The HVAC is semi-automatic, I just leave it on auto and adjust the temp, works quite well. I guess it doesn't really matter which side the fag lighter is on but it's the first car stereo I've had that has the volume knob on the right (correct) side for us

The pocket is just one I picked up from the local auto spares shop (Halfords but don't tell anyone) and I attacked it with the Dremel