Hardwired radar detector install w/pix

[jamesfg]

Install took about an hour, if you have any questions please fire away.

1st item of business was to remove the radio and bezel. Remove the little rubber mat on the top and it will reveal the 2 screws holding it all together. After those are removed, give a tug and the bezel will pop off. Remove the white and pink wires for the satellite and disconnect the plug for the power source.

I removed the underpanel on the passenger side. It has 3 Christmas tree pins and then disconnect the light.

I removed the kick panel and then peeled back the door seal.

Next is to remove the plastic housing covering the rear view mirror.

I installed the rear view mirror mount and then the radar detector. Plugged in the power cord, ran it up following the existing wire and tucked it the front of the headliner. I then used my Dremel to clearance the cover for the power wire.

Continued running the wire thru the top of the A pillar being sure not to interfere with the air bag. Dropped it down into the channel where the door seal sits and then I used a self tapping screw into the metal portion of the kick panel for the ground. I tapped into the power source outlet with a 5 amp fuse and connected it to the power wire for the radar.

Once that's all done, check the connections for power and then reassemble. Easy peezy

 

[alacombe]

Where did you get the plastic holder for the radar detector?

 

[WRH]

Another option is linked below. Basically, the panel below the steering wheel will expose a fuse box. Fuse 66 is unused and easy to grab the 12 volt line. I initially tried to tap into an existing wire in the overhead console. This turned out to be way easier.

https://5thgenrams.com/community/threads/hard-wire-dash-cam-install.550/

 

[jamesfg]

Where did you get the plastic holder for the radar detector?

http://www.countryjoycrafts.com/ConnectorForRadarDetector.html

 

[freerider969]

Another option is linked below. Basically, the panel below the steering wheel will expose a fuse box. Fuse 66 is unused and easy to grab the 12 volt line. I initially tried to tap into an existing wire in the overhead console. This turned out to be way easier.

https://5thgenrams.com/community/threads/hard-wire-dash-cam-install.550/

That is the route I went also, fuse 66 with a fuse line adapter $6 at the parts store and 15 minutes.

 

[ssick92]

That is the route I went also, fuse 66 with a fuse line adapter $6 at the parts store and 15 minutes.

Sorry to dig up an old thread but I just hardwired my Valentine1 to fuse 66 as mentioned but my V1 doesn't seem to like the voltage on accessory power or when starting the car, it just beeps like it is trying to turn on but isn't fully able to until the engine is actually up and running and the voltage gets above ~13v, then it works fine. What radar detector are you using? My V1 is roughly 6 years old so the internal power regulator could be shot...