DIY Valentine One Install
 

Just wanted to share some pics/install tips from my V1 radar detector install. This is meant to help out the regular guys that want a cleaner look, but don't want to spend a fortune on a complete stealth unit. Feel free to comment/critique and share tips for doing it better than I did.

First I bought a tap a fuse from here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171067830031...84.m1497.l2649
Add 16ga wire to it (enough to reach the passenger foot well
Start by pulling the rear wheel cover panel back a little to allow the carpet to come up a little. Start in the back right corner and pull the carpet up. In the middle, you'll see the rear fuse panel
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/b...ps140a07d5.jpg
Using the guide from the netwelding.com website, remove fuse 37 (20A) and buy another 20A and add to the tap a fuse, and insert back into spot 37
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/b...ps2662caba.png
Run the wire under the panels on the passenger side. This is very easy to do, and did not require any tools. It tucked under there very easily. I ran it all the way to the right corner of the passenger footwell.
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/b...ps63d0a3b0.jpg
Using the V1 hardwire kit, connect this wire to the 12v (red) wire. I took more wire and connected to a bolt on the opposite corner of the passenger footwell. This is the ground wire, which I fed through the plastic paneling under the footwell area and connected to the ground wire.

Then I bought a rear view mirror mount from here
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131114903745...84.m1558.l2649
This uses the V1 visor mount bracket and mounts the V1 under the rearview mirror
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/b...ps2b8497e6.jpg
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/b...psefb086f6.jpg
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/b...ps2449d657.jpg
Then, I ran the wire along the windshield glass and tucked under the headliner. A spudger tool helped with this.
I know some people ran it along the glass down the A pillar, but I didn't see how to get it from the front of the glass down to the footwell. Instead, I tucked it under the headliner near the visor
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/b...psa98b8164.jpg
I then tucked it under the paneling and it allowed me access to the outside edge of the A pillar, which seemed much easier access to the footwell
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/b...psebcfb994.jpg
I used the spudger to tuck it behind the trim and rubber seal, then down and across, under the plastic paneling to the corner of the passenger footwell. Plug into the hardwire kit, and you're done.

sticky!

Thanks for posting! :D

:lurk:

Link to mount
 

The link to the mirror mount takes you to the fuse, can you please supply the correct link? THANK YOU, the link is the same in both spots (accident) I am sure :cool:

The link seems to be working correctly. Here it is again:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131114903745...84.m1558.l2649

Great post. I used a metal bracket from my C5 and got the same look and position (right under the mirror). Honestly, I forget where I bought this bracelet/kit but it was made specifically for the Valentine & the C5. I'll dig thru my files and see if I can find the vendor and P/N. Had to change the angle of the bend but, once I got it right, it worked like a champ. I mounted the bracket to the "clamshell" cover behind the RV mirror with a single screw/locknut/washer. This cover is held in place via 5 spring posts and easily pops off.
Now I need to fish the wire to the rear fusebox and I'm done. The fusebox under the hood is, in fact, accessible BUT has ONLY micro fuses and there appears to be NO source for "add-a-circuits" for micro 2-pin ATR fuses, thus the "journey" to the rear fusebox. When I get 'er done will post pics etc for all.

Looks really good. I was going to mount to the left lower windshield using a perm glass mount, but I might do what you did instead... Nice & clean..!

For the ignorant among us, what exactly is a spudger tool?

http://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Spudger/IF145-002
I used the flat end to push the wire under the trim, or pry the trim back in some spots

Looks good. I just bought a passport max. I am going to do a hard wire install in the near future. How does the rear view mirror mount/detector affect your vision?

Can't speak for the rest but I had my Valentine under the RV mirror on my C5 for nearly 8 years and did not once have my field of vision blocked or affected. Hope to get my wiring run this afternoon. Once everything is in and functioning properly I'll post pics and and comments as needed.

On the Driver's side of the RV mirror their appears to be some type of
impression.. maybe for a sensor..Did you drill a hole in your bracket to allow for it?

Great post. Thanks for sharing.

:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs: Thanks for the write up.

Doesn't affect my vision at all. I don't even notice it there.

To be honest, I didn't look. I just installed the mount as it came without modifying it any.

After reading this thread I ordered the V1 mount above and installed it. It does not reach the sensor hole because the grove in the center will not allow it to go that far to the drivers side.

That's a great install.

Decided I don't like the thought of my Escort hanging down underneath the mirror. Unfortunately I found this out after buying the mount the OP spec'd.

So, if anyone would like it for $25, PM me...

Uninstalled and unused - only held it up on the mirror to check fit.