*** update: If you have an auto-dimming rearview mirror then this solution won't work for it because of the shape of the stem.
Hi all I just want to share an el-cheapo mirror mount solution for your 9500ix using bicycle parts.
I have the escort visor mount attached to the edge of the headliner but found 2 problems with it: it moves around a lot and causes frequent gps signal loss which can cause speedtrap or red lite camera warnings not to go off.
I also tried a "mini-z" mirror mount from countryjoycrafts.com links I found here on this site but had to return it because it won't fit our cayman rvm stalk.
So on one of my weekend rides around central park I noticed an innocent looking part on my mt bike that might work as a mount for the passport. I got to work modifying it and here are some photos.
parts and tools needed:
1 cateye reflector. I got it free from a local bike shop
1 3/16" -24 x 1/2" nut and bolt
1 large washer
1 small piece of rubber approx 1/8" thick
1 phillips screwdriver
Fig. 1 is the bike reflector with the red reflector on. We're not interested in the reflector so unscrew it and you end up with just the plastic mount as shown in figure 2.
Figure 1 - bicycle reflector with mount
Figure 2 - bicycle reflector mount without reflector
Next, take the passport ezmount bracket and remove the suction cups. Then using the nut, bolt and large washer, screw the bracket to the bottom hole on the reflector mount. I used the large left hole on the ezmount bracket. You can use the right hole too. Just make sure it's screwed on tight! Refer to figure 3.
Figure 3 - ezmount bracket screwed to the reflector mount
Next, mount the round bike reflector clamp to the rvm stalk like in figure 4. I found that the clamp is too big to tighten around the rvm stalk so I used a piece of rubber to make the stalk "fatter". You can cut out a piece of garden hose or fuel line. But don't take the fuel line from the cayman haha!
Figure 4 - reflector mount clamped around rvm stalk. Notice piece of rubber at bottom part of stalk.
The next step is hardwiring the power connections for the 9500ix. Refer to this article:
How to hardwire your Valentine radar detector - My Articles
After getting the wiring done, mount the 9500ix to the "getto" mount, hookup the power and enjoy. Refer to Figure 5 for the final product. You might have to make adjustments to the angle of the bend of the reflector mount arm and to the angle of the ezmount.
No load bearing studies have been done to make sure this mount is robust enough so use at your own risk. I would bring a screwdriver to a DE event to take it off before going on the track. :cheers:
Figure 5 - et voilà!
Looks good! Please put this into the ARTCLES section in the electronics category as an article!
That's a nice DIY solution. I've been waiting forever for a Blendmount that's
Porsche
compatible, which does the same thing. Maybe just using a rubber shim like you did would make it work:
MGT Motorsports Shopping Cart
Done! I've leeched off a lot of info from the articles section so it's nice to be able to contribute something for a change :dance:
Thanks. I looked at the pictures of the blendmount on their site and the fastening mechanism was similar to the countryjoy mount which wanted a round rvm stalk. Also they wanted 79 bucks for it. My DIY mod is really "el cheapo" you just need to raid your kid's bike for parts
Nice job! I will give it a go.
I have a '07 CS, and I was going to mount my detector. But then I realized my rear view mirror mount is way different than yours. So I had to abandon the project.
I have an 07 too. I'm not sure what the difference is. Do you have an auto-dimming rearview mirror?
I am still trying to figure out a way to adapt this mod, to my mirror. The position of the detector is ideal IMO.
I have an auto-dimming mirror as well .. we need to find something that would work for us.
By the way; auto-dimming mirror is one the best invention ever!!. I use to curse everytime there was a truck behind me shining its lights in my rear view & side mirrors !!
How to hardwire your Valentine radar detector - Articles
Just used that for my Escort hardwire install.
TIP for doing a hardwire install, be sure to leave some extra slack stuck up in the liner, in case you're on a road trip & you want to put the radar detector in the middle of the windshield for best detecting.
One word. Ingenious. And cheap too! Okay, that's two words....
-Moto
I just did this on my
981
for my new Escort Max2. I added a metal strap to stiffen things up and sprayed it with black Dip - It. It works great and I don't have a big black suction cup on the window.
Thanks for the idea.
