Invisible Garage Door Remote

One time we left our car parked outside the garage and a thief smashed a window to get to the garage door remote. Then they opened the garage and stole some bikes. So I decided to hide the remote by building it into the car’s ashtray. It works by touching a hidden button under the ashtray's handle. It’s very convenient to find the button by feel instead of looking for the remote control.

a small momentary switch (from a toy or surplus)

2 alligator clips

wire

solder

hot glue

Tools:

soldering iron

drill

file

screwdriver

Pry it open with a screwdriver. Remove the guts. Locate the switch that opens the door.

A small piece of wire with an alligator clip should be soldered to each contact of the main switch.

Drill a hole where you want the button to be. Enlarge the hole with a file until your momentary switch fits and can be operated well.

This involves some trial and error to get it positioned right. Start by tacking it in place. Then check the action. When it's good add some more glue to the inside until it is firmly connected.

Attach an alligator clip to each of the switch's wires.

Replace the ashtray, 007. You’re good to go.