Electrical For discussions regarding wiring up electrical modifications such as radar detectors, brake light mods, power sockets, and driving lights in Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S (R56), and Cabrio (R57) MINIs.

Electrical V-1 is killing my dash!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 04-22-2010 | 07:16 PM
Eric (Plug Guy)'s Avatar
Eric (Plug Guy)
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 309
Likes: 2
V-1 is killing my dash!

Had it in the vehicle since delivery June '08. But in the hot sun, every once in a while, the suction cups give way and the damn thing dings my dash up! I've already got 3 small dimples where it dangled down and dinged it.

So....it's mounted driver side of rearview mirror, up very high, and works really well there, and I really want to leave it up there.

I've tried new suction cups, cleaning the glass and cups, etc. No luck. It stays up there 80%, but when it lets go, it dings the dash.

Has anyone come up with some sort of 'insurance' that would hold it up even if the suction cups let go?

Was thinking a spot of velcro, but really don't want to trash up things. Not sure where I could run a zip tie under it and connect above in the headliner, but figured someone else must have had this too.

Thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks.
 
  #2  
Old 04-22-2010 | 07:25 PM
moodylewdd's Avatar
moodylewdd
5th Gear
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 828
Likes: 0
I have mine in the exact same spot...but have a loop around the rear view mirror with the power cord. I am suspecting yours is the cordless one?
My suction cups are old, and do give up their holding power a couple times a year...but my low tech spit-on-the-finger seems to do the trick!
 
  #3  
Old 04-22-2010 | 09:00 PM
Minidrivr's Avatar
Minidrivr
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 4
Use the visor clip instead of the suction cups and slide it above the headliner.
 
  #4  
Old 04-22-2010 | 09:39 PM
onefish2's Avatar
onefish2
6th Gear
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,906
Likes: 1
From: Nanuet, NY
Been in my car in the same spot (above and to the left of the rear view mirror) for the past 16 months. No issue. Was in my prior car a 06 BMW 330xi in the same spot for 3 years, no issues.

Maybe you need to purchase new suction cups?
 
  #5  
Old 04-22-2010 | 09:53 PM
minicooperwill's Avatar
minicooperwill
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, WA
Originally Posted by Minidrivr
Use the visor clip instead of the suction cups and slide it above the headliner.
There's your answer. That location also makes it really easy for when/if you do the hardwiring (referenced elsewhere in these forums).
 
  #6  
Old 04-23-2010 | 04:37 AM
cmcveay's Avatar
cmcveay
3rd Gear
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Annandale, VA
That's where mine is located and the suction cups did let go when the temps got down into single digits. When I put the power wire through the headliner, I ziptied it at the length I wanted. When it's not installed, I've got a 2" wire that I can't even see behind the mirror. When the suction cups let go, it just dangled.

Mine also rests slightly on the rearview mirror. I attached an adhesive backed rubber "foot" to prevent rattling. That seems to take some of the pressure off of the suction cups.

Because they aren't legal here, I also have a tint strip at the top of my windshield and that gives it a smooth surface for the suction cups.

Last, but not least, I've heard they will stick better if you apply rain-x to the inside of the windshield. Haven't tried it yet so I can't vouch for it personally.
 
  #7  
Old 05-05-2010 | 12:53 PM
spinned's Avatar
spinned
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
Built a headliner bracket for mine.

 
  #8  
Old 05-05-2010 | 01:31 PM
Motor On's Avatar
Motor On
6th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,848
Likes: 15
Originally Posted by minicooperwill
There's your answer. That location also makes it really easy for when/if you do the hardwiring (referenced elsewhere in these forums).
x2, and regardless of hard wiring to the mirror or the fuse box it all tuck up there nice and easily, and keeps the nasty "rob this car" suction cup marks off the windshield.
 
  #9  
Old 05-05-2010 | 02:25 PM
iwashmycar's Avatar
iwashmycar
6th Gear
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,313
Likes: 102
From: Columbus, Ohio
i basically tucked the suction cup mount up in the headliner w/o the suction cups on it, then put a tiny bit of velcro on the top of the unit which pretty much sticks it to the headliner... hasnt moved a bit
 
  #10  
Old 05-20-2010 | 02:43 PM
JENGLAND's Avatar
JENGLAND
2nd Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 118
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, TX
I had a tint eyebrow added to my windshield just the thickness of the radar. This way it hides the V1 and is cooler for the cups. 1 1/2 years and no problems.
 
  #11  
Old 06-17-2010 | 10:33 PM
Emann's Avatar
Emann
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Jersey
I've found that using a little bit of soapy water helps the suction cups stay on better.
 
  #12  
Old 07-08-2010 | 01:52 AM
ArcticEd's Avatar
ArcticEd
Neutral
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
The Blend Mount option supposedly isn't compatible with a Mini but I thought I'd post the link - maybe there's a similar product out there that is compatible or something that can be done to modify it:

http://www.blendmount.com/make.html
 
  #13  
Old 09-28-2010 | 11:35 PM
robspec's Avatar
robspec
3rd Gear
iTrader: (15)
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
this is what i use to mount mine,i picked it up in person since they are close to me the owner of the company also owns a r53 mini,i have used them in other cars i have owned,ill try to post picks up of my install,quality of the prosuct is amazing

http://www.countryjoycrafts.com/350Z....htmAdjustable

Valentine-1 Z Mini Mount for 5/8 stem only,thats the specific mini one
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ECSTuning
Interior/Exterior Products
0
10-01-2015 12:34 PM
ECSTuning
Vendor Classifieds
0
10-01-2015 12:34 PM
ECSTuning
Interior/Exterior Products
0
10-01-2015 12:28 PM
ECSTuning
Vendor Classifieds
0
10-01-2015 12:28 PM
ECSTuning
Vendor Announcements
0
10-01-2015 12:13 PM



Quick Reply: Electrical V-1 is killing my dash!



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:49 PM.