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I’m not paying $240 for a BlendMount…I’m just not…
Here are a couple of pics of the finished product. This thread will document how I got to this finished point…
Updated 2/5/24 with Valentine One V2 install:
Mount installed and as viewed from driver POV. Mount made for Escort/Passport radar detectors. 2nd mount made for upgrade to Valentine One I plan to order soon…
(Scroll down to posts #9 and #17 to see finished product)
I ordered the black plastic mirror cap trim to try an idea and I’m happy to report it worked! I ordered one of the generic metal radar detector mounts that normally mounts to the rearview mirror off of eBay for like $22 shipped:
Originally, I just drilled 2 holes and tried to mount it in the mirror trim like this, but it just took up too much room inside the cap and the cap wouldn’t snap back on:
So then I realized I needed to go the other direction with the screws to leave as much room in the cap as possible so it would snap back into place:
Now I’m NOT happy about this part hanging down, so I do plan to hit the hardware store soon and see if I can find some shorter bolts & screws that will fit flush:
So as soon as I fix that minor cosmetic problem, I think I’ll be done. This is the way it looks and mounts now. It’s very sturdy as well:
Once I replace those screws that are hanging down, I’ll post up more pics., but the mirror trim cap is only like $16 from the dealer and using the eBay mount for around $22, I’ve got a secure way to mount my radar detector for around $40! I think I’ll be completely happy with it after I complete this project and really have it looking nice!
Last edited by BandDirector; Feb 5, 2024 at 10:05 AM.
hmm worth a consideration I had a blend mounto n my C7 and it was worth it at 100( the suction cup on the r3 was horrible bad angle and it fell off often. I agree not sure what weed they are smoking now. FWIW the uniden suction cup from the R4 works fine.
Not really a fan of any kind of below the mirror mount. They look like they would be in the way a distraction. I use this one, but add better 3M double back tape. Located up next to the left side of the mirror. I did add a couple of small internal star lock washers to keep the mount look adjuster tight.
I have my V1 mounted to the visor in my GMC truck with a GEN5 DIY power cord to the mirror works great. Would rather have the V1 mounted to the mirror in the C8 but I too am way to cheap to fork out $240 on a blend mount. So I have been using the large suction cups on the V1 with the curly power cord down to the power socket under the glove Box. Looks ok but kinda tacky. Considering I do not drive the C8 much it has been working fine. V1 stays in my truck or on my Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ sport tourer motorcycle most the time anyway.
Just noticed we listen to one of the same stations on XM, Hair Nation lol
The BlendMount was definitely pricey, but I found it far superior to the $30 one I had previously purchased. The BlendMount keeps my detector exactly where I want it and that makes me happy.
The BlendMount was definitely pricey, but I found it far superior to the $30 one I had previously purchased. The BlendMount keeps my detector exactly where I want it and that makes me happy.
I have no doubt it works well. I’ve got a BlendMount in my 4th Gen Camaro and it’s great…but the C8 version is 3X what I paid for my Camaro version.
I’m working on my project now and waiting on some plastidip to dry on the acorn nuts I’m using on the shorter screws. I’m thinking this is going to work and function great when I’m done!
OK, NOW I’m happy with it! I went from 1” long screws down to 3/4” screws, bought some acorn nuts to cap off the screw, and used some flat black pastidip to make the acorn nuts match the mount. I’ll get some better pictures of it installed tomorrow, but here’s the finished product:
Graduated HS in 1989! Best decade ever to grow up in!
Me 1981 so I’m a bit older. My play list in XM is hair nation brought on by my wife who
loves that channel. Octane, Turbo for me mostly. I don’t do any country or pop. I grew up on hard stuff, ozzy, zeppelin, kid rock, AC/DC, never got the country stuff or the hip hop craze. Yes I had long hair forever until it all turned gray and fell out lol
The BlendMount was definitely pricey, but I found it far superior to the $30 one I had previously purchased. The BlendMount keeps my detector exactly where I want it and that makes me happy.
I agree. I run one in both my C8 and truck. The quality is excellent and the pricing isn’t all that bad considering the price of the vehicles and detectors. One can also just upgrade the clips for $30-$40 if you switch detectors.
Not really a fan of any kind of below the mirror mount. They look like they would be in the way a distraction. I use this one, but add better 3M double back tape. Located up next to the left side of the mirror. I did add a couple of small internal star lock washers to keep the mount look adjuster tight.
I use something similar for my Valentine 1's. It adapts the Valentine visor clip to a stick on, I use black Scotch Dual Lock so it can switched to another car. It can be bent to adjust to the windshield angle.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/125084228573
I wanted to be sure my idea would work with my Escort before I ordered a new Valentine 1 V2. I’ve got another mirror cap ordered and I picked up this Valentine 1 mount off eBay so I can do the same thing when I get it!
Does the trim cap snap on solidly? I'm just wondering if you hit a bump would the weight of the detector and bracket be enough to pop it off. Nice job, though!
Does the trim cap snap on solidly? I'm just wondering if you hit a bump would the weight of the detector and bracket be enough to pop it off. Nice job, though!
Yes, it’s on there very tightly once it snaps all the way on! It connects to 2 plastic clips on each side and a much bigger clip at the bottom.
Last edited by BandDirector; Dec 2, 2023 at 08:33 AM.
OK, so I’ve put about 40 miles on my C8 since I made this mount and I’m happy to report it’s solid! No issues at all with it trying to fall off or pulling the trim cap off when I hit bumps!
BlendMount ALTERNATIVE For $40!
