Are there any radar detector mounts for the Model Y?

[everydaychris]

FWIW, I posted this info in a similar, earlier thread:

Resurrecting this old thread to maybe help somebody, because I didn't see the Model Y hardwire threads were converging on an easy-to-wire positioning. My approach & results:

1. I'm finding the MYP is too fast and too quiet not to have a radar detector in it!
2. I don't like mounting options that block my view. While I think the Blendmount below the mirror or the mounts that position the RD above the screen can look beautifully integrated, both those approaches position the RD in the narrow eyeline below the mirror and above the screen. My preferred location is up and to the left of the mirror/camera placement. I just use the normal suction cup mount, which others seem to have trouble with, but I find if you clean the glass and the suction cups before installing, it will literally stay there for many years until the suction cup rubber yellows/hardens.
3. I use a V1G2 + JBV1 combination, and my goal was to run a direct wire across the top of the windshield and down the driver's side A-pillar to the driver foot well. It turns out you can easily do that without removing the headliner or A-pillar trim.

The key point is at the footwell, is there an easy place to pick up switched 12V power? This Model 3 video was intriguing to me, because it shows where to tap into the 12V accessory port (cigarette lighter socket) in the center console without having to go all the way to the console and take that apart. Same wire in a far easier access location.

What seemed to be an open discussion was whether this 12V power source was switched or not? The answer is yes, but it stays on for several minutes after you leave the car, so to some installers it looked like it was not switched. It is in fact switched in the Model Y, and presumably the Model 3.

I just used a normal wire tap in Valentine's direct wire kit with this wire and it is working perfectly.

Yes, So it's either that blue wire or you can do what I did.

And the 12v does turn off BUT if sentry mode is ON it doesnt

 

[dn325ci]

Yes, So it's either that blue wire or you can do what I did.

And the 12v does turn off BUT if sentry mode is ON it doesnt

Right, it is switched when the car goes to sleep. Frankly I had not noticed whether it was on or off with Sentry mode, but I'll be honest - it's such a tiny amperage draw that I would say it's not worth being concerned with unless you're going to park for many days, in which case I would have pulled my RD out of the mount to stow it anyway. Sentry mode itself is a massive energy consumer comparatively.

EDIT: Chris, was just reading your prior posts, and I think you already had this in mind, but to confirm for everyone this blue wire in the footwell literally is the cigarette lighter port circuit. I confirmed it with an amp clamp, as did the video creator. No need to run all the way to the center console to get it. Simplifies life greatly.

 

[Ada Diamonds]

@dn325ci - I was thinking the exact same location/strategy above the mirror on the driver side with suction cups. Are you happy with that location? I was even thinking about a small black vinyl sticker/vinyl on the glass then the suction cups to make it less conspicuous to both crackheads and police.

I've got a hardwire kit with a mute button inline so I don't have to reach up and obviously mute it:

Amazon.com: Uniden RDA-HDWKT Radar Detector Smart Hardwire Kit with Mute Button, LED Alert and Power LED. for Uniden R7, R3, R1, DFR9, DFR8, DFR7 and DFR6. : Electronics

Buy Uniden RDA-HDWKT Radar Detector Smart Hardwire Kit with Mute Button, LED Alert and Power LED. for Uniden R7, R3, R1, DFR9, DFR8, DFR7 and DFR6.: Radar Detectors - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Lastly, here's a video from @dn325ci of where to grab a ground as well:

 

[dn325ci]

@dn325ci - I was thinking the exact same location/strategy above the mirror on the driver side with suction cups. Are you happy with that location? I was even thinking about a small black vinyl sticker/vinyl on the glass then the suction cups to make it less conspicuous to both crackheads and police.

I've got a hardwire kit with a mute button inline so I don't have to reach up and obviously mute it:

Amazon.com: Uniden RDA-HDWKT Radar Detector Smart Hardwire Kit with Mute Button, LED Alert and Power LED. for Uniden R7, R3, R1, DFR9, DFR8, DFR7 and DFR6. : Electronics

Buy Uniden RDA-HDWKT Radar Detector Smart Hardwire Kit with Mute Button, LED Alert and Power LED. for Uniden R7, R3, R1, DFR9, DFR8, DFR7 and DFR6.: Radar Detectors - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Lastly, here's a video from @dn325ci of where to grab a ground as well:

@Ada Diamonds Yes, I think high and to the left of the rearview mirror/windshield camera box is the right place to maximize both vision and discretion. Very happy with this placement. It also minimizes the power cord slack out of the headliner. I'd say for those considering their options, try it - if you hate it you can always easily do something else. My belief is this is the way to go.

 

[indecay]

View attachment 651274
Blendmount, plus Dremel (at shop getting hardwired n

I've been using a universal mount from Amazon on my Y and zero issues with it so far.

There are cheaper versions available, but this is the one I went with.

Link below:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TKVCTZE/ref=cm_sw_r_sm_apa_glc_i_8K263D1A8KXV0HQW45PC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1tps

View attachment 653216

View attachment 653217

Good to know that mount works, thanks for sharing a picture.
But please level that radar detector with the horizon. It's hugely important for range and I can source you some info from Vortex Radar on YouTube if you want to see exactly why.

 

[Venom]

View attachment 651274
Blendmount, plus Dremel (at shop getting hardwired now)

What did they dremel? The actual rearview mirror plastic or the mount?

 

[everydaychris]

What did they dremel? The actual rearview mirror plastic or the mount?

yah. check out my video. You have to dremel the plastic housing to add more space. Once you get in there it's not that hard

 

[Venom]

yah. check out my video. You have to dremel the plastic housing to add more space. Once you get in there it's not that hard

Ohh I see. I'll check it out shortly. How noticeable is the dremel work? If I remove the mount and want to sell the Y, is it obviously noticeable?

 

[everydaychris]

Ohh I see. I'll check it out shortly. How noticeable is the dremel work? If I remove the mount and want to sell the Y, is it obviously noticeable?

Depends how clean you do it. But no it's not noticeable at all

 

[labmixz]

It wouldn't be hard to design & 3d print a mount to have a more stable mount so the radar detector sits right above the screen, very similar to the video @JeffreyC posted. Also, I like that it could be right near the screen for easy viewing. My only issue with the suction cup method is, I live in FL and suction cups become a huge annoyance in the heat. I'm thinking of designing something more stable. Though I haven't needed a radar detector in a couple years, as I sold my supercharged E46 M3 a couple years back (and my V1 as well). I've always been a fan of V1's, I see there's a new V1Gen2 out, which I'm considering purchasing.

With that being said, any recommendations on radar detectors within the ~$500 range ?

 

[indecay]

It wouldn't be hard to design & 3d print a mount to have a more stable mount so the radar detector sits right above the screen, very similar to the video @JeffreyC posted. Also, I like that it could be right near the screen for easy viewing. My only issue with the suction cup method is, I live in FL and suction cups become a huge annoyance in the heat. I'm thinking of designing something more stable. Though I haven't needed a radar detector in a couple years, as I sold my supercharged E46 M3 a couple years back (and my V1 as well). I've always been a fan of V1's, I see there's a new V1Gen2 out, which I'm considering purchasing.

With that being said, any recommendations on radar detectors within the ~$500 range ?

Valentine 1 Gen 2, Unidentifiable R7, or perhaps an Escort Max360 (or the cheaper but same Cobra DualPro variant. I’ve had them an, along with the Redline 350, and those are the only viable options

 

[TSLBY]

Standard Uniden R3 mount

 

[TwelveVoltMan]

I’ve been using this so far:
APPS2Car Suction Cup Phone Holder

 

[hcenteno21]

Standard Uniden R3 mount

How did you run the wire?

 

[TSLBY]

How did you run the wire?

under center console passenger side to the cig outlet in center console

 

[Mr. 4sch]

Standard Uniden R3 mount

are you using the one that comes with the R3 with the suction cup?

 

[TSLBY]

are you using the one that comes with the R3 with the suction cup?

Yes and 3M tape

 

[NYCer]

I've been using a universal mount from Amazon on my Y and zero issues with it so far.

There are cheaper versions available, but this is the one I went with.

Link below:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TKVCTZE/ref=cm_sw_r_sm_apa_glc_i_8K263D1A8KXV0HQW45PC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1tps

View attachment 653216

View attachment 653217

Very nice. Where did you run the power from?

 

[tommybahamaX]

My buddy bought a Blendmount and i believe it was for a Porsche but Blendmount said it would fit the Y, he got it and it and said it worked perfect, im asking him to confirm which exact one he got from Blendmount and ill repost here. I'm also looking for a very clean one for my Uniden R7, Blend made one that worked fine with my Ford Raptor but now i got the MY.

 

[everydaychris]

My buddy bought a Blendmount and i believe it was for a Porsche but Blendmount said it would fit the Y, he got it and it and said it worked perfect, im asking him to confirm which exact one he got from Blendmount and ill repost here. I'm also looking for a very clean one for my Uniden R7, Blend made one that worked fine with my Ford Raptor but now i got the MY.

I can confirm unless he got some special one it isn't true.

Had to modify mine with a dremel to get it to fit but it looks so sexy with the R7 now