distortedolskool

iTrader: (1)

had an idea for the mute button switch for my escort 8500. i'm sure it's not the first but o well. all thats left is to glue the chip in and reinstall the panel. might drill out the led holes some more depending on light output.
wow $30 and it's apart in less than 1 minute


attack of the dremel


DONE!

BigLizard

Cool.

dave_88

oohh, nice.

jproy

well done. where is the rest of it?

superfob

Stealthly outfitted. Mad props.
Maybe you could do a write for those of us who might want to give it a go as well.

fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

Cool, I have my Bass knob there.

Lord Helmet

Cool. But yeah, where's the rest of the unit?

discstu347

mind posting more pics of how it was done?

gaping46and2

iTrader: (2)

me too

CL-S 6MT

Mine is located where the Traction control button is suppose to its very conveniant and looks good,And the X50 is hardwired to the Autodim mirror. I cant take any pictures my car is currently in the body shop.

cltypeSLOW

obviously the rest of the unit is up on the windshield guys...

i like how that came out we need to do mine now

distortedolskool

iTrader: (1)

WARNING! I dumb'd it down for the customizing noobs.

1. Order your new Escort Directwire Kit for $30 and enjoy the feeling like you just got raped for a few wires and some plastic with lights on it.

2. Get out your Phillips screwdriver, screw gun, drill bits, and Dremel (or similar) with cutoff blade.

3. Rip open your brand new kit and remove the screw from the mute button remote switch. The unit then comes apart pretty easy.


4. Pull off the fuse box cover on the driver side of the dashboard and remove the lone screw holding the lower plastic panel on.


5. This panel then just snaps off but don’t forget to unplug the dimmer switch.

6. Unscrew the blank plastic plug and remove.


7. Whip out the Dremel with cutoff blade and go to town on the center plastic piece. I also used some needle nose pliers to get the bottom remains out.

8. Using the cutoff blade in the Dremel make 2 cuts below the guides on the side of the plug. Attempt to insert the chip out of the remote into the plug and you can line up where the cuts need to be. Center the mute button and lights on the plug.


9. Once the slots are cut the chip will begin to slide in. Mark where the mute button lines up at and center it. Note the depth of the side slots.


10. Peel off the sticker on the remote and use this as your guide for the hole placement. I used a needle to mark the centers.

11. Use a ¼” bit for the mute button and 3/16” for the LEDs. You will have to rotate the plastic plug on the bite to broaden the holes somewhat. This just takes time to keep trying the chip and re-drilling to get it right.

12. Once the mute button stops sticking you will notice that the LEDs do not come all the way through the plug. This is due to the chip being sideways. When you are test fitting you will notice that if you push the chip in to far the mute button will not work (make note of this for when you glue the chip in). Finesse the depth of the side slots and holes until you get it how you want it.

13. Get out the epoxy or super glue gel and set the chip into the plug, making sure not to press it in to hard or the button will not work.


14. Read the directions on how to install the wiring for your Directwire Kit and reinstall all screws into the panel.

This is the end for now because I haven’t gone any further.

AustinLegend420

NICE kevin! looks like some creative stuff. i had no idea you even had a radar detector. but nice Mod man. mad props!

R6BRI

nice work. Got an idea, how bout taking the escort sticker off the plug (one that says mute, alert, and on) and stick over the custom area you did.

thatcrazyjames

That would look pretty tite if that works. I just bought a 8500 and thinking about doing the same mod.

distortedolskool

iTrader: (1)

I thought about that but on the original button that area is recessed to help keep the sticker on. On the custom plug button it isn't and the sticker would want to come off easily.

Sun Diego CL-S

nice. a little handy-work of your own make the results even sweeter. i may have to use this if i decide to not get a V1.

discstu347

i dont understand what the "Dremel to make 2 cuts below the guides on the side of the plug" is for. why do it? care to explain to me?

distortedolskool

iTrader: (1)

Once you pull out the chip with the button and LEDs on it you will notice that everything is mounted on it at an angle. Upon trying to insert the chip into the acura plastic plug you'll notice that the chip is too large and the slots need to be cut so that the chip slides all the way in and the button and LEDs can stick through. PM me anytime if you have anymore questions.

I'll post a picture of the chip installed in the plastic plug when I get home.