Valentine 1 Radar Install DIY

[stacker]

Originally Posted by MarcL

Sorry if this is old news, but I was so happy to learn that Subaru, in a brilliant stroke of genius, placed a power socket behind the glove box. This allows for a super easy wired install of the Valentine (or any other detector I suppose). Here's a video explanation. A whole lot easier than the same install using an add-a-fuse in my BMW daily driver.

TKS took all of 5min to complete>>> Great DIY Video.

[eurominican]

Duuuude! Thanks! I wanted to make sure of where to tuck the wire once its run behind the A-pillar didnt know about the hole/gap in the end of the dash. This is exactly what I needed to see to confirm before I popped the A-pillar cover and ventured to plug my new dashcam in the lighter socket. Thanks again! This also saved me the $$ for the add-a-fuse since was planing on plugging it into the fuse box...

[mmmcambelsoup]

Where the heck are you all finding this rj11 phone jack adapter to cigarette lighter plug? Trying to hardwire my escort and I couldn't find thus a adapter at any local store or online.

[Chad86]

Originally Posted by Jeffsu350

Very cool!

Make sure you route the cable BEHIND, or on the front windshield side, of the airbag. Wouldn't want the airbag deployment messed up by the power cord.

Can you clarify what this means?

[Chad86]

Originally Posted by Chad86

Can you clarify what this means?

Just finished my install. This made perfect sense when I opened the pillar and exposed the side curtain airbag.

To clarify for anyone doing this in future, just make sure the wire runs behind the curtain airbag on the side of the glass, as to not interfere with the airbag, should it ever have to deploy.

My finished install looks factory. I am so happy with the results. It is as if Toyota intended for this.

[FRS Johnny]

Originally Posted by Chad86

Just finished my install. This made perfect sense when I opened the pillar and exposed the side curtain airbag.

To clarify for anyone doing this in future, just make sure the wire runs behind the curtain airbag on the side of the glass, as to not interfere with the airbag, should it ever have to deploy.

My finished install looks factory. I am so happy with the results. It is as if Toyota intended for this.

How well does the suction cups stay on the dot matrix? Mine keeps falling off after driving. Right above the rear view mirror is perfect, but those dots don't work well for the suction cups. Any solutions anyone?

[Chad86]

Originally Posted by FRS Johnny

How well does the suction cups stay on the dot matrix? Mine keeps falling off after driving. Right above the rear view mirror is perfect, but those dots don't work well for the suction cups. Any solutions anyone?

I have this problem occasionally too. I am thinking double sided sticky tape will solve this.

[FRS Johnny]

I was thinking small Velcro bits on the suction cup and windshield. I tried last night but it was cold and moist so it didn't stick. Think I'll put a piece of masking tape then the Velcro to make it stick more. Hopefully it works

[FRS Johnny]

So I used some gorilla tape to stick the velcro on, but the tape is sliding off from heat. Velcro doesnt hold on the suction cups either.

Anyone have a way to get the suction cups mounted on the dot matrix better? I'm going to try some 3m double sided tape today or tomorrow and hopefully that works.. but any pointers are helpful!

[Caspeed]

Originally Posted by FRS Johnny

So I used some gorilla tape to stick the velcro on, but the tape is sliding off from heat. Velcro doesnt hold on the suction cups either.

Anyone have a way to get the suction cups mounted on the dot matrix better? I'm going to try some 3m double sided tape today or tomorrow and hopefully that works.. but any pointers are helpful!

Get a Blendmount and mirror tap. Then tap into the connector for the mirror which is hidden in the headliner. Problem solved.

[FRS Johnny]

Originally Posted by Caspeed

Get a Blendmount and mirror tap. Then tap into the connector for the mirror which is hidden in the headliner. Problem solved.

I sort of wanted it above the mirror so no one can see it. I found a forum online that did a diy of one without suction cups. I'll try it tomorrow. Hopefully it works! Discovered 3M dual fasteners. or scotch outdoor fasteners. It holds 5 lbs!! It's basically velcro on steroids.

[balla_08]

Originally Posted by Caspeed

Get a Blendmount and mirror tap. Then tap into the connector for the mirror which is hidden in the headliner. Problem solved.

This was my plan..do you know of a guide out there to help with the mirror tap?

[Bramick]

Originally Posted by balla_08

This was my plan..do you know of a guide out there to help with the mirror tap?

Read this? http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21171

[Caspeed]

Originally Posted by balla_08

This was my plan..do you know of a guide out there to help with the mirror tap?

Looks like Bramick handled it.

The instructions come with the mirror tap. Just pull out your dome light and gently feel around inside the headliner on the pass. side. Mine was 6"-8" away from the opening. I would recomend fishing the wires from the front of the headiner. If you try to feed them forward you'll have a hard time getting the detector connector thru. Also I would wrap the connection on the mirror plug with electrical tape to prevent the tap from backing out or shorting.

Good luck.