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Edit - Install instructions below for those interested (post #5). Range is confirmed unaffected by dash placement vs mirror.
I've pretty much had a radar detector in all my vehicles, either located under, or to the side of the review mirror; or more recently somewhere on the dash near where the windshield meets the dash. I was initially hesitant to place it there thinking being lower down would negatively effect the detector's effective range. I haven't found this to be an issue at all, and since I'm always going for the cleanest look (no suction cups, mounts, etc), I tend to install on the dash and run the wires to a power source.
Since the C7 has lots of curves on the dash, this really limits my options as to where I can mount this. Best place I've found thus far, is directly to the right of the HUD, where the dash starts to level out. It covers a few inches of the defroster vent, but that shouldn't be a problem. The potential problem I see is, with the hood bulge, the radar detector is actually sitting at or below the top of the hood. Radar scatters well, and I know I'll still pick it up, but this could certainly effect the range to the point of defeating the purpose of having the unit.
Has anyone else done a dash install (not mirror), where did you put it, and how was the effective range afterwards?
Last edited by alienranch; Apr 20, 2015 at 03:13 PM.
I've pretty much had a radar detector in all my vehicles, either located under, or to the side of the review mirror; or more recently somewhere on the dash near where the windshield meets the dash. I was initially hesitant to place it there thinking being lower down would negatively effect the detector's effective range. I haven't found this to be an issue at all, and since I'm always going for the cleanest look (no suction cups, mounts, etc), I tend to install on the dash and run the wires to a power source.
Since the C7 has lots of curves on the dash, this really limits my options as to where I can mount this. Best place I've found thus far, is directly to the right of the HUD, where the dash starts to level out. It covers a few inches of the defroster vent, but that shouldn't be a problem. The potential problem I see is, with the hood bulge, the radar detector is actually sitting at or below the top of the hood. Radar scatters well, and I know I'll still pick it up, but this could certainly effect the range to the point of defeating the purpose of having the unit.
Has anyone else done a dash install (see lots of Blendmounts), where did you put it, and how was the effective range afterwards?
You'll enjoy this thread..especially page 2 post #34
These instructions however, are not valid for the convertible
This procedure only works on the coupe!!! I repeat, this only works on the coupe.
The convertible DOES NOT COME APART AS SHOWN IN THE FIRST PICTURE! The part that "Pops right off" is glued AND WELDED to the entire molding piece.
I tried to order that piece as a backup to a project that I was trying to do. I was putting a camera in the PDR area and thought I could pop off that part #20 in the parts diagram call out diagram but upon receipt of part #20, I got the 2 lights, the entire molding piece that extends all the way across the window to just short of the sun visors stanchions.
So, convertible guys YOU CANNOT use the mirror tap unless you have some way of removing the back of the mirror shown in picture 2, 3, 4 where the wiring gets exposed and NOT prying off the part shown in picture #1.
I ask the OP to add a very large warning to his procedure and for him to refer to this post (#69) if they have a convertible.
Elmer
WARNING!!!!!
This procedure only works on the coupe!!! I repeat, this only works on the coupe.
The convertible DOES NOT COME APART AS SHOWN IN THE FIRST PICTURE! The part that "Pops right off" is glued AND WELDED to the entire molding piece.
I tried to order that piece as a backup to a project that I was trying to do. I was putting a camera in the PDR area and thought I could pop off that part #20 in the parts diagram call out diagram but upon receipt of part #20, I got the 2 lights, the entire molding piece that extends all the way across the window to just short of the sun visors stanchions.
So, convertible guys YOU CANNOT use the mirror tap unless you have some way of removing the back of the mirror shown in picture 2, 3, 4 where the wiring gets exposed and NOT prying off the part shown in picture #1.
I ask the OP to add a very large warning to his procedure and for him to refer to this post (#69) if they have a convertible.
Most of these procedures involve mounting below the mirror. Has anyone mounted (I usually just use velcro) to the dash, and how does the hood bulge effect performance?
Most of these procedures involve mounting below the mirror. Has anyone mounted (I usually just use velcro) to the dash, and how does the hood bulge effect performance?
I have mine mounted on top of the dash "hump" in line with the center of the steering wheel using Velcro. This gets it above the hood. I'm sure it loses some range compared to a mirror mount but it seems to work well.
Installed. Took about two hours, but only because I was learning as I was going.
Remove the left side panel with a pry tool
Remove the a-pillar cover (there are threads on how to do this). You don't need to remove the center section where the mirror is, nor do you need to remove the mirror.
Tuck the wire between the dash and window. There is plenty of room to do this.
Run the wire along the left side of the dash. Having the a-pillar cover removed allows easy access. I ran the ground below the driver dash to an easily accessible bolt (obviously into metal).
Run the wire along the left side (sill). No need to remove this, just pull it up. You may be able to get to the rear fuse panel without removing the entire cargo mat, but it was pretty quick.
Tapped into fuse #37 with an add-a-fuse. I initially bought a full size add-a-fuse not realizing you need the mini version.
Used velcro under the radar detector (front and rear) to attach to the dash. It can be easily removed if taking your car into service, and doesn't show at all (if it's cut right)
Seems to me that you have defeated your laser warning.
vs. an inch or two higher.
Laser is the thing I'm the least concerned about. If you're truly targeted with a laser gun, they've got your speed before you even hear the beep. There is very little scatter on lasers, but a small amount so if the car next to you gets hit, you might get a little warning. Radar, on the other hand, is far more prevalent and scatters nicely making it easy to pick up.
I keep mine in the same spot in all my cars.
This is the only pic I have of it in my C7 the day I picked it up so it's hot not wired in yet. Works fine in this location and is out of sight, even when I get pulled over it hard to see it.
I use the wire with a remote button, to silence unit, mounted on side of console just where it meets dash, close to my right knee. Sorry I have no pics since I have sold my C7 waiting for my Z.
With this install it's easy to move from car to car, I just have each car direct wired.
here it is mounted in my Lincoln MKS ( hard wired) I will take pic tomorrow showing the remote silence button to give you an idea where it is.
Alien, your's appears to be pointed into the hood? Nice install photo's!
George, I'm not sure if those stickers on the windshield hamper the signal?
I'm hoping the hood doesn't block too much of the signal. Preliminary tests look fine, but I'll need to give it a few more days to know for sure. I chose to run the wire along the left side so if the reception isn't good enough, I'll move the detector to the left of the center console (similar to above) and pull the excess wire tight. I actually thought ahead on this one.
I can confirm that I'm picking up radar signals without issue. The hood appears to have no (or negligible) affect on the range. I've got several areas where I get an X and K/Ka band false alert, and those are now being picked up at the same distance as before. Couldn't care less about the X, but the Ka band is important.
Obviously, the higher the detector the further it will receive a signal. I've never had an issue with dash mounted detectors, but my concern about the hood bulge appears to be unfounded. Now, as soon as I get a ticket because my detector didn't go off, I'll be editing this post.
Radar Detector Placement (Dash)
