This gadget is a 17mm ball mount ‘clip’ for a Satellite Navigation for a traditional Morgan’s rolled-rim dash top.
The plastic clip is slid over the rounded leather profile above the dashboard to provide a standard 17mm ball mount for a Sat. Nav.
The project finished prototype testing phase June 2023 and is available to Morgan enthusiasts in the UK. The design, featuring a quick release pin for the ball, is shown in the following images
Discussions about this can be viewed on Morgan Talk Website. Please check their forum guide before posting.
Design
The detachable design means that other sizes of ball can be produced for those wishing to use a size other than the 17mm standard (e.g. 1/4″, 25mm).
Please also note that because of the ‘hand built’ variable nature of Morgans, this is specifically designed for traditional Morgan models such as the 4/4, Plus 4 and Plus 8. The geometry of the profile at the top of the dash has to be the same which may or may not be the case with later Morgan models so do check before ordering. An affordable digital vernier or profile gauge makes this an easy job. And the diameter should be around 45mm as shown in the following picture (thanks Nick):
For the first version of this clip, a thin strip of material was included with each order to prevent the highly textured nylon from chafing the Morgan’s leather profile.
The current version (road tested for me on his Plus 4 by Nick in March 2024) is made using very smooth ABS for the clip and carbon reinforced nylon for the detachable ball and pin. No leather protection is therefore needed.
Smart Phones
Although this gadget was designed to provide a 17mm ball mount for Garmins etc, it is possible to find a suitable smart phone cradle with a 17mm socket from various online stores in the UK.
Morgan Owner Reviews
Delighted
Saw this gadget on the Talk Morgan Forum and it looked just what I needed to mount my ‘phone cradle on the dashboard of my 2019 Plus 4. Comms with Mark were first class from the off and the gadget arrived in a couple of days. It simply mounts the ‘phone cradle at any point on the dashboard and can easily be moved. It holds the ‘phone securely even over the ‘bumps’. A first class innovation and ‘fit for purpose’ solution. Highly recommended and well done to all concerned in its conception and production. Absolutely delighted with the gadget.
How To Order
Orders are printed on demand and sent via 2nd class Royal Mail in small cardboard boxes.
Although I’ve had enquiries from other countries, I’m currently only selling to within the UK (thanks Brexit) and to Classic Plus 4 Morgan owners . All customer details and payments are handled by Stripe. I do not accept cash, BACS or cheques.
Just email me using sales at morgan-gadgets.com to confirm you are a Classic +4 Morgan owner and ask me to make one. Once I’ve made one I will create a one-time payment link to send you similar to the example below. The Stripe link expires in a couple of days and is just for your single purchase.
Motivation
Please note that this project has been done as a favour to the Morgan enthusiasts via Morgan owner and friend ‘Nick’ and the modest charge for the gadget barely covers the overhead costs of hours of 3D printing (5 hours of electricity, expensive filament, packaging and particularly my time: I have to print each part individually and manually change polymers between the ball and clip prints.). For my part, I have gained far more 3D design and printing experience along the way.
Blog Update Notes
Please see all updates for this project in the following posts: