GPS Idea

The Boogieman · 08-31-2006, 05:34 AM

Ok, I got my gps in today and it is super su-wheet. Anyhoo, I hate how tacky they look when people mount them under their rearview with the power cord dangling around.

What I was thinking of doing is sticking it next to the left column (I think that's what its called, the gray plastic thing with the Oh S*** handles) and running the power behind that column, down to under the steering column, and to the power.

Question is if I don't want to have it look super ugly, and have the cord pop back out to get it's power from the cig lighters, is it possible to install another cig-lighter/power source under there so that you don't haveto have one of your front two used?

Thanks,
-me

**Blackbeauty** · 08-31-2006, 06:08 AM

Don't see why not. Just tap into a hot lead, maybe even the one that feeds the current "always hot" power port. Just keep it away from your dash plastic or other wires if you're tucking it out of sight. Good luck! And get us some pics when you git er dun!

Titan Wargod · 08-31-2006, 06:41 AM

I have a Garmin GPS V (5) that I used the vehicle mount on in the area where the navigation system would have been if I had an LE instead of an SE. The GPS is triangularly shaped and comes with a specific mount for the vehicle. I used Gorilla Glue to install in permanently and it is on there. The mount rotates and it can be easily read from eiter seat.

I just use the 12V power adapter and it doesn't really hang in the way. I use my GPS outside of the vehicle also, so a permanent hard wired power source would not work for me. Depending on your GPS, you could check the website and and talk to a tech rep and they can probably direct you on the install.

Hope that was helpful. Good luck and I am hoping it goes well.

f00dstamps · 08-31-2006, 10:06 AM

you can install the GPS near the rearview mirror and tap power from the area where the temperature gauge and compass is at or would be at if you don't have that particular accessory (the wire harness should still be there).

use a voltmeter and measure for ~+12 when the ignition is on so you don't have to worry about manually turning on and off your GPS.

bestatchess · 08-31-2006, 11:41 AM

You can also use a LittleFuse mini Add-A-Circuit to tap at the fuse box and run the wire up behind the passenger A-pillar plastic then under the edge of the headliner at the top of the windshield. I wired a few accessory items like that and also wired via on/off switches mounted in the little open box area of the center console.

gyrate · 08-31-2006, 06:51 PM

depending on size it might fit where i have mine... on the bottom central console right in front of the cig lighter/tow mode button. mine fits perfect there

but if you got one of the big ones, it might not.

SeanVree · 01-04-2007, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Boogieman

Ok, I got my gps in today and it is super su-wheet. Anyhoo, I hate how tacky they look when people mount them under their rearview with the power cord dangling around.

What I was thinking of doing is sticking it next to the left column (I think that's what its called, the gray plastic thing with the Oh S*** handles) and running the power behind that column, down to under the steering column, and to the power.

Question is if I don't want to have it look super ugly, and have the cord pop back out to get it's power from the cig lighters, is it possible to install another cig-lighter/power source under there so that you don't haveto have one of your front two used?

Thanks,
-me

Hey, did you ever finish this install? I just purchased a Garmin Nuvi and am wondering what my options are for hardwiring?

jackhammer50 · 01-07-2007, 03:54 PM

I have installed a Garmin Nuvi 660 in the spot where the factory unit would be. I hate having wires hanging all over my dash so I wired it in.
1. I bought a replacement 12v power supply that plugs into the power outlet ( I wanted to keep the original 12v power supply in case I should need to use the Garmin in another vehicle).
2. I cut a hole in the rubber pad to go around the mount then stuck Garmin's dash mount unit on the flat spot (see photo).
3. I removed the radio bezel to get access behind the radio area.
4. I cut the 12v power cord in half and removed about 2 feet of it.
5. I then drilled a 3/16" hole in the flatspot for the wire to run into.
6. I drilled another 3/16" hole at the bottom of the radio bezel for the wire to exit.
7. This power cord has a large plug at both ends so after inserting the wire into the drilled holes I spliced it back together inside the dash next to the radio. It has only two wires.
8. Replace the radio bezel.
9. Plug the power cord into either of the power outlets.
I have mine plugged into the passenger side outlet as it is controlled by the key. This way when I turn off my truck the unit shuts down as well. It also starts automatically when I start the truck.
The beauty of this install is that in the event I ever sell my truck all I need to do is to buy a replacement rubber pad for the flatspot. This will cover the small hole I drilled there. The hole at the bottom of the bezel is not visible from a normal seated position.

cccagle30 · 01-07-2007, 04:02 PM

clean install jackhammer, i like it alot. but i'm really liking the wood on the center console. very nice

jackhammer50 · 01-07-2007, 04:22 PM

Thanks...got the idea from elbo. check this out.... you might get a kick out of this... one difference between an Infinity and a nissan