I have been following this forum since I bought my 2004 Crossfire in February 2005. I nver bothered to register, because I never really had anything to say. Until now, that is. I have never been happy with the available hardware for mounting an after-market GPS to the Crossfire's windshielf or instrument panel. So, upon buy a new Garmen 4.3" GPS I decided to do something about it. Here's the result. Tell me what you think.

 

Looks very good.... simple and effective.... you might want to consider putting some teflon tape on the bracket to prevent scuffing the trim badly..... I am presuming that your bracket just snaps on the trim???

 

I like it! Simply functional... but, I agree with MikeR what kind of backing do you have to prevent scratching the dash?
Would you be willing to make a few more?
I'd be interested...

 

There are systems out there to attach to a cars HVAC vents:

Amazon.com: Arkon Universal Windshield with Dashboard and Vent Mount for Smartphones and PDAs (Black): Electronics

This might work on our Crossfires!

You came up with a great idea - so great, that it's been done before!

 

Don't be discouraged ....... this is a little different then attaching to the HVAC vent...... I've always thought that those HVAC clips would stress the vent and not be solid. The only thing I could have against your idea, is that it blocks the air flow. Maybe come up with your type of bracket that would place the GPS just above the vents, in the middle. I appreciate all the little mods that people come up with, and even if some of us don't think its for them, others will. Keep thinking, and contribute more... Just sayin .....

 

I agree IBLUBYU - the only reason I don't like the vent hook up, is that it interferes with the air flow - if Carl could make the bracket sit above or below the vents - that would be the ticket! This is how great ideas come about - putting something out there, and asking what people think. Carl, you might have a cottage industry going here!

 

You could also vent (or funnel the air) the plate the gps is screwed too... to allow the air to flow a bit more toward the driver...

 

Looks nice, but it would not work for me. I need the AC more than I need the GPS.
c

 

If you're selling, I'm buying.

My Dell Streak runs a little hot anyway (especially when streaming or GPS-ing).

I wanted to get a mount that clipped to the vent slats but I don't want to break them.

 

I made sure all burrs and sharp edges were smoothed over. The bracket does "snap in". But, it does require some coaxing. I formed both the top and bottom bent edges, which slide into the panel gaps top and bottom. 1/32" thick aluminum was used. I made a template from a thick piece of paper. There are obstructions behind the vent panel. The obstructions caused the template paper to curve, which gave me the shape I needed to trnsfer to the bracket tabs. Once seated, the bracket is very stable, with no proclivity to dislodge.

 

The bracket does not entirely prevent the flow of air thru the vent. The louvres are in the closed position, but gaps remain sufficient to allow air to blow past the bracket. Nothing, really, is lost.

The design required the stock GPS bracket to have a 5/32" hole drilled thru the middle, where the suction cup mounting bracket ball snaps in. I did it without destorying the cup. One ea. #6 screw, nut and washer are also used.

I am considering offering the bracket for sale. Let's see if there is sufficient interest to justify a drawing and request for quote with a local sheet metal shop. I would hope the price could be kept around $20, not including postage. I priced the mounting brackets available at Best Buy, and the prices are much higher. Also, as you know, those plastic brackets are just too chunky and ugley. Not at all elegant enough for the Crossfire.

 

Almost identical to ProClip that many of us have purchased. You can check them out at www.proclipusa.com. They also have a mount that attaches to the console.

 

Cool.. i did something very similar, but removed the vent slats and used the Garmin mount.

 

Proclip. Wow! It is almost identical. I wonder if the portion which goes into the slit is shaped/formed, like mine, to conform to the surfaces behind the panel? Thank you for the heads-up.

 

I wanted it all and did a plate of aluminum that slides into the a/c housing and still allows full air flow. THe XM and zeitronix are mounted on it and if I want; it all can be slid out for stocker look. No fasteners.

Check out the album for more views. Enjoy Woody

https://www.crossfireforum.org/galle...9/Auto_032.JPG



https://www.crossfireforum.org/galle...y.php?cat=1179

 

Creative minds arrive at similar conclusions for solving problems. The spaces between panels have been put to good use. I made a 90 degree bracket, smaller than yours, to mount a small 3.5" TomTom a couple of years ago. The only problem I could see was the lack of stability when using the touchscreen. Perhaps if I had shaped the portion fitted into the space it would have been more rigid.

 

My bracket has an s bend and two pieces ( bolts ) to allow install and support, no wiggle when doing the zeit programming. Woody Old school look with the black wiinkle paint and shake proof nuts, al la 1940's technology.....Hams you know...

 

Any device used to hold a phone or GPS should be removed every time you leave the vehicle. Thieves see the device holder and often gamble that the device is in the glove box. You may lose a window any way.
That is almost as bad as leaving the device in plain sight, we have had a rash of break ins to cars because of it. This is a nice area but some people will steal anything that's not locked down.

 

Deleted........

 

It is, and very sturdy. Easily removed as well.