Avery
Meet Avery Colburn, the mastermind behind one of our most popular products, the Door E-Cubby. With a lifelong passion for flying inherited from his balloon pilot parents, Avery’s journey into the skies led him to discover the versatile world of paramotors. In 2020, he made the switch, trading in his supercharged Civic for a 2008 Element that could seamlessly accommodate his airborne adventures.
A full-time electronics installer for both automobiles and mobile homes, Avery specializes in a spectrum of enhancements. From car alarms to cutting-edge sound systems, remote starts, and power systems, including solar installations, Avery’s expertise extends across the automotive and mobile living landscapes.
Drawing on a decade of experience in 3D printing and fueled by a desire to unlock the full potential of his Element, Avery embarked on a mission. Leveraging his skills in car electronics installation, he began tinkering and crafting upgrades and modifications for his beloved E.
Avery’s ingenuity extends beyond the Door E-Cubby. He has designed and built a repertoire of custom lighting features for the Element, showcasing his commitment to enhancing every aspect of the driving experience. From transforming fog light switches to turning side markers into turn signals, creating a service light for under the hood, to adding puddle lights – Avery’s contributions elevate the Element’s functionality and aesthetics.
His dedication to innovation and meticulous craftsmanship is evident in each product he develops. Avery Colburn continues to push boundaries, offering Element DIY Designs a valuable partnership that brings cutting-edge enhancements to the Honda Element community. As he soars in the skies and navigates the roads, Avery’s passion for creating seamless and personalized driving experiences shines through in every upgrade and modification he brings to life.
E-Dash Dock | Side Kick Mounting Base
Auxiliary Side Mount for Lightweight Devices
Product Overview
The Side Kick is a side-mounted accessory bracket designed to keep your phone or other small device within easy reach—without cluttering the center of your Honda Element dash.
This 3D-printed, clip-on mount installs on either side of the factory radio bezel. Its snap-on design, reinforced with automotive-grade 3M VHB tape, provides a secure, vibration-resistant fit while maintaining a low-profile, OEM-friendly appearance. The Side Kick delivers the same modular mounting flexibility as the E-Dash Dock, simply repositioned to the side of the dash.
What’s Included / What’s Not Included
Included
- 1× 3D-printed Side Kick mounting base
- Pre-applied automotive-grade 3M VHB tape
- Cleaned, inspected, and bagged part
Not Included
This product provides the mounting point only.
- ❌ Ball mounts
- ❌ Phone holders or cradles
- ❌ Hardware for attaching accessories
Optional add-on kits are available to complete your setup.
Key Features
- Clip-on installation — no drilling or permanent modifications
- Reinforced with automotive-grade 3M VHB tape for added stability
- Two integrated 1/4-20 threaded inserts for flexible positioning
- Compatible with the E-Dash Dock mounting ecosystem
- Low-profile, OEM-friendly appearance
- Fully removable if needed
Load & Use Notes
The Side Kick is designed for lightweight devices only.
Recommended: phones and small accessories
Not recommended: large tablets, heavy multi-arm setups, or long extension arms
For heavier or load-bearing setups, use the Command Panel. For center-dash mounting, the E-Dash Dock remains the correct choice.
Compatibility & Fitment
- Designed for OEM Honda Element radio bezels only
- Not recommended for aftermarket or non-OEM trim pieces
Bezel Styles
Honda Elements use two radio bezel styles:
- Smooth bezel — no lower bump
- Bumped bezel — raised lower lip at the bottom
Side Kick mounts are side-specific and bezel-specific. Left and right orientation is referenced from the driver’s seat.
How to Choose Your Side Kick Mount and Optional Kit
Follow the steps below to configure the correct Side Kick setup for your Element.
Step 1: Choose the Mount Location
- Driver side
- Passenger side
- Both sides
Step 2: Select Your Bezel Style
- Smooth bezel
- Bumped bezel
Step 3: Choose the Mount Style (Add-On)
Direct Mount (17mm)
A rigid, arm-free setup using a 17mm ball mounted directly to the Side Kick bracket. This configuration prioritizes compatibility and simplicity and is required for certain mounts.
Extension Mount (25mm Arm)
Adds a Robust™ 2.75" articulating arm using a 25mm ball system, then adapts down to 17mm at the device. This option provides additional reach and adjustability and is especially useful around large aftermarket screens or custom dash layouts.
Step 4: Choose a Device Holder (Add-On)
- Slim-Grip® — Spring-loaded cradle for most smartphones
- Magnetic Phone Holder — Fast on/off mounting for lightweight phones (17mm required)
- MagSafe Charging RoadVise® — MagSafe-compatible mount (direct mount requires 17mm; charging puck and cable not included)
Compatible Add-ons (Recommended)
- Mounting balls: 17mm (Direct Mount), 25mm (Extension Mount)
- Mounting arms: short, single-joint arms up to 2.75"
- Accessories: action cameras (short arm only), small GPS units, lightweight radios
Avoid long arms and heavy accessories
FAQ — Will This Work with Aftermarket Head Units?
Yes — as long as your radio bezel is OEM or securely fastened to the vehicle.
The Side Kick mounts to the radio bezel itself, not directly to the dash structure. If your bezel is factory OEM (even with an aftermarket head unit installed), you’re good to go.
Some aftermarket bezel kits use lighter plastic or weaker attachment points. If the bezel isn’t firmly secured to the dash, the mount may feel unstable.
If your bezel feels solid when you press on it, the Side Kick will perform as intended.