Placement of an aftermarket navigation unit

[Bobiam]

Just bought a GPS unit with a 4.3" screen to be shared between my SUV and the 986 Boxster. My Box has the console delete package which eliminates the vertical front portion of the console. And let's face it, there's not a whole lot of spare room around the Box dash and windshield area.

I'm wondering if there are any great ideas out there for placement of the screen of the GPS unit where it won't be an eyesore or block 2/3s of my vision. I will not be doing a great deal of navigating with this car ........ the GPS is primarily for my SUV.

The GPS has an external antenna port that is not explained in the instructions, so perhaps this can allow the unit to be placed where the console used to be without a good view of the sky. Well, any ideas from creative readers would be appreciated.

Thanks, Bob

[RandallNeighbour]

The problem with most in-dash installations I've seen is that they're too low and distract the driver.

I have a Garmin Nuuvi 200 and I have it on the windshield to the left of the instrument cluster.

It's out of the way, next to the A pillar, and easy to see and access.

[Bobiam]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

The problem with most in-dash installations I've seen is that they're too low and distract the driver.

I have a Garmin Nuuvi 200 and I have it on the windshield to the left of the instrument cluster.

It's out of the way, next to the A pillar, and easy to see and access.

Thanks. The smaller 3.5" screen of the Garmin Nuuvi 200 is an advantage with cramped cars. But I'll experiment some with your placement.

[OldBlevins]

Having wrestled with the same problem, I'll offer two thoughts:

1. I ended up using a mount that attached to the vent to the left of my steering wheel. It worked fine and didn't obscure any views. It was cheap to buy, too. I think I got it from mountguys.com.

2. I stopped using it when I heard that car prowlers look for signs of gps equipment (mounts, round suction-cup marks on the windshield, etc.) and would then break into the cars.

Now I usually set mine somewhere down by the parking brake. I can't see it, but I can hear it. If I need to see it, it's pretty easy to just lift it for a moment. Not a perfect solution, but it works okay.

[Topless]

I attached a permanent mount disc in one of the center console storage boxes below the climate control.. I attach the Garmin when driving the Boxster and Sat. reception is still good. It is down low but I can glance at it if needed. When parking in public I just unsnap the GPS and take it with me for security.

[brent95m3]

If you buy the GT3 center console delete, that frees up the space below the stereo. From there you could put some sort of mount and attach it to dash beneath the radio (would probably also work with some heavy duty velcro on top of gps unit and on bottom of dash). That would be the best solution I think.

[sb01box]

this thread may be old, but here's my 2 cents.
i wanted a solid mount but not permanent. and no window mount.
went to hardware store and purchased PVC 1-1/2 inch T and 1-1/2 to 1 inch reducer.
On the Garmin mount, cut off the suction part.
Used plyable epoxy and glue in the arm and the ball into the reducer.
files away just a little on the T to have a snug fit into the 1 DIN shelf.
fits solidly and can be pulled off and stored when not in use.
this fits into 04 330I shelf equally well.

[E Kaplan]

SBo1Box:
Great idea! I think I am going to try it.

[Bobiam]

Originally Posted by sb01box

this thread may be old, but here's my 2 cents.
i wanted a solid mount but not permanent. and no window mount.
went to hardware store and purchased PVC 1-1/2 inch T and 1-1/2 to 1 inch reducer.
On the Garmin mount, cut off the suction part.
Used plyable epoxy and glue in the arm and the ball into the reducer.
files away just a little on the T to have a snug fit into the 1 DIN shelf.
fits solidly and can be pulled off and stored when not in use.
this fits into 04 330I shelf equally well.

Genius! I like to see inexpensive solutions that reflect ingenuity. But next time please find a nicely tanned fem leg to replace the hairy guy one in the photos.......LOL