DIY dashboard accessory mount

[RoofRack]

I made a simple mounting plate for phone mounts and radios and even an iPad for the dashboard of my 1999 4Runner.

I used a piece of 22 ga sheet metal from home depot and cut it to size with tin snips.

Here it is without anything on it. The silver ball is a Nite-Ize Steeling phone mount.

It has to clear the hazard light switch.

For stability, I used a strip of sheet metal attached to the dash with velcro. The black tape is 3m vinyl wrap. Both the 3m adhesive tape and the 3m velcro tape is SUPER STICKY and will ruin or leave residue on anything. The vinyl wrap is super adhesive, but releases really well.

If you're interested, I made a video of how I made it:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wm_LnbTwPM&t=16s


-M

 

[csp]

You don't own a file to clean up those cut edges?

 

[RoofRack]

You don't own a file to clean up those cut edges?

They're clean enough that they won't cut your finger if you run it along the edge. I used a grinder, file and sandpaper.

 

[Tyler James Inc]

You don't own a file to clean up those cut edges?

You don't have any manners?
Watch the video, and you'll see he used a file for his "final draft".
While not my style, nice job on the mounting solution [emoji1360]

The part of the video I found most interesting is the way you use the handle to open your door [emoji23] I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I go from the rear, while you pull from the front.

 

[RoofRack]

You don't have any manners?
Watch the video, and you'll see he used a file for his "final draft".
While not my style, nice job on the mounting solution [emoji1360]

The part of the video I found most interesting is the way you use the handle to open your door [emoji23] I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I go from the rear, while you pull from the front.

Thanks.

I'll have to review the tape on door handle operation...

-M

 

[RoofRack]

While not my style, nice job on the mounting solution [emoji1360]

I have access to a 3d Printer. Maybe I'll try to think of a way to print it.

 

[albertschmitz]

Nicely done, if you go the 3D version I would be interested in one. Makes great use of the small dash close windshield design of the Runner

 

[rkntoy]

I have access to a 3d Printer. Maybe I'll try to think of a way to print it.

I like solutions that don't require drilling.

I have some prototypes that are probably never going to be redone because they just keep working.

 

[RoofRack]

I like solutions that don't require drilling.

I have some prototypes that are probably never going to be redone because they just keep working.

Same here. When I built my prototype I cut the hazard button notch on the wrong end. But now I use that a a nest for the CB handset. So It's a feature, not a fault!

-M

 

[dhphamqc]

Same here. When I built my prototype I cut the hazard button notch on the wrong end. But now I use that a a nest for the CB handset. So It's a feature, not a fault!

-M

Give us prototype and I may buy it.

 

[csp]

They're clean enough that they won't cut your finger if you run it along the edge. I used a grinder, file and sandpaper.

You don't have any manners?

Lets put it this way. The photos displayed don't look what I'd consider a finished product. And no, I didn't look at the video. Didn't need a video to understand how such a simple piece is made. I saw pictures of what I thought were completed pieces. If they weren't the final, there was no way to know that.

 

[RoofRack]

Lets put it this way. The photos displayed don't look what I'd consider a finished product. And no, I didn't look at the video. Didn't need a video to understand how such a simple piece is made. I saw pictures of what I thought were completed pieces. If they weren't the final, there was no way to know that.

Yep, It's the final product. How many can I put you down for?

-M

 

[jason2000SR5]

I don’t have a bunch of gear to hang but would still be interested in a finished product! Are there similar products you benchmarked? Planning to take orders? Thanks.

 

[4Runner4Leon]

I agree that the version shown in the picture looks a bit rough, but it's a prototype. And I very much appreciate the creativity and ingenuity of the mount.

A couple of thoughts/suggestions:

- Have you considered changing the lower portion (the one with the cutout for the hazard) from something that sticks to the front of the dash bezel to something that slips behind the bezel? That way you would not be relying on adhesive at that interface, so it would be stronger and probably cleaner looking.

- Similarly, is there something that you can hook the back stabilizer brace to, instead of gluing it to the dash top?

- As a suggestion, you can also use the real estate of the mount to add switches, warning lights, or even gauges, right at your line of sight!

Anyway, great concept!

 

[RoofRack]

Good ideas!

I think you'd be better off attaching to the window than the dash. The tape will rip a hole in the dash cover. (ask me how I know)

I like the idea of switches!

I think attaching to the faceplate with screws might work. Just find one in a salvage yard to drill into to keep the original nice.

-M

I agree that the version shown in the picture looks a bit rough, but it's a prototype. And I very much appreciate the creativity and ingenuity of the mount.

A couple of thoughts/suggestions:

- Have you considered changing the lower portion (the one with the cutout for the hazard) from something that sticks to the front of the dash bezel to something that slips behind the bezel? That way you would not be relying on adhesive at that interface, so it would be stronger and probably cleaner looking.

- Similarly, is there something that you can hook the back stabilizer brace to, instead of gluing it to the dash top?

- As a suggestion, you can also use the real estate of the mount to add switches, warning lights, or even gauges, right at your line of sight!

Anyway, great concept!