Anyone Hardwire a Radar Detector yet?

[McGruder]

The Blendmount installation with the hardwire to the auto-dimming mirror looks really clean.

Does anyone have a picture of their radar detector installed below the mirror (say with the Blendmount) from a little further back, where I can see the whole, or at least most of the windshield? I'd like to get a perspective on what the radar detector does to overall visibility out of the windshield.

Also, is it conceivable (enough room to install level) to install something as large as the Escort Passport 9500 ix above the mirror using the suction cup mounts?? Is there anything wrong with using suction cup mounts??

Thanks in advance...

 

[SeattleMike]

Also, is it conceivable (enough room to install level) to install something as large as the Escort Passport 9500 ix above the mirror using the suction cup mounts?? Is there anything wrong with using suction cup mounts??

Thanks in advance...

The checkering they put on the windshield to reduce glare around the mirror is actually on the glass. The suction cups will have a hard time sticking.

 

[McGruder]

The checkering they put on the windshield to reduce glare around the mirror is actually on the glass. The suction cups will have a hard time sticking.

Yeah, I wasn't sure because I actually have my EZ-Pass in a suction cup mount on the checkering, and it seems fine. The weight of the detector might be too much for the suction cups on the checkered windshield. Would still love to see the pictures of the mount below the mirror showing most of the windshield.

 

[LWN]

It's really negligible. I don't even notice it's there.

I guess suction cup mounts are ok, but I wouldn't use them with the invisicord because they will fall off occasionally. It's just a question of how clean looking you want the install to be - either will work.

<a href="http://s748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/lnordmann/?action=view&current=DSC00207.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/lnordmann/DSC00207.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[McGruder]

LWN - I'm very comfortable mounting under the mirror now with a Blendmount kit. Thanks for the picture, that's the perspective I was looking for.

 

[fitzgerb]

Escort passport 9500 hard wired with escort suction mount

I wanted a better suction device because the little suction cups kept coming loose, especially with hot days. I bought this new 20 dollar suction mount from the escort website and its very sturdy. I had looked at the alternatives that were mentioned, but 100 was quite expensive. I used the hard wire kit from escort, and ran it across the top of the windshield, down the pillar and into the fuse box.

 

[huskernation]

you guys have inspired me for my first mod. Ordered blend mount and kit to hardwire into autodim mirror. I ordered 12" cord. This is actually the first vehicle I have ever owned that I haven't wanted to immediately change something. Toyota did a great job with this one.

 

[huskernation]

Got the Val 1 hooked up today. Looks great, took about 30 minutes to figure it all out, now I want to do it to my wife's car, should take about 10 minutes. very easy and worth the money. Thanks for the detailed post, that helped so much.

 

[RyanE]

I wanted a better suction device because the little suction cups kept coming loose, especially with hot days. I bought this new 20 dollar suction mount from the escort website and its very sturdy. I had looked at the alternatives that were mentioned, but 100 was quite expensive. I used the hard wire kit from escort, and ran it across the top of the windshield, down the pillar and into the fuse box.

I have a hard time believing that setup doesn't interfere with everyday visibility. I routinely have to look around the rear-view mirror to see other vehicles at stoplights and stopsigns...I can't imagine having something blocking my view 2 inches below it.

Move the whole setup down another inch to get the detector level, and you're gonna have visibility problems unless you're < 5' 4".

Nice choice on the Escort detector, though.

 

[fitzgerb]

I haven't noticed any visabilty issues, but your right. Anything on your windshield will potentially block something or someone. I have heard that some places make windshield mounting illegal

 

[ArcticEd]

Finally wired the 9500i this afternoon. I used the $20 "SuperCup" mount method instead of the blend mount - couldn't stomach the price tag. I wanted to be able to use the SmartCord that comes with the Escort (instead of reaching up to mute it) so I bought the hardwire kit for $30.

Had to take most of the dash apart but it was educational. Ran the plug end up the RH pillar, under the headliner, and down the mirror mount. Ran the mute button into the back of the cubby under the AC and mounted it right next to the AUX input.

After taking out the radio, glove compartment, passenger knee airbag, AC controls, and a lot of the center console box I'm ashamed to say that the hardest part was 4 small phillips screws that help hold the plastic under the cubby in place. They were just about frickin impossible to get out & back in. I had to leave two of them out because I don't have a screwdriver with a 90-degree neck (tomorrow's purchase). Those two screws are underneath part of the plastic frame and you can't even get a stubby screwdriver on them!

 

[fitzgerb]

Silence button mount

Decided to install the remote silence button in the blank to the left of the steering wheel

 

[DennisW]

Decided to install the remote silence button in the blank to the left of the steering wheel

I like it! I am going to totally steal your idea this weekend instead of cleaning out the garage like I am supposed to...

Dennis.

 

[fitzgerb]

remote silence

Dennis, I did have to sand down the top and bottom so I could force it into that blank. Please post pics when you get done.

 

[BR3WER]

Blendmount.com - Radar Detector Mount For Toyota


I'm assuming we have the "all other mirror" type mirror on the T4R? I have my SR5 on the way, and want to have some things waiting to install. I have a STI Driver with wired smart plug ready to put in.

 

[DennisW]

Dennis, I did have to sand down the top and bottom so I could force it into that blank. Please post pics when you get done.

Will do, but it might be awhile since I actually did clean out the garage this past weekend... Well partially.

Dennis.

 

[shilly]

1st Post. The first thing I usually do with a new car is hardwire the Valentine 1. My question relates to the Blendmount. The back-up monitor in my rear-view mirror includes a bundle of wires that do not appear to be able to fit in the Blendmount. Would you just remove the clip an zip-tie the wire bundle around the Blendmount?

I will probably hard-wire it and use the suction cups for the time being. That is what I had to do with my FJ and my LS430 since they had screwy rear-view mirrors.

Has anyone done this that can take and post a picture? I did not want to waste $75 if it was not a good option with T4R rear-view mirror monitor.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[kingpin748]

1st Post. The first thing I usually do with a new car is hardwire the Valentine 1. My question relates to the Blendmount. The back-up monitor in my rear-view mirror includes a bundle of wires that do not appear to be able to fit in the Blendmount. Would you just remove the clip an zip-tie the wire bundle around the Blendmount?

I will probably hard-wire it and use the suction cups for the time being. That is what I had to do with my FJ and my LS430 since they had screwy rear-view mirrors.

Has anyone done this that can take and post a picture? I did not want to waste $75 if it was not a good option with T4R rear-view mirror monitor.

Thanks,
Steve

I've got my V1 hardwired with the suction cups. I think the blendmount puts it to low. The suction cups keep it right up above the rear view.

 

[shilly]

I've got my V1 hardwired with the suction cups. I think the blendmount puts it to low. The suction cups keep it right up above the rear view.

Thanks for the comment, Kingpin. That is probably the way I will keep it. I will post info if I come up with any great revelations while installing.

 

[ArcticEd]

I sort of like having the suction cup instead of the blendmount. Not just for the $50 price difference, but for the fact that I can take the suction cup & my old lighter cord with me for rental cars.