Best place to mount gps unit?

[HomersCanyonero]

Just got a nuvi 1490T as a gift and I'm wondering where to mount it on the 80?

I'm gettting ready for an 800 mile trip to Utah and I need to mount it quickly.

Please post photos if you have them.

 

[darnold87]

Mine is right on top of the dash above the steering wheel. I think its a good idea to have it somewhere straight in front of the driver, but not impeding your vision. If its too far off to the side, you'll be looking away from the road straight ahead of you...

 

[lrowe_csp]

Mounting GPS

I was told recently by a law enforcement officer while travelling in CA that if you mount a GPS unit on the windshield, it must be to the far right or far left of center. I was not aware of that, and we do not have a similar law in VA, but you may need to keep that GPS unit close to the A pillar while in CA.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

I hadn't considered laws...I'll do a quick search on that. I had a radar detector on one trip and I mounted it right in the middle of the windshield.

I was thinking of mounting it in front of the digital clock which is below the windshield, but seems a little far. My nuvi talks, so maybe it doesn't need to be right in front of me.

Also, most "new" cars have their navigation right smack in the middle of the dashboard where our stock radio is located.

 

[greentruck]

Mine is mounted on top of the dash, just right of center. I used one of those metal hockey pucks with the adhesive back. A couple of inches of the power cable is squeezed into the space between the dash and the trim around the windshield gasket to hold it in place, then down just to the left edge of the passenger air bag cover. When the new JDM grab handle gets here from mot, it will help keep the cable in place as it drapes down to plug into power.

If it's just off the field of your view through the windshield, it should be OK. I can see why they don't want it smack in front of you. Too much temptation to watch it, instead of the road. Where you can give it a quick, easy glance for reference is a good spot.

 

[jonheld]

I have a Nuvi 880 mounted in the left corner of the dash just where the registration sticker lives. Easy to mount (windshield suction cup), easy to run cable (cable fits well between the dash plastic and A pillar. With a bit of effort it will be completely hidden).

Very fast, clean, user friendly installation. Doesn't distract when driving and easy to look at without moving my head.

 

[Stone]

Suction cup mount, driver's A pillar for me.

 

[klstclair]

Electronics Mounting

You may want to take a look at ProClip. I have their mounting system for my iPhone and it works great for my 80!

They make a piece that is specific to the vehicle and a part that is designed for the device you want to mount. It is a little pricy but you can choose to get a different bracket for another car and move the device mount to the other car.
ProClipUsa (dot) com is their web site.

Enjoy your new toy,

Kevin

 

[sandcruiser]

if you use it in more than 1 car, I like the sandbag mounts.

for many many miles, ours was mounted to the front of the center console. Not ideal, but good enough.

But then, I still live by the man-code. Some fancy-schmancy satellite nav system is still asking directions and every time you do it you lose a mote of manhood. You shouldn't refer to the gps more than once per half hour. Tops. No need to have it right up in your grill.

 

[bignasty]

Underneath rearview mirror is so natural.

 

[maniacv]

Farthest left and as low as you can get it on the windshield.

 

[ckrustware0045]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/35320-pillar-gps-mount.html

I used the above link as a guide to make mine. Instead of steel I used some kydex I got of fleeebay. It matches the interior color and is looks like the plastic used in the overhead storage on jets.I ordered the ram mounting hardware off of gps city (fast shipping). I can still use the OH POOP! handle and change settings on the gps easily as well.

 

[ckrustware0045]

I have changed the socket arm length to 1" since the pics were taken. I also mounted the scan gauge II under the rear view mirror. Hope this helps.

 

[mister]

I stuck the round disc on the useless area in front if the shifter. Works great for me.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I did a quick Google search and California does have a law with regards to mounting a GPS unit on the windshield. It cannot be in the middle -- it has to be on the far left or far right.

My nuvi 1490 is a little big (5" screen), so it doesn't fit well on the far left by the pillar.

It also doesn't fit by the shifter -- my Land Rover cup holder is there taking up most of the free space.

My 96 has an area by the digital clock that looks like a small narrow shelf. I attached my black disc right there, so it's mounted below the digital clock facing the driver.

The suction cup on the nuvi 1490 attaches real well to the black disc. I'll post pictures when I get a chance.

I do agree that the voices (Jack/Jill) get annoying after a while. I might have to go on mute on the way back home.

The nuvi is great for finding restaurants, gas stations, coffee places, etc. off the highway. It's nice to locate the nearest Starbucks, Coffee Bean, Peets, etc. when you need some caffeine and you need to fill up with gas. Nuvi gets you back on the highway.

However, I've missed turns or turned too early a couple of times. So, there's a break in period in terms of getting used to the instructions.