I own a Passport 8500 and have used it for 2 years just sitting on my windshield with the cigarrette plug. I finally ordered the hardwire kit, and got the one that has the quick mute button in line with the power cable. I was hoping to mount the detector with a visor clip on the visor and run the power down the pillar to place the mute button close to my knees. Does anyone have any tips on how to do this effectively? I also have very few tools (no voltmeter) to test for the right wire.

 

Update to my last: I did manage to hardwire my Passport with the direct SmartCord. I mounted the detector on the visor and ran the cord down the pillar, under the floor, and into the cigarette lighter. Just an FYI if you hadn't noticed by now, the cigarette lighter is only powered when the car is on. I'll include photos in my next post, it was just too hot out here to take them today.

 

good idea i should do that now that i ahve my xm radio built into my pioneer avic-z1 oh well i already t-tapped it int he top which worked great

 

i had to use a 10mm wrench to get that stupid bolt off

 

dont use the bolt just use use the metal wire from a twist tie or some other kind of metal wire to twist it around the other metal hole. its easier

 

Brian is right about using the sunroof power which when i saw his post on hardwiring the v1. Its not hard, all you have to do is take the dome light off like the pictures, then unscrew the visors, pull open drive a pillar, and remove the cowl cover, run the wire behind the dash under the pedals to the fuse box..

 

^^Yep, it was a bit tough at first to ground/tighten the nut but other than that its fairly easy.

 

Anyone have an opinion on the cobra xrs9330? I've seen quite a few experts give their opinions and some nice video links. The v1 is just really freakin expensive!

 

you get what you pay for with radar detectors

 

I swear by my V1, its a worthwile investment. In the end its a call you must make.

 

Great guide! I just couldn't figure out how to get that dome light assembly off and was afraid I'd break something. Excellent tip on the sunroof wire too, I hadn't thought of that. I was just going to use one of the bulb hots for +, but I'd always have to turn the detector on and off manually, instead of with the key.

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR A GREAT HOWTO, ESPECIALLY THE PICS!!!!

 

the dome light assembly?
you just yank down hard...

 

Yes, I meant *before* I saw this I couldn't figure it out.

 

Ah....glad to help...

 

ohhh..

then that's awesome... :D

i was confused for a second there.

 

looks nice i like it a lot

 

Is there a Option In which I can disable one of the switches and have the button for the lights as my on off button for my radar detector? If so how do we do it.

 

just thought i would add that there are companies who will pay your ticket if your caught speeding w ithin certain peramaters with their detectors, and they have ones designed to be installed out of sight. Also if you are speeding noticably a cop dosnt need a lazer gun, a judge will accept the cops judgment, and btw, good install, if you wanna be able to take it out this is the way to go, and just so i dont start an argument, i am speeking from experience

 

I just got my Beltronics Vector 975R installed about a week ago. It is a stealth detector. The unit fits in my palm easily and is very easy to hide. The actual radar detection unit is in my front bumper (hidden by my radiator cooling panel). I have not mounted the laser units yet.

I like this detector because I don't have anything hanging from the middle of the windshield. My plan is to eventually mount it on a panel that will replace the radio. If I do get pulled over, I simply turn the detector off and shut the door and there is no evidence there is a detector in my car. It has already warned me of several attempts to radar my car.

I am not a heavy speeder. Of course, I usually go 5 to 7 mph over the limit like most people. The reason I got the detector is that I am extremely paranoid of cops. The detector warns me when there is a cop using radar so that I can check my speed and have peace of mind.

 

Great write up. A few things I would add....

- The T-tap that came with my v-1 did not fit around the orange sunroof wire did not fit it tightly, even after I crushed it down with pliers. It kept coming loose and the detector would go on and off.

- It is very easy to break the orange sunroof wire if your not careful.