Sat Nav Install in Dash Storage Unit

[Pacemaker1000]

Already posted on another forum but for those that only come here:

Unfortunately I don’t have the factory navigation so came up with this as an alternative.
It’s powered, turns off and on automatically with the ignition and has no wires on show. It takes seconds to mount in its cradle and stores within the cubby allowing the lid to close.





Unclipped ready for lid to close.



Equipment used:

I tried a myriad of Sat Navs and mounts and believe this to be the only combination that works. TomToms are too big as is the basic Garmin nuvi 50 although the smaller 40 may work. The expensive 3xxx series I think will work but not with the powered speaker mount meaning the sound is quite tinny.
So I would stick with any Garmin 2xxx series preferably a 5 inch one.

Mount:
The only one that works:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/GPS-Accessor...4050674&sr=8-4

http://www.amazon.com/i-Trek-IG-PSTA...n+sticky+mount

Extension socket:
Like this. That is non-curly type:
http://www.etrailer.com/merchant2/gr...-9331_1000.jpg

2x scotch connectors:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...mL._SY300_.jpg

Lead:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1509019655...84.m1438.l2649

I personally bought a cheap straight connector type to use instead of the original Garmin to keep the hole smaller. Note it is a special one that prevents the unit going into ‘PC mode’. But if you have a ‘Traffic’ model then you are stuck with the OEM lead and may have to adjust the hole position.

Also:
2x small black self tapping screws and one grommet to suit size drilled for mini USB plug.

Instructions:

Trim:

Remove dash speaker.

Slightly raise lid of storage and use thumbs to lift grill. Then remove the speaker or blanking plate. Unclip A/C sensor and speaker wire as required.

Remove blank plate below stereo.
As with following stage use a suitable tool. I also removed the stereo as it is only held in with two Phillips screws but you can manage without.

Remove centre console top trim.

I have an auto so removed the trim around the lever first. Only clips in so lift up from ashtray end. Then pop out the gaiter and remove surround piece. Be careful as the sharp clips can scratch.
Open centre armrest and lever rear most part of trim up until you can get fingers underneath and the rest comes off easy. Again remove wires as required.


Wiring:

Cut the bought cigarette extension cable to required length (allowing for positioning in front of the speaker opening later) and feed down behind stereo to the front of the console. I used a solid length of wire first to fish out then taped the cable to it and pulled it through.
Identify the cut ends of the cable and attach – to brown and + to green/yellow with the scotch connectors.



Mount:

Attach the mount as high as possible in the centre of the cubby and secure with self tapping screws. place the garmin ball mount as high as possible and tighten retaining nut.
The Nuvi bracket is a perfect tool to use either side in the cubby to get the positioning for the mount. Also if you remove the sticky pad (not really needed) there are markings underneath which are ideal for drilling out two 4/5 mm holes. Hold in place and drill pilot holes in cubby for the screws.


Drill a hole through the cubby of correct size and location for your desired lead. Pass through connector and fit grommet.
Plug into new 12v socket wrap to prevent rattles and squeeze into position in front of speaker.



Tucked away



Test and replace all trim. Done!
If you find the unit vibrates (an inherent Garmin problem) stick about an inch sqaure of foam directly below the cradle in its upright position.

[supersebbo]

Looks awesome! Where was the wiring for the ignition-on 12V?

One thing - doesn't the storage lid interfere with the satellite signal?

[Pacemaker1000]

Originally Posted by sebbelcher

Looks awesome! Where was the wiring for the ignition-on 12V?

One thing - doesn't the storage lid interfere with the satellite signal?

thanks
hard wired to front cigarette lighter
works fine through lid

[Teemo Panda]

Looks clever, good job!

[z4z4z4]

[InsanePineapple]

Looks clever Interested in seeing more pics on how it's done. Not sure about losing sunglasses storage though!

[ManiacGT]

I have iDrive, sunglasses sit nicely in the arm rest cup holders

[InsanePineapple]

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

I have iDrive, sunglasses sit nicely in the arm rest cup holders

I think I have my cell phone charger in the cup holders. My glasses won't fit there anyways, as it's in a metal cylindrical case.

[ManiacGT]

Originally Posted by morfinx

I think I have my cell phone charger in the cup holders. My glasses won't fit there anyways, as it's in a metal cylindrical case.

The storage behind the seats then? or to stop em rolling around in the little hatch with shelves behind the seats/middle?

There's loads of little storage bits in this car...

[InsanePineapple]

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

The storage behind the seats then? or to stop em rolling around in the little hatch with shelves behind the seats/middle?

There's loads of little storage bits in this car...

The little hatch with shelves? What's that?

[ManiacGT]

This triangular bit in the rear bulkhead, opens up, shelves inside... just aside the number 19..

[InsanePineapple]

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

This triangular bit in the rear bulkhead, opens up, shelves inside... just aside the number 19..

Not sure I understand. I think I've tried removing #4 in the photo and it didn't look like a storage area behind it.

[Crazykoh]

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

This triangular bit in the rear bulkhead, opens up, shelves inside... just aside the number 19..

Originally Posted by morfinx

Not sure I understand. I think I've tried removing #4 in the photo and it didn't look like a storage area behind it.

Not number 4. That's a speaker grille I think. The door beneath it. If you got cold weather package, it will have the ski bag in there and you have to switch that out for the shelves (which should be in the trunk).

[CeEl]

Originally Posted by morfinx

Looks clever Interested in seeing more pics on how it's done. Not sure about losing sunglasses storage though!

There is some space behind the shifter (between shifter and the buttons to open/close the roof), isn't there?

I usually put my sunglasses into their case and into the glove compartment at the end of a driving day.

[Keeperlit]

Originally Posted by Pacemaker1000

Already posted on another forum but for those that only come here:

Unfortunately I don’t have the factory navigation so came up with this as an alternative.
It’s powered, turns off and on automatically with the ignition and has no wires on show. It takes seconds to mount in its cradle and stores within the cubby allowing the lid to close.

Interested to know how to do this, looks very good

[SgtGigglebox]

Originally Posted by Crazykoh

Not number 4. That's a speaker grille I think. The door beneath it. If you got cold weather package, it will have the ski bag in there and you have to switch that out for the shelves (which should be in the trunk).

I thought it was weird that I had to install the shelves myself. Seemed odd that the ski bag would be the default, from factory. Just realized a couple days ago that I installed mine upside down when all of the rubber mats were laying on the inside of the compartment

[Pacemaker1000]

instructions started in original post