Radar detector hard wire project

[JonMN]

Just wanted to share an alternative RD mount that I came up with. I have never been a fan of mounting near the mirror, as I think it cuts some of the view and is a pain to mute when wanted. I noticed the cell phone options from Bulletpoint (LINK) and thought this might work great for my Valentine.

The standard cell phone holder was perfect. I modified it a bit to attach straight to the mounting plate.

Wiring--I probably would not have done this if I had not seen a few videos of easy access thru the firewall. On an auto, there is a plastic plug on the drivers side, near the top. I pulled this and drilled it for a solid 5/8" grommet. I slit the grommet to accept the wire and then put it into the plastic plug. Wiring was a simple fuse tap to the 12v cigarette lighter fuse. I added the wire to the wire chase across the engine compartment, and into the cabin. Just stuffed the wire behind some trim pieces (no removal needed) and up to the Valentine.

The stuff from Bulletpoint is really nice. Mounting it here has a few advantages; will not fall off the windshield like suction cups, will not interfere with a sunshade, and is easy to reach to mute.

Anyway here are a few photos to go with the text:

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[JonMN]

Note: These are the two items from Bullettpoint:
LINK 1

LINK2

 

[BourbonRunner]

Interesting mount and I like it. The higher up it is the better the range but this could work really well.

I have mirror mounts and taps for my V1 in each vehicle to rotate through but this is a pretty good idea if you're not inclined for that.

I wonder if you could have grabbed power easier behind the dash somewhere?

 

[PW45]

I didn't think a Gladiator could go fast enough to need a radar detector

 

[Mr._Bill]

I didn't think a Gladiator could go fast enough to need a radar detector

It will do it, many of us just can't afford to drive it at that speed for very long.

 

[JonMN]

LOL guys, I doubt I would have bought one for the JT, but I had one sitting around from the car I traded in on the JT so I thought i would install it.

Very happy with the trade! The C7 is just so limited here in MN. Bad roads can trash the expensive wheels. Touch a curb and you are out a thousand bucks. And don't consider driving in the salt season.

Don't speed very much, but I might miss a speed sign here or there, so I do like having a detector along.

 

[Scott L]

Radar detectors are illegal in Va. They have snoopers to detect if you have a detector and they will nail you with a big fine.

 

[jav_eee]

Radar detectors are illegal in Va. They have snoopers to detect if you have a detector and they will nail you with a big fine.

OP says he's from Minnesota so.....

 

[jav_eee]

I didn't think a Gladiator could go fast enough to need a radar detector

It's all about awareness. I don't speed but I have one. It's nice to know there's a cop up ahead.

 

[BourbonRunner]

Radar detectors are illegal in Va. They have snoopers to detect if you have a detector and they will nail you with a big fine.

Which is why if I didn't have to drive through VA to get to Emerald Isle or the Outer Banks, I wouldn't. At least NJ lets you use a fuzz buster.

 

[Scott L]

OP says he's from Minnesota so.....

Yes I see that but people have been known to cross state lines on more than one occasion, and as bourbonrunner pointed out it’s best to avoid Va if possible.

 

[Duece McCracken]

Radar detectors are illegal in Va. They have snoopers to detect if you have a detector and they will nail you with a big fine.

A high end detector is shielded from the "detector detectors". Thankfully

I run a similar setup to OP. I didnt hardwire, I have a mute button at the 12v outlet, which indexes off my B&M transfer case lever nicely. So im torn on hardwiring, lmao

 

[JonMN]

A high end detector is shielded from the "detector detectors". Thankfully
I run a similar setup to OP. I didnt hardwire, I have a mute button at the 12v outlet, which indexes off my B&M transfer case lever nicely. So im torn on hardwiring, lmao

I have to admit, in a world of mostly plastic things, that Bulletpoint Mounting stuff is really well made.

 

[Scott L]

A high end detector is shielded from the "detector detectors". Thankfully

I run a similar setup to OP. I didnt hardwire, I have a mute button at the 12v outlet, which indexes off my B&M transfer case lever nicely. So im torn on hardwiring, lmao

Nice to know thanks. I’d not want to keep that on the dash in Va if officer Vader sees it he’ll still nail you.

 

[Duece McCracken]

Nice to know thanks. I’d not want to keep that on the dash in Va if officer Vader sees it he’ll still nail you.

Exactly, I keep it plugged, but pull it down/put it back up to avoid visual on VA as needed. I thought about just putting a trucker hat on it, but didnt want to experiment with that last time I was down that way, lol

I run it in tandem with Waze, and between the two I have very very rarely been surprised by the 5-0.

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