Aftermarket Navigation System Mounting Location?

What are some recommended mounting locations for aftermarket navigation systems? I was told that using a suction cup on Porsche windshield was not acceptable due to some factory coating process. I have not found any place to mount on dash due to airbag location, sport/crono, textured finish dash covering and I did not want to use "peal & stick" aftermarket mounting pad not knowing if when removed (in future) if it will damage dash surface. How have you mounted your aftermarket nav systems? Right now is is placed on passenger's seat / lap

The warning about not using suction cups on Porsche windshields is not true any longer. There is no such worrisome coating on the glass on your Cayman, and who ever told you this is wrong. This hasn't been a problem for a long time, and yet many accessory manufacturers still put this in their literature. I use my V1 detector with suction cups on my CS (and prior to this, a 1999 996, and a 2002 turbo) all the time - sometimes it stays stuck on there for weeks/months with no problems when I take it off to use in another car. brad

I've mounted a Garmin Nuvi 350 on a suction cup in the lower left hand corner of the windshield (right next to the A pillar) since I got the car and haven't had any problems. You just have to make sure the glass and the suction cup are clean - I wiped both surfaces down with a little rubbing alcohol and the suction cup hasn't come loose yet.

I have mounted my magellan with the suction cup mounts tucked in to the right of the rearview mirror, tilted a bit to face me. Only temporarily. I have found, however, that newer portable units can sit anywhere in the car and get a signal...so most of the time I leave it in the driver door storage compartment, pulling it out when I need it...just leaving it on the seat and listening to the voice prompts...or propping it up in front of the shifter is a better option than having it hang around. Most times I need the windshield real estate for my V1. No problems with the windshield, by the way.

The Proclip center vent system works well for my Garmin Nuvi and I like it better than a windshield mount since it is easier to reach and doesn't obstruct vision. You need the plastic extension to mount the unit more to the right to make it not partly hidden behind the steering wheel. They are made specific for each make/model of car and are quite easy to attach or remove. http://www.proclipusa.com/home/home.aspx Also there is a long, long thread over at gpspassion about mounting soultions. This is is Nuvi specific one but there are others. http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=46749

SF, I'd love to see a pic of it mounted on the center vent if you get a chance. I can't remember if you've posted it before or not. - Suneet

Ta da.......

Kuda makes a leather mount which attaches to right of console. I have ordered one for my cell phone (in terracotta!). They have mounts that attach for nav systems, too. I will post pics when I mount it with the phone cradle. http://www.kudausa.com/kuda_mount_and_holder_for_porsche_cayman_s_since_2006-31-446.html

Just as in fadiboy's second picture but mine has a plastic extension to run it more to the right. The first photo shows a clip that will not work with the manual transmission and the 660 (not enough room to shift) although it might work with the tip. I'll try to remember to get a photo up tomorrow of the complete set up.

Thank you all for suggestions. Now that I know the windshield is NOT off limits I'll see what works. I do like the option for the dash mount since it won't create a out-of-vehicle blindspot. When I have had it on seat or in front of shifter it would become mobile and usually wind up on floor with a not too radical turn or brake action.

Here is the Panavise mount. I have used panavise in serveral cars for my Magellan and they work fine.

Here is the Nuvi in the center dash as requested. I have several cars/trucks so it moves around alot.

Kuda terracotta astrojeff, How well does the KUDA mount terracotta match Porsche's? I'm getting a terrracotta int, and I really like this solution for a portable nav mount. Please do post pics. Thom

Thanks Santa Fe, that looks pretty good. Though I would feel a little geeky having an extra screen right above the PCM screen like those eccentric folk that wear several watches on one wrist.

With my Nuvi 660, I turn the suction cup mount to the right, point it straight down, and wedge it in between the center console and my seat. It is a little awkward to look at, but not bad. No mounting hardware required.

I haven't got it yet. It is being drop shipped directly from Kuda. I will post pics when I get it installed.

I use the garmin "bean bag" mount. I place it on my dash. I wasn't sure about it at first but I did some "spirited driving" up and down The Tail of the Dragon at Deal's Gap and it never moved. The only time that you might have a problem is if you accelerate too fast.

I have the Garmin Nuvi 670. I mount the suction to the bottom of a plastic cup and then place the cup into the left cup holder. It's in a nice visible location, and it all disassembles easily and fits into the glove box.

I use the Garmin Friction Mount as well. I'm totally impressed. I've never gotten it to move (even at peak acceleration and in tight corners), and it fits really nicely between the two center vents. Its also easy to throw in the front trunk when parking or move to another vehicle. I use it with the Garmin Nuvi 350. I'm not sure if the weight of the 600 series model would change its stickiness, but given the mount's bottom surface, the additional weight may even be a benefit.

Thanks, I couldn't remember the real name. It does work! I put mine the same place that RaviCrox puts his. It has not slid off the dash yet in spite of "brisk" acceleration. Nothing is glued or stuck to the dash. It is easy to pack up and put in the trunk.