Found a PERFECT place to mount GPS unit ...

[yankee-solstice]

Sometimes on a rainy day here in Orlando, Florida... when it's only a Heavenly 68 degrees, (on February 10th 2010), I get bored because the beaches don't have bikinis until March.
I decided to finally solve the endless question of where to mount the suction cupped base of your GPS unit.
After being tired of constantly cleaning the suction cup circle from the glass,(which is a sign to theives, that there is a GPS somewhere in the vehicle),I found an ideal place to mount it.
All GPS units come with the little black plastic disk with the double-sided tape ring, that is used for an alternative base.(The double-sided tape doesn't adhere to our dash, so peal it off the disk and discard).

Here is what I used :

1. Some Gorilla Glue to stick the disk to the dash, (some masking tape will hold it in the chosen spot over night, till glue dries).
2. Under the passenger side floor, is where the main fuse panel can be discovered. The "Sunroof" fuse will need to be located, since it is one of the circuits that has a 5 minute delay after the key is removed, and turns off when the door is opened.(YES...there is a fuse marked SUNROOF.).
3. Measure how long the wire needs to be to reach the fuse panel and once youve cut off the cigarette adapter, splice the wire to your fuse wire. Be sure to get a decent ground for the GPS unit. I used the frame for the driver's seat rail. Also be sure to tape off all your wires safely.
4. Route the GPS unit wire above the steering column, by tilting the wheel adjustment down, and then back into place after routing the wire above it. The wire will be easier to route if you gently remove the chromed gauge ring cover. It snaps on/off quite easily.
5.Suction cup the GPS unit to your plastic disk and adjust as needed, so that the steering wheel still turns freely.

You're finished my friends !!

*Total time after glue dries... about 20 minutes.
Now go clean that suction-cup ring off your windshield...LOL

Here are some photos for reference.
And 2 bonus Photos of "YANKEE-SOLSTICE".

Enjoy your day !
Craig

[Gunnys GXP]

So does it sound any different now that it is talking to your crotch?

Seriously though, how is it for knee clearance? I think I'd have a bad habbit of hitting it as I enter or exit the vehicle.

[yankee-solstice]

Knee clearance is great, since it's just below the center of the steering wheel, and it does pivot as needed.. Keep in mind that since the electrical input does un-plug, and the suction-cup also removes easily, it is perfect.

The sound is much better and can be heard clearer than the windshield,and you'll notice that the screen is visible through the steering wheel opening.

I am going to blacken the silver case, so it will be totally invisible through my window tint.

Craig

PS I am 6ft 3 and my knees don't hit it at all.

[mikkymik]

the only thing that freaks me out about that is it draws you eyes far from the road... and also if you are using a gps in the first place you are probably on a road you dont know, although very clever, i.e. the placement and using the sunroof fuse slot, it is kind of putting you at risk to rear end some one. i have a pioneer avic with navigation... and that is almost as far down... i have had at least one close call where i had to bump the brakes a little hard.

[yankee-solstice]

REMEMBER the 2 second rule when driving? LOL

If you look down at your RADIO and adjust stations, or find your drinks in the drink holder, or all the other things like try to find that dropped french fry next to your seat....YOU CAN GLANCE AT the GPS unit.........right?

[mikkymik]

but the COLORS! they are so pretty..!

[yankee-solstice]

??? !!!!!

[Chunger]

aw very creative! i've been putting the suction cup thing under my rock chip to cover it, lol...maybe after I fix it I'll take your idea

[yankee-solstice]

Ive taken 3 rides in the Solstice since I installed it..and have even forgotten it was there.
No clearance problem, and the screen isn't really visible unless you turn it on.
If you install the electrical connect per instructions, you never have to worry about turning it off manually.
No dead batteries.
I even hooked up my XM radio to shut down this way.


Cheers,
Craig

[Black07Solstice]

Here is the 799.99 dollar alternative to installing it in your crotch.. This is what I did, because I too hated it being on the windshield leaving suction cup marks..



It is an inch wider than stock..


Not trying to hijack your thread though.. just my 2 cents

[LiquidPT]

Originally Posted by yankee-solstice Ive taken 3 rides in the Solstice since I installed it..and have even forgotten it was there. No clearance problem, and the screen isn't really visible unless you turn it on. If you install the electrical connect per instructions, you never have to worry about turning it off manually. No dead batteries. I even hooked up my XM radio to shut down this way. Cheers, Craig

I paid attention to it today, and I think I'd be banging my knee on that all the time. Are you a manual or an auto, cuz my clutch knee woudl be getting bruised... (and I'm only 5'9") That, and I just don't think it'd be that visible...

[King-Oka]

Not to hijack, but isn't Nav available in I Phone now ?

[Coupe 112]

Not to hijack, but isn't Nav available in I Phone now ?

And where will you mount your I Phone?

[King-Oka]

Originally Posted by Coupe 112 And where will you mount your I Phone?

Well - I just got one and have not driven the Sol since, so it's a question I'm pondering. Also have not investigated the Nav question yet. Maybe this thread can answer my q's and help the original poster all at once.

[Coupe 112]

Maybe this thread can answer my q's and help the original poster all at once.

Definitely some interesting ideas in this thread, including the pricey-but-very-cool rearview. For now, I'm sticking it lower left windshield where two Texas tax stickers block my view anyhoo.