Mounting Radar Detector

scottb · 06-15-2006, 06:03 AM

I have an Escort radar detector (please, no flame wars about V1 vs. Escort). As you can see from the picture below, it is mounted to the windshield with the suction-cup mount. Despite the facts that I've cleaned the windshield carefully, and applied a little water to the suction cups, the mount periodically releases, and the detector falls. Obviously this isn't good for the detector.

Has anyone applied a drop or two of contact cement to the suction cups with success? Or, does anyone have any other ideas about what I can do to affix the mount more securely?

Thanks, guys.

RickM · RickM's Garage

I wouldn't use cement.

All that is needed is clean glass and a rub with your fingers on the underside of the cup. (Or dare I say a lick...it works)

Also, as the plastic ages it becomes less pliable and loses it's suction ability.

I'd call Cincinatti Microwave and complain. They should send you extra cups free of charge. They should also consider using higher quality as well.

BTW, the higher the detector the better. If you can tuck it under the rear view mirror you'll maxamize your protection.

scottb · 06-15-2006, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RickM
All that is needed is clean glass and a rub with your fingers on the underside of the cup. (Or dare I say a lick...it works)

The glass is, literally, squeaky clean.
I've tried licking it.
Haven't tried the finger wipe method.

The damn thing still falls off!

sweater914 · 06-15-2006, 06:14 AM

I mounted my V1 using the supplied sun visor clip, it moves around a little but hasn't fallen off. The higher the mount the better.

scottb · 06-15-2006, 06:17 AM

Sweater: How did you route the power cable?

Huh · 06-15-2006, 06:19 AM

yes mount the detector higher. The higher up the better the range because it catches the signal sooner.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by scottb
The glass is, literally, squeaky clean.
I've tried licking it.
Haven't tried the finger wipe method.

The damn thing still falls off!

Sounds like they are shot....new ones should work better.

I've seen many hide the straight power cord under the molding on the windshield frame.

I'm not sure if detectors still come with a straight cord but you can make one with 18-22ga wire, 2.5mm Barrel plug(IIRC...check ar Radio Shack) and a fused Cig plug.

sweater914 · 06-15-2006, 06:30 AM

The V1 is in my Ranger, but maybe you can apply the same route. I routed the cable to the left tucking it behind the windshield pillar down to the dash. This is where it becomes fielders choice with the routing. You could run the cable just behind the lower edge of the dash to the power outlet, or in the case of my Ranger I had a gap between my instrument cluster and top dash cover which accepted the cable, routed behind the fresh air vents to the power outlet.

Without wiring directly to the electrical bus you might see the cable in a few spots. If you don't have enough cable you could splice in a additional length, not hard with the right tools.

Hope this helps.

scottb · 06-15-2006, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RickM
I'd call Cincinatti Microwave and complain. They should send you extra cups free of charge.

I did. And they are.

Good suggestion. Thanks, Rick!!

charleskieffner · 06-15-2006, 06:41 AM

i have mine attached to my aluminum foil helmet.............that way i detect their mind control beams as well as the other beams they shoot at me on a daily basis! plus the alu. foil reflects the beams back????LOL!

hey here in the dez those suction cups last about 2 months max getting pounded by UV. call escort and order new ones(couple pairs) and lick them first then install!

on class 8 truck since it gets bounced thru the dez on occasion, we took velcro and made strap from bottom of mirror around body of detector mtd. to windshield.

wcc · 06-15-2006, 06:42 AM

If your suction cups are good and your window is clean here's a little trick that works for me. Drink a sugar pop (Coke, Pepsi, Dew) whatever just make sure it's not Diet. Then when your spit gets thick and sticky put some on your finger and rub it around on the suction cups and stick it to the windshield. Push hard enough to flatten the cups out. Then what I do is slide it around a little bit then I slide it to where I want it. Last thing I do is then wipe off around it to clean off window from the sliding thing. I've NEVER had one fall off doing it this way. Even letting it sit in direct sun for a week.

Good Luck!!

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

scottb:
Three reasons why I mounted mine near the visor higher up:
First, I wanted it out of the sun (It really gets too hot there)
Second, better pick-up.
Third: Out of sight.
I fabricated a U-shaped bracket to fit under the visor-clip (Use the same screw) The other side of the U-bracket fits the Detector.
It involves some cutting and filing of the sheet metal to fabricate the bracket; it is the same thickness as the suction-cup-bracket.
The wires run in the right side moulding.
Get the small barrel plug from Radio Shack along with the dual-wire and do a little soldering. 12V positive inside, negative (Ground) outside of the plug.
I used a small toggle switch under the dash for power.

pwd72s · 06:49 AM

yup, the new cups should fix it...worked for my V-1. I also wipe the cups with a clean shop rag...figure my thumb might have body oil on it. So far, so good. (edit) BTW, just sent my V-1 in for an upgrade to the POP technology. It took a little over a week. Great service!

RickM · RickM's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by scottb
I did. And they are.

Good suggestion. Thanks, Rick!!

NP Scott.

When I designed and marketed a windshield mount back in the early eightys I shopped many suction cup manufacturers. There is a difference..LOL
Best were from a company called Presto Galaxy out of NY...now out of business.

84porsche · 84porsche's Garage

This is probably the worst suggestion to many but absolutely works, I have a piece of velcro on my dash for my radar detector. The damn suction cups never worked and when you take a hard turn, the last thing you want is a radar detector flying your direction. I change the velcro once a month and clean the sticky residue as not to damage the dash. I am actually saving up for a V1 now.

scottb · 06-15-2006, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 84porsche
I have a piece of velcro on my dash for my radar detector.

I was actually considering removing the suction cups and using a piece of industrial strength Velcro.

Eric-325I · 06-15-2006, 07:26 AM

Hello:

I use suction cups bought from the local hardware store. They are the larger ones made with a little clip attached for hanging things in your home windows/mirrors/etc. A little 'working' of it to get them into the bracket and you are all set. Larger and seem to last much longer for a buck or two... Hope this helps.

Eric

scottb · 06-15-2006, 07:27 AM

Good idea, Eric.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Whatever you do don't put a suction cup on your forehead.....

Rot 911 · 06-15-2006, 07:42 AM

Scott the new suction cups should get the job done. I have the Escort 8500 and have been using the same suction cups for the last 4 years. As for mounting positions I have mine just to the left of center and below the mirror. Any higher behind the mirror and the sensor for picking up laser from the rear of the car is blocked.