So I just got this cool little portable GPS unit (Garmin Nuvi 350) that uses a windshield suction-cup mount. Mounting the unit to the windshield puts the unit too far away to 1) see well and 2) reach comfortably.

What I want to do is build a blind mount that will attach to the dash from behind the center dash trim piece, but I don't know how to safely remove the trim piece without breaking it. I believe it will just pull out if I yank hard enough. Dose anyone here know how this piece should be removed?

 

Sent you a email

 

There are 4 screws holding that part :



Make sure to remove the two little trims around the hazards and dimmer switch and it will come off very easily...

 

You could mount it with a Panavise mount that is designed to fit on the down tubes. This is a magallen so yours will be smaller

 

Someone also sells a MINI-specific mount that attaches right above the speedo.

Darn it if I can't remember where I saw it. . . .

Panavise mount is nice (I use it for my Sirius unit), but you may not get good satellite reception down there.

 

Oh, I forgot to mention. I always run an external gps antenna. Its the only way to go. The absolute BEST reception, always picks up the WAAS signals. Behind the stubbie is the XM and GPS antenna

 

You should try a GPS unit using the new SiRF III receivers. They are so sensitive that an external antenna is now unnecessary for most applications. My Garmin 60csx picks up full WAAS corrections on 12 satellites in my freaking BASEMENT!

I just checked and the Nuvi does have the SiRF receiver, so you can probably put it anywhere in the car (especially if you have a sunroof)

 

Have you considered some available options for this?

This one is a simple solution:

And this one is will give you a nice, factory look:

They're both in the UK but you should be able to order them.

 

Or you could just buy the protable "beanie bag" it "sticks" (just sets down) to the MINI dash well and you can place it anywhere, not sure if your GPS model would work with it, but it's worth looking into! (here's a link to it, the beanie bag has worked well for me and doesn't slip on the sharp turns ) http://shop.garmin.com/accessory.jsp...0%2D10306%2D00

 

BPAGO,
I replied to your e-mail.

DARKMINICOOPERS,
Thanks for the pointers!

CHOWS4US,
I like the Panavise idea, but I have the large cup holder there and will prolly keep it. Building a little braket that sticks out just above the head unit still seems like the way to go.

YUCCA PATROL
If you could remember the vendor that sells the mount that you are thinking of, I'd be interested in checking it out.


MINI_BEE,
The first solution I know will be hitting my knee... which bug me and I'll rip the braket out. Solution two will get in the way of the cup holder and therefore wont work. That being said, I very much appriciate the URLs you posted. I'll look at them more later as they look like they might have some cool stuff.

MINIBEAMER,
I've seen this before and it will work with the mounting hardware provided with the Nuvi 350. However, I really hate stuff on my dash or windshield. If it weren't for this quirk of mine I'd be using this bean-bad device.


All,

thanks for your input. As soon as I get it mounted I'll post a pic to this thread.

Cheers

Nethack (aka Jonathan)

PS: if any of you are going to the Monterey Historics at Leguna Seca this weekend I'll be there to say hi

 

I also have the cupholder, its below the mount. Look at the pic closely and it doesnt interfere with the radio.

Yucca, yup technology marches on. However, not ready to drop another $800 for just another chip. But you can see where the technology is heading. 18 months old and the thing is already obsolete!!! NM the built-in factory units which are woefully obsolete ... You will never be able to catch up with technology.

 

I have some friends who have the Nuvi and the Chrono package. They've got their Nuvi set up right on the big center dial and can still see all their instruments. Also, apparently it's illegal to mount stuff on our windshiled in CA.

Other than that, I'm jealous. That Nuvi is cool!