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(NO OT) - DIY: Inexpensive Bracket for Anyone w/Radar Detector, GPS, Scan Tool or Anything Windshield Mounted

10,827 3,722 September 12, 2012 at 01:31 PM in Autos
I wasn't sure where to post this since there is no DIY or How To section on SD but I've posted this 'deal' on many automotive forums that I'm on and it's always been well received. Mods: If there is someplace where this fits better feel free to relocate it there. SD needs a DIY sub-section maybe?

I made a bracket for my radar detector to mount to the rear view mirror rather than the stupid windshield brackets w/suction cups. This same device can be used for a wide variety of things such as GPS devices or engine monitor readouts. The cost is anywhere from free to $2.50 depending on if you ride bicycles or not. It's a simple seat post reflector with the reflector removed. Most have these in their garage and if not you can get them at your local bicycle shop for a few bucks at most. When I went to mine they gave me handfuls of them of various sizes for free just for asking. You will also need a small bolt with a matching washer & nut to attach the factory bracket to it. There are a couple sizes so pick based on the thickness of your mirror stem then use padded tape to make up the difference. Pretty simple actually.

I figured this is a perfect post for those Slickdealers like me who think $90 or even $35 is WAY to much for a simple mirror bracket mount.

Enjoy!
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Joined Dec 2008
L8: Grand Teacher
> bubble2 3,666 Posts
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ecsa0014
09-12-2012 at 03:10 PM.
09-12-2012 at 03:10 PM.
Thanks for the info. I will definitely have to give this a try. I hate the suction mounts as they tend to release frequently during sudden temperature changes (when running AC, Defrost, etc...) and the beanbag mounts are not good in many cases due to some dash designs.
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Joined Apr 2009
L10: Grand Master
> bubble2 12,367 Posts
robinski_
09-12-2012 at 03:13 PM.
09-12-2012 at 03:13 PM.
but if I want to mount it there I have to get another cable for my RX65 so it won't be dangling in the middle of the dashboard
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Joined Feb 2009
L8: Grand Teacher
> bubble2 3,921 Posts
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GunMan
09-12-2012 at 03:26 PM.
09-12-2012 at 03:26 PM.
Quote from OstrichSak :
Yeah, those kits suck. I still fail to see how that has anything to do with this thread. That's kind of like crapping on an oil deal thread because you're '85 K5 threw a rod bearing once. Not really the oil's fault if the manufacturer can't put things together properly. This thread is all about an inexpensive alternative to the $90 mounts being offered that do the exact same thing. Those in the market for either of these already understand the dangers.
Not crapping on the thread, just saying that it is NOT going to increase the average lifespan of the adhesive on any make or model vehicle.
Does that mean that the mirror adhesive is guaranteed to fall? No.

It is a handy and cheap way to build the mount, however.

The oil is a poor analogy. Closest oil analogy would be more along the lines of an additive that could hasten engine failure, but cannot increase engine life under any circumstances.
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Last edited by GunMan September 12, 2012 at 03:28 PM.
Joined May 2009
L7: Teacher
> bubble2 2,917 Posts
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grueber
09-12-2012 at 03:27 PM.
09-12-2012 at 03:27 PM.
Quote from robinski_ :
but if I want to mount it there I have to get another cable for my RX65 so it won't be dangling in the middle of the dashboard
This works best if you have a powered rearview mirror where you can slip a thin power line between your detector and the power plug for the mirror. Cord like this:

http://www.invisicord.com/order.html

You can find these type of cords also on Ebay.
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Joined Jun 2008
L6: Expert
> bubble2 1,678 Posts
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UnixAdmin
09-12-2012 at 03:27 PM.
09-12-2012 at 03:27 PM.
Quote from robinski_ :
but if I want to mount it there I have to get another cable for my RX65 so it won't be dangling in the middle of the dashboard
I guess only people with RX65 will understand your post. How did you turn off reputation points for yourself. Why would you do it?
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Joined Apr 2009
L10: Grand Master
> bubble2 12,367 Posts
robinski_
09-12-2012 at 03:29 PM.
09-12-2012 at 03:29 PM.
Quote from UnixAdmin :
I guess only people with RX65 will understand your post. How did you turn off reputation points for yourself. Why would you do it?
Its valid for everything you want ot mount under the rear-view mirror

It's in your profile settings, since they are 99.99% useless
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Joined Apr 2009
L10: Grand Master
> bubble2 12,367 Posts
robinski_
09-12-2012 at 03:31 PM.
09-12-2012 at 03:31 PM.
Quote from grueber :
This works best if you have a powered rearview mirror where you can slip a thin power line between your detector and the power plug for the mirror. Cord like this:

http://www.invisicord.com/order.html

You can find these type of cords also on Ebay.
Guess so

I know that you can also get a smaller flat wire for the detector and run it between the glass and the ceiling-liner so it won't show, but that's a couple more $$$

my mirror is unfortunately a plain old one Smilie
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Joined Jan 2004
Here's to the future
> bubble2 25,141 Posts
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Iaaaiws
09-12-2012 at 03:48 PM.
09-12-2012 at 03:48 PM.
Quote from OstrichSak :
Exactly why I would never live in CA as much as I like the area. If mounted properly the radar detector will hang about an inch lower than your rear view mirror and take up much less room than mounted to your windshield via suction cups. Hell, I even paid $40 for a bracket to relocate my mirror higher on my Tacoma because they mounted them so low on the windshield from the factory and even I don't see this as obtrusive in the least. If it was I wouldn't pay to move the mirror higher and then take up all that space with a radar detector. That wouldn't be a very 'slick deal' now would it? laugh out loud
Good idea on the bracket. It would be okay for anything fairly small but I wouldn't want my gps blocking that much of my vision. And I prefer my gps directly in front of me on the dash. It only blocks the lower part of the windshield and the only thing I miss out on seeing is the hood of the car. It doesn't block my view of the road. I do wish I had a more secure mount though.
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Joined Jun 2005
L8: Grand Teacher
> bubble2 3,181 Posts
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ShIzNiTs
09-12-2012 at 03:57 PM.
09-12-2012 at 03:57 PM.
Great idea. Canadadian cops/border will ask you to hand the item over so if you are crossing the border in Michigan or New York or wherever there is a border crossing be weary, however, the actual item seems like it is still removable so youd just have to make up the reason for the harness if you were using it for a radar which IMO is the best place for these. GPS I like as close to the dash as possible. Phone its not practical.
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Joined Nov 2003
The original gay....
> bubble2 8,038 Posts
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HeyLookItsMe
09-12-2012 at 04:08 PM.
09-12-2012 at 04:08 PM.
Quote from triffid_98 :
What he said. In CA the only legal mounts are the lower corners of the windshield. Nothing can hang from the mirror Yet more nanny-state laws .. great DIY though.
Quote from OstrichSak :
Exactly why I would never live in CA as much as I like the area. If mounted properly the radar detector will hang about an inch lower than your rear view mirror and take up much less room than mounted to your windshield via suction cups. Hell, I even paid $40 for a bracket to relocate my mirror higher on my Tacoma because they mounted them so low on the windshield from the factory and even I don't see this as obtrusive in the least. If it was I wouldn't pay to move the mirror higher and then take up all that space with a radar detector. That wouldn't be a very 'slick deal' now would it? laugh out loud
since it is bolted in place, this MIGHT qualify as a permanent mounting instead of "hanging from the mirror" i dont know for sure
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Joined Jun 2006
Jambi-rific in Seattle!
> bubble2 31,436 Posts
2,810 Reputation
Zoe Moon
09-12-2012 at 05:28 PM.
09-12-2012 at 05:28 PM.
Quote from TofuVic :
haha. You got some reputation points from me. Just hold out on cashing them in until they are worth something.

Be very patient,
Tofu Vic
The OP will probably trade the reps in for a SD Platinum membership. Wink
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Joined Jun 2003
Banned Shill
> bubble2 10,827 Posts
3,722 Reputation
Original Poster
OstrichSak
09-12-2012 at 05:49 PM.
09-12-2012 at 05:49 PM.
Quote from Zoe Moon :
The OP will probably trade the reps in for a SD Platinum membership. Wink
Yeah.... probably. Big Grin
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Joined Feb 2007
UNwoke at last!
> bubble2 3,645 Posts
1,100 Reputation
nolenski
09-12-2012 at 06:58 PM.
09-12-2012 at 06:58 PM.
Quote from ShIzNiTs :
... so if you are crossing the border in Michigan or New York or wherever there is a border crossing be weary...
But, be weary only if you had a long drive. Otherwise, just be wary.
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Joined Jun 2005
L8: Grand Teacher
> bubble2 3,181 Posts
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ShIzNiTs
09-12-2012 at 08:31 PM.
09-12-2012 at 08:31 PM.
Quote from nowlen :
But, be weary only if you had a long drive. Otherwise, just be wary.
I displayed no wary of the grammar police because it drives me weary.
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Joined Jan 2007
L8: Grand Teacher
> bubble2 3,368 Posts
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windnsalsa
09-12-2012 at 08:41 PM.
09-12-2012 at 08:41 PM.
from the pic, the hard part seems to be making the end that attaches to a device. Also, it doesn't seem to be quickly detachable, which might be important for states that don't allow radar detector.
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