Custom GPS Mount

[Cornfed]

I recently purchased a Magellan Maestro 3140 with bluetooth and TTS, after playing with it I found I didn't care for the suction cup window mount. I had mounted a RAM 1" ball mount on the dash of my last SUV that worked great so I figured I would give it a try with the T4R.

After removing the JBL system and center speaker grill I found that the speaker bracket had enough room to install a modified RAM mount. I had several mounts but they all had large bases that would not fit, and they were too short. I cut one of the balls from its base, drilled and tapped it to fit a bolt so I could shim it to the correct height

Pic without speaker or grill. I used thick nylon washers so I could trim some away to place it closer to the speaker. I had to trim a notch about 1/8" in the dash to fit.

After mounting the ball I then took measurements and used a dremel to cut a notch in the speaker grill for the stalk to pass through.

I modified a 3140 vent mount, $10, to fit the other end of the RAM mount, they can be bought, 2 parts, for about $50.

Finished product

3140 mounted, drivers view

3140 side view of mount

The RAM mount releases quickly allowing me to easily switch to my 11 year old Lowrance GlobalMap 100 for topography mapping whenever needed. It may be only one color, but it still works great.

 

[brad6841]

That is sweet......:biggrin2:

 

[Uneek]

Job well done, very clean install.

 

[atomic punk]

Very cool indeed.

Where are all the wires?

 

[Cornfed]

Thanks for the compliments. The 3140 only needs power.

I reconfigured my XM Radio Roady XT installation this week because I wasn't happy with the vent mount.

I used the blank filler next to the tach to mount a cut down base, once it

 

[Ryanmb21]

This is very cool! I might have to copy.

I do have a question, would the location where you put your satelite radio work for GPS?

I was thinking of doing the same thing you did with the center/dash mount right where you put your satelite radio.

Do you think that would work?

thanks!

 

[Ryanmb21]

This is very cool! I might have to copy.

I do have a question, would the location where you put your satelite radio work for GPS?

I was thinking of doing the same thing you did with the center/dash mount right where you put your satelite radio.

Do you think that would work?

thanks!

 

[Cornfed]

I don't think the filler plate will hold a gps without some type of re-enforcement. You could put a screw in the filler and thread it thru some type of plate behind the dash hole for more strength.

You shouldn't have any problem with signal acquisition, I've used my unit resting in the 12v outlet cubby without any problems. Mine has the sirf3 chip that even works while I'm under the house.

Good luck