I have an 06 JCW Cab with just about every conceiveable option and factory accessory except Nav. (I bought it used and it came that way.) Now, I'd like to add Nav. The only two places I can see to mount it and not have it in the way of some other control is just to the left or right of the tach pod on top of the steering column. And I'd raise it up just enough to clear the outflow from the air conditioning vents. So, my questions are these:

1. Are there any mounts commercially available that would attach to the back of the pod?

2. Is the pod strong enough to support a nav unit hung out to one side? I can always custom design a mount on my CAD system and have it machined up. 'Might use aluminum and anodize it. Make it work with RAM mounts. Or a motorcycle specific nav mount. (At this time, I plan on using the Garmin Zumo 660 which would do double duty on my motorcycle from time to time.)

3. Is there a switched 12 volt source inside the pod that I can tap into easily? (Or do I need to run my own power lines up there?)

4. If I have to attach the mount to the dash, what is under that plastic? Is it strong enough to screw a mount to. (I really don't like this option because it forever damages the dash.)

5. Finally, what are some of the other options for mounting a Nav?

Thanks much, all!

 

http://www.kudausa.com/kuda_mount_an...06-34-314.html Try this mount it snaps in with no drilling, it's covered in material to match your dash plus you can customize it for any mount. It's the one on the bottom.

 

 

Ooo that is a nice spot for the mount. Perfect height and out of way.

 

Check out Craven too.

 

Thanks all. The one in the photo looks like it would completely block my view of my radar detector. I was hoping to mount it much closer to the pod.

The Craven unit looks pretty good. And with the arm mount, I could adapt just about any kind of holder for the Zumo. Hmmmmm......maybe I won't have to design and make my own.

Does anyone know if there's a good source of switched power in the pod, adequate to power the nav? If not, I wonder how much trouble it would be to run a new pair of wires up into the pod from under the dash?

Thanks again!

 

I have ordered the craven nab bracket. You could prolly just spliceonot the cigarette outlet for power and route it up to the mount. That is my plan once it gets here.

 

I'm gonna have to give Craven a call. I watched their video on how it was made (that's more or less how I was going to do it) and noticed that the hole pattern in the bracket they made does not match the hole pattern on the back of my tach pod. I'm hoping they have made more than one model and that one of them will fit my pod.

Any suggestions on the nav unit itself? I've pretty much decided on Garmin. And at first, I was going to get a Zumo 660 because I could then use it on my motorcycle. However, using a nav while I'm riding is a lot more hazardous than using one while driving (IMHO) and so, I may just get a non-waterproof one and if I use it on the bike, it would be in my tank bag and only used when I pulled over. So, the following Garmin models are in the running (all Nuvi models): 885T, 1690, 775T, 1490T, 785T, 765T, 755T. I like the idea of the Bluetooth for my phone. (Anyone know how well it works?) I presume the FM transmitter is for transmitting the voice from the Garmin to your stereo? And for that voice activated one, does anyone know how well that works? Is it worth the extra money?

Thanks all again!

 

I have a nuvi with bluetooth and audio is very loud and clear.

 

Thanks for calling Martinb, I hope I was able to get you the information you need. I much prefer being helpful over the alternative.

 

Which model do you have? And have you had any trouble pairing with your phone? And how well does the Bluetooth work with the phone? Does it sound like you're in a tin can to the person at the other end?

Thanks!

I've looked at all the Garmin units and I've narrowed it down to 4.

885T, 765T, 1490T, and 1690. Each has some features I like and don't like. For instance, the 1490 has a separate power connection. Some don't have FM transmit (how does that work in the Mini, by the way?). And none of the Garmins allow you to eliminate a particular road or highway. A very useful feature. That's why I'm also looking at the Magellen 4700 and 4350.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks again!

 

Hah! Caught you lurking. And thanks again for your help. I'm definately going to get the X bracket.....once I figure out what GPS I'm getting. I may also get the iPod holder and put it on the right side. I have a G5.

Questions: I have a thin metal case on my G5. Will it fit in the holder with the case on, or will I have to remove the case? Is the holder padded on the inside so the iPod won't get scratched?

Thanks again!

 

Anyone try this one?