For those people that do own them, I'm curious to know what radar detector you have and where have you mounted it, and if possible, to post pics of your mount too!

PLEASE do NOT discuss or debate which radar is better, there are other threads for that. I just want to know where you guys have them mounted because I'm debating if I want to do a custom mount or not.

Blendmount with Valentine One


http://www.somniplex.com/gallery/d/110700-2/IMG_3427.JPG
http://www.somniplex.com/gallery/d/110703-2/IMG_3428.JPG

BlendMount with Invisicord hard wired to Escort.

Ya the Blendmounts look pretty sweet. Have you guys tried placing the rd's at different spots on your windshield to see which area gives you the best performace? I know they say the higher up the better for picking up radar, but I wonder if anyone here was able to try different locations on the windshield. I've always had mine place in the center lower region of the windshielf.

Where to Mount Your Radar Detector (http://www.valentine1.com/v1info/radardetectormounting.asp)

WHERE TO MOUNT YOUR RADAR DETECTOR Valentine One radar detectors work best when mounted high in the windshield, and toward the center between the windshield pillars. Use your choice of windshield or visor mounts.

Detector performance is enhanced by a high mounting position. Two reasons. For radar, a longer sight line to the horizon always helps. For laser, moving away from the hood and its sun reflections helps a lot

Having quoted that, I've mounted V1s in several cars in many windshield locations (including sitting in the seat beside me when in states like VA where they are illegal to use) and it'll certainly work in all of them. Just don't think you'll ever get a scenario where you can really do an effective A/B comparison. I'll take the detector manufacturers word for the best mounting position.

Those Blendmounts are very nice but overpriced just to hang a box below the mirror stem. A 1" piece of aluminum sheet and a couple drill bits can get it done for a couple dollars. Not knockin' you guys for buying them because I was tempted to myself, but I wanted to keep the $100 towards a supercharger. :heh:

Those Blendmounts are very nice but overpriced just to hang a box below the mirror stem. A 1" piece of aluminum sheet and a couple drill bits can get it done for a couple dollars. Not knockin' you guys for buying them because I was tempted to myself, but I wanted to keep the $100 towards a supercharger. :heh:

I purchased an Escort and Bendmount with invisicord about 2 weeks ago. The Blendmount is nice, but it's a PITA to get the detector off when needed because the bracket mounts so dang close to the mirror. Also, some of the buttons on the top are not easy to get to with my phat phingers! If I had it to do again, I would save the $100 also.

Those Blendmounts are very nice but overpriced just to hang a box below the mirror stem. A 1" piece of aluminum sheet and a couple drill bits can get it done for a couple dollars. Not knockin' you guys for buying them because I was tempted to myself, but I wanted to keep the $100 towards a supercharger. :heh:

So post up pictures of your DIY mount so we can see how it turned out, Mr. C :tu:

I though about doing that as well but:
1) too many other things to do and I'd just add it to the list and never take the time to get it done
2) worried about the rattle from a drilled piece of metal hanging up there. Rattles drive me absolutely nuts.
3) saw pictures of the blendmount here on TS and it looked really good. 5 minutes and a few clicks later I was done.... back to #1.

mdwaller, I'd guess this thing was probably designed first for the V1 and then simply adapted for other brands with less thought about usability. All the buttons are on the front and the mount removal is a quick push and slide. The closer to the mirror the V1 is, the better to blend in IMO; I like that mine looks like it is part of the mirror when you look at it from outside for a little more theft security.

So post up pictures of your DIY mount so we can see how it turned out, Mr. C :tu:

I though about doing that as well but:
1) too many other things to do and I'd just add it to the list and never take the time to get it done
2) worried about the rattle from a drilled piece of metal hanging up there. Rattles drive me absolutely nuts.
3) saw pictures of the blendmount here on TS and it looked really good. 5 minutes and a few clicks later I was done.... back to #1.

mdwaller, I'd guess this thing was probably designed first for the V1 and then simply adapted for other brands with less thought about usability. All the buttons are on the front and the mount removal is a quick push and slide. The closer to the mirror the V1 is, the better to blend in IMO; I like that mine looks like it is part of the mirror when you look at it from outside for a little more theft security.

Yea, the buttons are on the top of the escort and you have to push in a release button while holding the release on the blendmount at the same time. Kind of a pain.

Does anyone have the concealed display for the V1? If so, where did you place it?

My V1 is clipped to my visor and it is hardwired to the fuse box. That's the way I've setup my detectors since the early 90's. It is virtually impossible to see from the outside which is especially useful in Virginia where they are illegal. I also have a Escort Redline setup the same way.

Blendmount makes 2 versions of the mount for the V1, which version did you guys get, the BV1-2005 or BV1-2000A?

http://www.blendmount.com/toyota.html

(ps: I just got the V1 last week after owning a few of the Escort models for the past 9 years, I'm excited for my new toy!!)

question for you guys that mounted the radar underneath the rvm, after running the wire along the top of the windshield and headliner, when leading the wire down the side, how did you get it inside the side a-pillar?

question for you guys that mounted the radar underneath the rvm, after running the wire along the top of the windshield and headliner, when leading the wire down the side, how did you get it inside the side a-pillar?

You have to remove the grab-handle (it's two bolts, 10mm I think). Then you just pull on the trim piece and it comes off. That's how I did it.

You have to remove the grab-handle (it's two bolts, 10mm I think). Then you just pull on the trim piece and it comes off. That's how I did it.

Thank you! I will have to give it a shot this week, right now I have wires running all over the place and I hate having that mess.

I have my V-1 hard wired and mounted just left of the rear view mirror. I have looked at the blendmounts and installed a view on my boss's cars, but i have a habit of disconnecting the wire and shoving it up in to the head liner and putting the V-1 in the console when i am in Houston or other large cities where the theft rate on these tend to be high. The secondary module I have installed in the cubby hole under the coin holder. It is out of site and not seen by cars around you. I know the sounds and only look down ever so often to check direction of signal when needed. I drilled a hole in the left rear corner of the cubby hole and ran my wire to tie it in. The module fits tight and does not move.
The one cord you see is for the gps.

http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy245/zeeya2000/PC210101.jpg

So after trying different positions with the radar and the display unit, I have the radar sitting right underneath the rvm on the left side. I thought of placing the display unit by in the instrument panel area, to the left of the rpm gauge and turn signal indicators. But I might go without the display unit because I found it to be easier to take a quick glimpse to the V1 which is in the perfect eye level view to see where the radar is coming from instead of looking down constantly at the display unit in the instrument panel. It's extremely convienient, but everyone has thier own preferences! I may mess around with the unit more and see how it looks with having the display in the ip area at some point.

Nice install Zeeya, its a perfect fit for that area.

I was just looking at those blendmounts. Was going to get one. but is just seems the radar is in plain view to a thief when looking through the window..Mine is hardwired and at the very top of the windshield and cannot be seen unless you look in and then up. Mine comes on with ignition and goes off with ignition.

Hey Mark,
How did you mount it up there?
The suction cups on mine just don't seem to last. Wondering if there is a better solution.

Thanks!

Pagal, it does fit well in that area, but you do have to look down ever so often to check direction of signal. I have had a V-1 since 1996 and the sounds it makes are planted in my head. Once I pick up a proper signal I will let off the gas and then check the direction of the signal. I have my unit mounted so that the view of the detector sits right at the bottom of the factory tint line of the windshield. I have not had any problems with the suction cups giving out. The current set has been on the unit over a year. Last time I had it upgraded I put a new set on it. The main reason I have the display is that I hate the cars that suck up behind you when they see that red light indicating you have a detector or when a cop is passing by. The unit is not really visible unless you look real close when traveling and at night no lighting at all illuminates from it with the seperate display unit.
Mark, that is the only reason I have not bought the blendmount. It gives a great view for the radar to pick up signals, but everyone and their mom can see it while you are driving down the road or parked. I travel to a lot of places that I just will not risk it. I take the unit down and push the wire back up into the edge of the headliner so that when you look in there is no sign of a unit being hidden in the vehicle. Co-worker has the blend mount in each of his vehicles and transfers the unit between them. Works great for him. I just like to lay low I guess.

Mark, that is my only concern of placing the V1 high up on the windshield, the fact that it is easier for someone to snatch it while the windows are down and do a quick grab. Whereas if the V1 was mounted lower close to the dash in the center, its a little more difficult to do so. But then again, I don't plan on leaving the vehicle alone with the windows down and out of my sight (knocks on wood). I don't care too much about other drivers trying to look at my V1 to save them, but if someone is behind me and a little too close, it might be time to do a break check every now and then ;) .

got the new escort, passport 9500, thing is badass. well worth the money. and the gps is a great feature. just have it mounted low on the dash, need to hardwire it and move it to the top of the windshield.

Hey Mark,
How did you mount it up there?
The suction cups on mine just don't seem to last. Wondering if there is a better solution.

Thanks!
Nah man I just replace the suction cups from time to time with new ones. Your right the heat kills them freakin' things! I am trying to come up with something, but not at the top of my list at the moment. :D

Pagal, it does fit well in that area, but you do have to look down ever so often to check direction of signal. I have had a V-1 since 1996 and the sounds it makes are planted in my head. Once I pick up a proper signal I will let off the gas and then check the direction of the signal. I have my unit mounted so that the view of the detector sits right at the bottom of the factory tint line of the windshield. I have not had any problems with the suction cups giving out. The current set has been on the unit over a year. Last time I had it upgraded I put a new set on it. The main reason I have the display is that I hate the cars that suck up behind you when they see that red light indicating you have a detector or when a cop is passing by. The unit is not really visible unless you look real close when traveling and at night no lighting at all illuminates from it with the seperate display unit.
Mark, that is the only reason I have not bought the blendmount. It gives a great view for the radar to pick up signals, but everyone and their mom can see it while you are driving down the road or parked. I travel to a lot of places that I just will not risk it. I take the unit down and push the wire back up into the edge of the headliner so that when you look in there is no sign of a unit being hidden in the vehicle. Co-worker has the blend mount in each of his vehicles and transfers the unit between them. Works great for him. I just like to lay low I guess.
Yea when I ran upon that the other night while surfing the web, I was like this is what I need. But kind of backed off as I do not want to take my radar up and down everytime to remove it out of site.


Mark, that is my only concern of placing the V1 high up on the windshield, the fact that it is easier for someone to snatch it while the windows are down and do a quick grab. Whereas if the V1 was mounted lower close to the dash in the center, its a little more difficult to do so. But then again, I don't plan on leaving the vehicle alone with the windows down and out of my sight (knocks on wood). I don't care too much about other drivers trying to look at my V1 to save them, but if someone is behind me and a little too close, it might be time to do a break check every now and then ;) .
Agreed!

got the new escort, passport 9500, thing is badass. well worth the money. and the gps is a great feature. just have it mounted low on the dash, need to hardwire it and move it to the top of the windshield.


Same here with the 9500ix. Badass detector.. Spot on all the time.

I also have the Blendmont mount with the hardwire kit to the overhead console. I leave my detector in all the time and only remove it if I go to the mall or somewhere like that. I have tinted windows to include the front windshield so you really can't tell it's there unless you really look in.. then, my Clifford Alarm senses anyone closer than two feet from the windows. So, yeah, I'm not too concerned about theft.

I simply place it on the dash when I need it for road trips. I put one of those sticky pads under it so it does not slide. Easy to take in and out as needed. Do the same with my gps unit.