"How To" Tutorial Library Write tips and instructions on how to install parts or fix problems. This is for detailed "How To's" only, not a forum to ask how to do something. Please post those questions in appropriate forums.

Simple GPS mount

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 15, 2016 | 09:47 AM
  #1  
Cat Man HHR's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: 08-03-2010
Posts: 3,564
From: Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
Simple GPS mount

Here's my take on a GPS mount. The cost $3 (w/tax).
I have a Garmin Nuvi.
I don't like the mount to be on the windshield and wanted in the middle of the dash.
From home depot bought a 1/2" dowel rod and a metal cover plate for an electrical outlet box.
Wood dowel $1.75
Cover $.50
Cut the rod 8 1/2" long and attached the cover plate to it with a 1" sheet rock screw, the plate does not touch the plastic of the dash.
Name:  car%20parts%20006_zpsu8j6aorz.jpg
Views: 556
Size:  171.7 KB

Wanted the dowel that long so it hit the back of the AC duct to help support it when I placed it in through the honey comb mess
Name:  car%20parts%20007_zps41bswrbu.jpg
Views: 684
Size:  279.9 KB

Suction cup mount holds real well to the metal plate and doesn't interfere with anything.
Name:  car%20parts%20005_zpstkdtbxti.jpg
Views: 758
Size:  235.7 KB

There you go!
Old Jul 15, 2016 | 10:58 AM
  #2  
Cat Man HHR's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: 08-03-2010
Posts: 3,564
From: Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
Update:
Went for a ride and GPS swings a little going over roads that aren't smooth.
Going to put a hard foam pad opposite the fulcrum point (screw) to slow down the sway.
8 1/2" is good a good length for the rod in the spot I installed the mount but as a safe guard 9" would be better.
Old Jul 15, 2016 | 11:48 AM
  #3  
firemangeorge's Avatar
Platinum Member
 
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,721
From: Alabama
I'm not digging the location. Covers up buttons, air bag light, half the vent, radio, etc.
Old Jul 15, 2016 | 12:23 PM
  #4  
Cat Man HHR's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: 08-03-2010
Posts: 3,564
From: Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
Originally Posted by firemangeorge
I'm not digging the location. Covers up buttons, air bag light, half the vent, radio, etc.
If you where to sit in the the drivers seat at the correct angle the only thing you wouldn't see is the air bag light. But who care's? Do you look at it while driving?
I can move the rod to the upper location of the vent to give more of a view to the rest you don't like.
Big deal that that one AC vent is blocked off. Don't some people do that anyway
by closing it off?
Shutting that one off only gives more air pressure to the other vents to blow the air out.
Old Jul 15, 2016 | 03:09 PM
  #5  
Oldblue's Avatar
Administrator
 
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,096
From: Welland,Ont Canada
I just used 3M molding tape and mounted the GPS mounting disc to the centre of the waterfall above and between the vents
Attached Thumbnails Simple GPS mount-image.jpeg  
Old Jul 15, 2016 | 03:17 PM
  #6  
Trex08's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 08-22-2015
Posts: 157
From: Boston
Hmm... I just put a 1' strip of velcro in the dash storage bin, shaded from the sun, close the lid and its gone. Why would you need anything more elaborate, especially made out of wooden dowels??
Old Jul 15, 2016 | 03:56 PM
  #7  
firemangeorge's Avatar
Platinum Member
 
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,721
From: Alabama
In Cat Mans defense, his car doesn't have a storage bin up there. The SS's RPD unit is rigid mounted in that bin location.
Old Jul 15, 2016 | 05:48 PM
  #8  
pg318's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 11-11-2007
Posts: 364
From: Sheboygan WI
It's illegal in several states to mount a GPS on the windshield, but mine used to overheat and shut itself off on hot days when mounted there, now mounting it over the vent keeps it functional. Mine is mounted through the foglight switch hole (I don't have foglights), though it's a phone these days, the GPS is in a box in the basement...
Old Jul 15, 2016 | 06:36 PM
  #9  
firemangeorge's Avatar
Platinum Member
 
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,721
From: Alabama
Got intrigued by this so decided to put my own ideas to work.
Using Cat Man's "vent mount" idea, I took a scrap piece of lg. diameter copper wire. Bent it to fit into the vents honeycomb. Slipped some old 1/4 inch gas line over it. Clipped on my cell phone holder.
Just a rough test piece. I might make a nicer version later on but I rarely mount anything on the dash.
Anyhow. No cost and only about 20 minutes of work.
Simple GPS mount-gps-1.jpg

Simple GPS mount-gps-2.jpg

Simple GPS mount-gps-3.jpg
Old Jul 17, 2016 | 05:42 AM
  #10  
Cat Man HHR's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: 08-03-2010
Posts: 3,564
From: Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
George I like your idea.
Yes I too didn't want anything stuck down to the dash that was adhesive.
The rubber suction cup of the GPS mount does fit between the vents but being the plastic is textured it will not hold.
The theory to my mount is that I only use the GPS now and then. When not in use I can take it out.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:28 AM.