[diytech]

I hate windhield suction-cup mounts and didn't want to rely on adhesives to attach anything to the dash. And drilling directly into the the dash was out of the question for me. So, I decided that the clipboard panel was easily replaceable and OK to modify for a better purpose. That purpose is a powered mount for my dashboard gadgets. Those include my Garmin Nuvi, Uniden radar detector, and new Scangauge 3.

I completed this project many weeks ago, but just got around to sharing the idea and photos. Here's how I put it together...

The mount is based on an imported accessory for motorcycles intended to attach to the handlebar clamps and provide a "fake" handlebar that sits above for the purpose of mounting electronics (smartphones, navigators, radar detectors, etc).

First, I drilled two holes in the clipboard panel and mounted the "Motowolf" handlebar accessory. And then I drilled a 1 inch hole for snapping in a wire pass-through (the kind made for desks and other furniture).

Next, I adhesive-mounted a triple 12V accessory (cigarette lighter) outlet dongle onto the bottom side of the clipboard panel.

After that, I installed some handlebar mounts made by Arkon that use the Garmin 17mm ball to attach to a Nuvi navigator, but also can attach to a standard AMPS plate for other devices.

Finally, I plugged in the power adapters for the gadgets, and then dressed and tied down the cables.

And here's the final result.

 

[diytech]

Thanks! Sometimes I also feel that way about things on the dash. But this setup met my needs: Black colors that don't cause annoying reflections on the windscreen, zero intrusion into my view above the hood (since I'm 6 feet tall), and I can easily deploy and remove a sun shade for the windscreen.

Really neat design ! I've been working on a couple idea for that space but I know having screens above the dash line would dive me nuts.

 

[diytech]

I tapped into the lower left fuse panel at position F31 (I'm pretty sure), and used a "fuse tap" and 3A fuse for the feed. Watch those tap things as it matters which direction you plug into the fuse socket.

I like this set-up and might try something similar. One question...where do you tap into a power supply for all the 12v stuff? Always hot or ignition on only? Thanks!

 

[diytech]

With all due respect, you must live in a pretty small and peaceful town. I'm super far down the list of violations that any cop would write a ticket for. There are cars running around here with 90% tint, under-chassis vanity strobe lights, no rear view mirrors, and many more vehicle modifications to keep law enforcement busy.

I know about radar detectors in some states, and that's why it's attached with hook and loop tape to the mount. We run those on all our cars, but mostly because of portable speed camera set ups and other such annoyances in the city. We don't even attach front license plates for the same reason. Never been cited or pulled over for any of that stuff.

Gator McKlusky:
Only two things in the world I'm scared of...

Sheriff Connors:
Only scared of two things, what's that?

Gator McKlusky:
Women and the po...lice!

I think it looks great, but the police in my small hometown are known for pulling people over for equipment violations - window tint, air fresheners dangling from the rear view mirror and anything else they can find. They actually write tickets for these violations!

For me, this could be a quick way to blow $100+ on an "obstructed view" citation as soon as I roll into town, even with the giant windshield and high driver's seat of a Promaster.

BrianB

ETA: Seeing the prominent radar detector would ensure getting no mercy - cops hate 'em!