Attack

This is great, I will definitely move the block up into the headliner since it fits. It looks like you're hooking the detector to your visor with the clip rather than to the windshield with the suction cups. Have you figured out a way to level out the detector? Looks like the rear-facing window is aiming at the roof rather than the back windscreen because of the 10 degree or so pitch of the sun visors. Maybe a little wedge of foam or napkin in between the detector and the sun visor does the trick?

Spin9k

Well, sorta. I just make the V1 level by moving the visor itself.

When I used the suction cups it was so far into the windshield, you could see it way to easily, but I was more afraid of heat from the sun cooking the thing.

On the visor it is a compromise. When it is dead level, it points straight out front OK, but it also points straight back too, BUT that means it also points a little into the headliner above the back window. I haven't noticed that is affects it any, seems to work from the rear OK, don't know about laser, but then ... can laser get you going away? I don't know.

I have to put a bumper on top of it it like you mention, cause with the visor mount it rattles over big bumps against the visor. Other than that I like it there!

MVCalypso

OK, it must be that time of day where I ask what may be a dumb question...

When you mount the detector to the visor, doesn't that intefere with using the visor as a visor?

It seems to me that I'd want the visor to remain functional - why is this not an issue to you?

Spin9k

Not dumb... Life IS full of compromise.... when it comes to RDs.

IOW that's why God gave us hands... to use as visors while the other real ones are busy holding RDs.

Spin9k

Last V1 RD on visor update. Last time the problem was RD alignment level w/road, plus as a result, having to have visor pulled down somewhat, rather than being up in its normal position. Result: unstable position, rattling over bumps.

Found the solution, little black rubber tips at Home Depot. Check the pics, perfectly level now. Sees out the front, sees out the back. Visor clip is now under expansion pressure, no rattle whatsoever. Detector is well hidden from view, detector is out of direct sun heat/rays.

Hercules

I have heard that the radar's detection gets cut down signifgantly if you put it into the 'glazing' that's on top of the front winshield.

That's why I mount mine UNDER the rear-view mirror. I take it off when I'm not in the car and it's parked so it doesn't get stolen... so it's not a big deal to me.

Spin9k

You are likely right, I've heard that too. This install may not appear that way in my pic, but from outside and in front of the car, it has a clear shot, actually it is just below and maybe 3" to the right of the bottom line of the 'shading' behind the mirror. From the passenger side front the mirror itself obstructs, but I have found there is so much radar scatter, if you're within target range, the V1 knows instantly no matter.

I'm too lazy to take mine apart each time I leave the car. To me that would be major inconvenience.

Zonker04

I bought a fuse adapter from Pep Boys for about $8 and plugged it into the 7.5 amp accessory fuse in the left-had footwell fuse box. I attached the V1 power cord to the fuse adapter wire and ran the black V1 (phone type) cord up inside the A-pillar weatherstripping across the dash to a spot near the windshield, directly in front of the speedometer, and used the V1 suction cups to attach the V1 to the windshield down low.

Took me about 10 minutes, I didn't have to cut or splice into any OEM wires, and it looks pretty clean except for the black V1 wire on my dash. I don't need the remote display since the V1 is in muy line of sight. The downside is that my body may block some radar signals and laser signals from behind, and the V1 is more visible to people outside the car, including the local constanbulary. But it's easy to remove and store for secure parking. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it.

FWIW

nt5k

Zonker, Any pics of what you did to the fuse box? I will probably go this route when hardwiring the Escort. (Valentine refused to sell me the hardwire kit for the V1, since I'm not a customer.. weird.. )

Hard 8

I'm trying, NT5K (I'm now Hard 8--I like this name better), but I can't figure out how to upload a picture. It seems to want me to post a URL, but I just want a direct upload. Is that impossible now?

eccles

Just use the "Attach file" option. Maximum size 200kB.

nt5k

Or you can email them to me and I'll host them on my imagestation.. PM me if the attaching doesn't workout..

thanks

Hard 8

Got it; thanks for the help. I had forgotten that approach.

Hard 8

And:

Hard 8

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