mdkxtreme

All credit goes to this guy in this post:

el cheapo rearview mirror mount for passport 9500ix -

I bought a radar detector for $30 bucks. It was on some kind of clearance sale so I had to jump on it. Been holding off on using it because I don't like the look of a suction mount. Searched online for a rear view mirror mount and saw that it could go up to $35. I'm like eff that shit.

So I searched and saw the post above. My first impression was like, no fuken way that could work. So I tried it myself. Went to a local bike shop. Asked for a bicycle reflector thingy. Girl brought out a box full of them. I took one and she didn't charge me a thing . Went to home depot to by some nuts, bolts, screws, and washer. Came out to be less than two dollars.

My next move is make a wire to hardwire it into the rear view mirror

Btw, that fuzzy thing in the ring is just a padding because the ring was too big for the rear view mirror arm. This padding makes the mount fit like a glove.

nj2pa2nc

very nice-
since I drive thru Va often I do not have a radar detector-they are illegal there.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Good shit!
I think I'll have to try this for my 9500ix.

DuckDodgers

2 problems, 1 comment:

1) Some states use laws on "obstructing a forward window" to harass radar detector users...that mount location is too obvious. Mount is too low, higher is better for detectors. That's why I mount behind the top tint stripe on the window...hard for police to see, and...

2) Too obvious for theft. Even an empty clip is just asking for a smashed window...that's why I mount high and (almost) invisible.

Comment: Cobra detectors are useful, but not nearly as effective as the V1 or Escort models. They run about 3-4 years behind in range...so understanding that limit, drive accordingly.

mdkxtreme

1) This can easily be fixed by mounting the clip higher. I can just bolt it in the hole closest to the swivel. If that it still too low, I can drill a hole at a higher position and cut any remaining "slack"

I don't get this law as people use suction cup mounts for their GPS and such. Please elaborate.

2) What is the difference between this and any other radar detector mounts? The popular BlendMount positions the radar detector the same way as this. Which, by the way, costs around 80 bucks.

But for a solution to your concern, if I were to use a thumb screw instead of a regular philips type screw, I can easily remove the whole mount in less than 30 seconds.

I'm not the type to speed because I'm wreck-less. I'm a pretty responsible driver. Like posted before, I jumped on this unit because it retails for $170, lowest I could find online so far is $100 brand new. I got it for $30 just for the hell of it

Simba91102

Good tip if anyone has a problem with the suction mount. My Valentine snugs up nicely on the right side of the rear view mirror so I don't quite understand the concern, but..... to each their own. About the only downside I see is that as a $2 detector mount, it looks like a...... $2 detector mount.

DuckDodgers

Most states have laws prohibiting the obstruction of a clear view...most laws are never used, but can be, if you annoy the officer. California changed it's prohibition of windshield mounted GPS units in 2009, but still has rules about their location.

My V1 has a suction pad moount that I use to mount over the top of the drivers side of the rearview mirror. Combine that with a dedicated hidden power wire, and it's almost invisible...and is when I'm parked.

Check your local police department to see how smash and grabs run in your area. Areas with lots of computers and GPS units get hit all the time. They look for mounts, suction cup marks, laptops on seats, etc.

That's fine, just commenting on the unit's limitations...just like commenting on the fact that often a poor unit mounted high beats an expensive unit mounted low. I like your idea, just not the location (hanging wide open and lower than the mirror).

Euro R

Thanks for sharing your DIY!
I am going to DIY it ASAP, cz I hate those suction cups.
Do you have instructions on how to make a wire into the rear view mirror?

mdkxtreme

I'll post a DIY on that once I get the parts in!

DuckDodgers

Suggest NOT wiring into mirror. I used a piggy back fuse mount in the kickpanel fuse box, and ran the wire under the trim to the header and then under the windshield trim to the mirror.

luder917

iTrader: (1)

^^^why not? i have mine connected to the mirror for over a year with no problem. i have a TL though but same thing right?

mdkxtreme

Please elaborate again?

DuckDodgers

I used an Add-a-circuit fuse connector (it's a plug-in piece that allows two fuses in one fuse socket) and ran the wire up and around. I did this because, on sale, it leaves no cut wires or slices. I can check for the number of the fuse I used, but it's in a previous DIY on the TSX forum.

mdkxtreme

I know how to run the wire down and tap into the fuse box.

I just want to know why you would be against tapping into the rear-view mirror .

ahbaklikeu

nice. i have the bike mount and gonna go to homedepot and pick up some screws and stuff. i have a short one so hopefully i can mount it near the tinted. Thanks!

DuckDodgers

Why tap when you can do an invisible connection? Also, the Add-a-circuit will not work loose or short.

mdkxtreme

Why do an invisible connection when you can tap?

See my point there?

Look, so far thank you for your advice and concerns. But seriously this whole time you talk like your method is THE method and nothing else. There are alternatives. Just like there are 1000 ways to light a fire; doesn't matter how you create it, as long as there's fire, you did it right.

DuckDodgers

Oh, I agree about there being different ways, but just watch your mirror vibrate over bumps and when playing loud music. Those vibrations are also hitting the wires in that area. Your aftermarket mod, depending on which tap method you use, will likely work loose over time. A loose wire on a radar detector is a ticket waiting to happen.

I'm just saying.

BTW, of the 1000 ways to light a fire, about 10 are easy/safe/practical. Just because you CAN light a fire with a can of gasoline and a flare pistol, doesn't make it a good idea.

I provided my reason, the fuse box connection won't work loose...just because you didn't like the first part of my response, doesn't allow you to ignore the second part and question me like I didn't say it. Read the whole thing, then respond if you desire.

You posted this, we commented...there were suggestions for improvement (in the submitters mind), there were questions as to how to do something, and there was discussion of the whole thing. If you don't want discussion, post and request no discussion or just don't post.

Simba91102

http://www.invisicord.com

The only thing you need to pull power from the mirror for your radar detector. It looks professional, and after years of use, it hasn't come loose yet (and it if did, so what. Just stick the pins back into the plug). Why anyone would fool around running wires down to the fuse panel is beyond me....