. There is a single removeable plastic connector. I did remove that. The lighter mechanism has a single plastic connector with two leads. There is a blue wire that is alwys hot (be careful), and there is a black ground wire. This device is always hot. I removed this connector. I removed the cigarette lighter assembly from the whole plastic housing. It is spring loaded. If you hold the front portion and them push in on the metal portion in the rear, you can turn the silver rear metal portion so that the 3 small pins then line up with the 3 larger square holes, and the assembly will come apart. I had intended on relocating the ciragette lighter in the area for the phone cord, but the OEM lighter does not have ground leads up high enough to contact the ground pins for my Verizon power cord. So, I could not use this lighter socket for my purposes anyway. I then decided to dispense with the lighter, and I moved the two plastic plugs aside, inserted the cup holder, and then secured it in place. Itis fantastic, and there is negligible contact with a soda can to the brake handle. My plan is to install a different cigarette lighter unit under the dash below the radio area at a later date. Opinion: This was a bit pricey for a plastic device, but it fits beautifully, looks OEM in absolutely every respect, and it's definitely serving an important purpose at least for me! Two thumbs up!
So here's the interesting twist to the cup holder issue. As I have been working on the issue of relocating the cigarette lighter, I think I have found another spot for a cup holder! Now we could have two. I'll post pictures later of the presently installed cup holder.
Has anybody else read through this and considered it just a little bit "sad"? Or is it just me? Enzo must be spinning in his grave!!!!
This is one funny thread. First there was attack / defence on pricing. Then the product was shown and everyone thought it came from Kmart. Finally, there maybe place for a second cup! What a twist. I think Hollywood should make a movie or sitcom about this! LOL
I saw this cup holder at its various stages of development. Kevin Wright is a very high end custom stereo installer for exotic cars (for example, he does Jay Leno's work). Over the last 2 years, I have had the privledge of having him install several fantastic stereo and radar detection systems in my cars. Each time that I came into his shop, he would show me the current progress of his cup holder design. To his credit, he identifed a common Ferrari shortcoming, and found a custom solution. I assure you that the lousy $150 serves to cover his overhead, and will make no dent in his personal finances. If its too expensive, don't buy it. But, it you want a simple and elegant design that works, its cheap at twice the price. Tim
"But, it you want a simple and elegant design that works, its cheap at twice the price" Absolutely correct and well stated. It works just fine.
I have all of Kevin's contact info at my office. I'll check Tuesday AM to see if he does, and if I do not have one for him, I'll call him for you to get it. It's definitely worth it. You look at that panel once it's installed and you'd think it came with the car! It works great. If it's easier, I can purchase it from him for you and then send it to you. Kevin may not want to get involved shipping overseas, but I can do that for you.
