Custom GPS mount 2009+ (Garmin, Magellan, TomTom, etc.)

[roadracer516]

I am really picky about "added" electronics on my vehicles. I recently bought a Garmin 2460LMT and did not like the mounting areas suitable for the stick on disc and really dont like to paste it to the windshield, especially with the Murano as it has a very sloped windshield and the GPS would be a longs ways away.

Went to Home Depot, bought a $0.58 metal flat bracket, $3.00 for 3M two sided tape and couple of other items to attempt a custom mounting bracket just above the 7" LCD screen.

I reduced the size of the mounting disc for the suction cup as it is HUGE and can be reduced in diameter about 30% as to not stick out so much. I used a dremel with a few different attachments to get the job done.

I used a vice to make my bends to the flat bracket. After the major bends were complete, I made small adjustments to get it just right. I used the 3M two sided tape to mount at the front and the back on the dash itself; centered on the 7" LCD display. I then attached the suction cup disk and the Garmin mount, then the GPS itself.

Actually the trickiest part was getting the power cable/traffic reciever mounted with a clean look as not to see it as much as possible. I used small pieces of 3M two sided tape (by the way....get the "outdoor" type of 3M tape, the indoor stuff does NOT stick to the dash) to route the cable down and around the right vent and into the glove box, then down the side to power at the adapter in the center part of the dash in front of the shifter.

I am pretty happy with the results. I may purchase this mount (

Amazon.com: Arkon GN115 Windshield / Dashboard Mount for Garmin Nuvi & StreetPilot: GPS & Navigation

Amazon.com: Arkon GN115 Windshield / Dashboard Mount for Garmin Nuvi & StreetPilot: GPS & Navigation

) more adjustability. I would like it a little lower and angled back as well. We will see when I get that part; it is only $9.00 at Amazon. Let me know what you think?

[jcman311]

Looks good. I too was all happy with getting a gps for christmas 2010, then went to go mount it the first time and was all puzzled at where the heck to mount it. I may have to try something like this in the future.

Just one word of caution. Watch out for a hot summer day. I know that I've mounting old xm radios in cars with 3m tape and would work fine for a while, but if it was a HOT summer day it would melt the glue and fall off the dash. And the radio is way lighter than my gps unit.

[roadracer516]

Originally Posted by jcman311

Looks good. I too was all happy with getting a gps for christmas 2010, then went to go mount it the first time and was all puzzled at where the heck to mount it. I may have to try something like this in the future.

Just one word of caution. Watch out for a hot summer day. I know that I've mounting old xm radios in cars with 3m tape and would work fine for a while, but if it was a HOT summer day it would melt the glue and fall off the dash. And the radio is way lighter than my gps unit.

I hear that! I am from San Diego and have had the same issues. As mentioned, the "outdoor" tape is much better than the indoor tape. Outdoor tape is grey and indoor tape is white for reference.

Actually, the way this mount is setup, the tape is really just "positive retention". If the tape let go front and or rear, I believe the unit would stay in place? The back is hinged and penetrates the gap between the upper dash and lower dash seam that runs along the top. With that said, I will keep an eye when the weather turns warm and thank you for your input! Right now, the mount is ROCK solid!

[BillArf]

Buy one of these ($2-3) , drill holes in it so you can mount it with screws screws and then fasten to your bracket. Much better then using the suction cup.
I had the same Garmin as yours and this mount worked great and for cheap.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IG-PSTARA-Sticky-Mount-Garmin-Nuvi-40LM-50-3750-2460LMT-2360LMT-2350-2250LT-/230732441585?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b8b9 a7f1

.

[roadracer516]

Originally Posted by BillArf

Buy one of these ($2-3) , drill holes in it so you can mount it with screws screws and then fasten to your bracket. Much better then using the suction cup.
I had the same Garmin as yours and this mount worked great and for cheap.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IG-PSTARA-Sticky-Mount-Garmin-Nuvi-40LM-50-3750-2460LMT-2360LMT-2350-2250LT-/230732441585?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b8b9 a7f1

.

I saw that on Amazon. I am with you that this is better than a suction cup but I think it will lack the adjustability I need? With that said, its so cheap I could certainly give it a shot

[jcman311]

Originally Posted by roadracer516

I hear that! I am from San Diego and have had the same issues. As mentioned, the "outdoor" tape is much better than the indoor tape. Outdoor tape is grey and indoor tape is white for reference.

Actually, the way this mount is setup, the tape is really just "positive retention". If the tape let go front and or rear, I believe the unit would stay in place? The back is hinged and penetrates the gap between the upper dash and lower dash seam that runs along the top. With that said, I will keep an eye when the weather turns warm and thank you for your input! Right now, the mount is ROCK solid!

Dang, I may have to try this now but with this instead of the round disc.

http://www.amazon.com/APGN-VSM-Vehicle-Specific-Adapter-Connects/dp/B002ACP2FY/ref=pd_sim_e_7

http://www.amazon.com/APGN-VSM-Vehicle-Specific-Adapter-Connects/dp/B002ACP2FY/ref=pd_sim_e_7

[crazydude]

Use proclip..though expensive, it gives a clean and good install for murano..

[Qat]

Very nicely done. I can see that, like me, you hate having cables running all over the dash.

I like having my Nav over on the left side out of my main line of vision, so I routed the power cable from the outlet under the middle of the dash, up the A pillar on the driver's side.

[roadracer516]

Originally Posted by Qat

Very nicely done. I can see that, like me, you hate having cables running all over the dash.

I like having my Nav over on the left side out of my main line of vision, so I routed the power cable from the outlet under the middle of the dash, up the A pillar on the driver's side.

Nicely done and very CLEAN! You are correct, I hate cables and afterthought looking accessories.

[roadracer516]

Originally Posted by roadracer516

I saw that on Amazon. I am with you that this is better than a suction cup but I think it will lack the adjustability I need? With that said, its so cheap I could certainly give it a shot

GREAT advice, thanks! Got this mount and it is the cleanest and least intrusive. It also gives me the option to angle it back to look more inline with the 7" LCD while still 100% viewable. I like this the best!

[Busted Yuppie]

I got this friction mount:

Easy, works great. A little spendy but I love it!

[BANSwee]

Originally Posted by jcman311

Dang, I may have to try this now but with this instead of the round disc.

Amazon.com: ARKON APGN-VSM Vehicle Specific Mount Adapter Plate Connects 4 Hole AMPS VSM to Garmin Nuvi 17mm: GPS & Navigation

I'm gonna buy the arkon mount but I can't find any product that would put the thing in place.. I dont see a double sided tape will do the job..

any specific product.. thanks

[Pilgrim]

My cell phone mounts in an adapter I built for the center console. It mounts on a wood block that sits in the forward (useless) change receptacle). The GPS in it works fine.

I really don't want the GPS at eye level at night. Much too bright to use unless I turn the screen brightness way, way down.

[Halwg]

Originally Posted by Qat

Very nicely done. I can see that, like me, you hate having cables running all over the dash.

I like having my Nav over on the left side out of my main line of vision, so I routed the power cable from the outlet under the middle of the dash, up the A pillar on the driver's side.

This is the way I did mine, too. Keeps everything nice and neat and out of the way. Pilgrim, the Garmin GPS units have auto dimming when it becomes night. Your cell phone evidently isn't that smart!