radar detector hard wire to over head console?

amargiot · 09-27-2004, 10:15 AM

has anyone hardwired a radar detector by running the power wires to the over head console to tap into 12 volts i did this in a land cruiser and it worked great. basically want to window mount the radar and then run the wires up the middle of the window and tap into some power from the courtesy lights or compass mirror. before i start opening things up, wanted to see if this has been done or makes sense to anyone. thanks,

rarjar · 09-27-2004, 10:44 AM

Haven't tried the overhead console route, but I have a passenger visor mount on my radar detector and I simply ran the wire at the top of the windshield tucked under the headliner then down the passenger side front post behind the plastic molding down to the dashboard, along the right side of the dash (it will tuck in nicely there) and tied into the fuse box, located on the passenger side near the front door. Except where the wire exits the top of the windshield going to the radar detector, no wire shows. With the radar detector mounted on the visor, with the tinted glass at the top of the windshield, you can't tell I have one unless you look inside and see it on the visor. Honestly, I didn't even think to look in the overhead console for a power source!!

Intense · 09-27-2004, 10:48 AM

Check out this link and look for theheads post. Radar Detector

Stitch · 09-27-2004, 07:39 PM

I hardwired my V1 into the overhead console. Remove the 5 screws and CAREFULLY pry it straight down. There are 4 post type metal clips -2 in front corners ,2 in rear. Disconnect the white connector. ***Before reinstall put a dab of white grease on these clips and they'll go in easier without using too much pressure.

You should see a double wire running side to side across the cab ceiling. I believe it powers the vanity mirrors- tap the + and there were a couple blank holes in the console mount you can use for ground.

The vanity mirrors are on the anti battery drain circuit so the power will cut of in about 10" if the truck is off.

I used the coiled cord and wrapped a small piece of velcro (loop/soft part) around it near the connector and put a small piece of pile side next to the mirror mount point. Stows nicely out of the way when you don't have the detector in place.

TallTexan · 09-29-2004, 12:05 PM

I just removed the blank sloped panel right behind the first storage bin and mounted a 12 volt power plug with cap. There are wires in the connector which will give you 12 volts and are hooked to the light circuit which will shut off when you turn off the key and open the door. Blue wire=positive black=ground. When radar detector is not used simply close the power recepticle lid and it is hardly noticable. I have a Escort Passport 8500 which has lights and mute button on the plug and I wanted to be able to continue to use it.

bradward · 01-12-2007, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amargiot

has anyone hardwired a radar detector by running the power wires to the over head console to tap into 12 volts i did this in a land cruiser and it worked great. basically want to window mount the radar and then run the wires up the middle of the window and tap into some power from the courtesy lights or compass mirror. before i start opening things up, wanted to see if this has been done or makes sense to anyone. thanks,

On my 2004 There's a black/red wire combo deep behind the blank plastic panel (just before the sunglass holder). I was able to tap into those wires. Had enough room to put in all the Valentine 1 power kit fuse and wire stuff. Then just ran one end of the telephone cord to the unit by going between the overhead console and the fabric roof. Works magnificantly.

BTW those wires run over to the drivers side visor lights.

-Brad

Foglght · 01-14-2007, 08:00 AM

I just removed the overhead panel for the temp/compass, and found an accessory power output, and tapped into that.

SeanVree · 01-18-2007, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foglght

I just removed the overhead panel for the temp/compass, and found an accessory power output, and tapped into that.

Same here, works great!

brokeneagles · 01-24-2007, 01:13 PM

Any advice on removing the consol?
I want to hardwire my radar detector into the vanity lights.
I removed the 5 screws and gently pulled down on the consol, seemed pretty secure for having the screws out.
"Quit" decided to get some info first.
Is it a snap fit?
I was afraid I would snap off something behind it.

baseballfanz · 01-24-2007, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brokeneagles

Any advice on removing the consol?
I want to hardwire my radar detector into the vanity lights.
I removed the 5 screws and gently pulled down on the consol, seemed pretty secure for having the screws out.
"Quit" decided to get some info first.
Is it a snap fit?
I was afraid I would snap off something behind it.

Screws and it's snap on also.

brokeneagles · 01-26-2007, 04:33 AM

Thanks for that little bit of info. It will give me a green lite on the detector install.
I have only had this truck a week and did not want to buy a new consol right off the bat. I retired my Ford with a 150k on it and have always had Ford's. I was looking at the King Ranch but the Titan kept pulling me back.
It looks like I have allot of toys to buy for it. Thanks for the reply, great thread.
2006 LE 4x4 White born 5-06. Dealer clear out, 8.8k off sticker, threw in crome step rails. Didn't feel as if I had been bent over too far... Love the truck. Converted Ford guy.