I've been wanting to mount my Valentine 1 in the overhead console of my '01 L because I dislike exposed wires and coiled cords almost as much as I hate suction cups!

I considered removing the temp/compass guage and installing the V1 in its slot, but with all the hacking required to make it look right, I've chosen not to go that route. Besides, I kind like the temp/compass gauge.

So, I've decided I am going to fabricate a new console from fiberglass. Its shape and size will be similar to the stock console with the following changes:

1. The current housing for the temp/compass gauge will hold the Valentine.

2. The current housing for the sunglasses will hold the temp/compass gauge.

3. The current housing for the garage-door opener will be sealed over. Hey, it's a good place to install switches for any mods you have or plan (I'm putting my 4-way switch for my PSP chip up there) or a map light, or whatever else you might stick up there.

4. The console will have a medium-gray gel coat finish on the exterior and may require painting if you're looking for a near-factory match.

5. The exterior finish will be smooth (not grain-like).

6. The console will use existing hardware from the stock console; it will have a reinforced screw hole up front and the two mounting tabs in back. Furthermore, it will have screw studs for remounting the temp/compass gauge.

There are two approaches I can take to making this console. The first is a one-off where I apply a couple layers of fiberglass mat, spray it with gel coat, sand it, paint it, install it . The second is to make a plug, a mold, then create a set of finished consoles.

The second route is obviouisly much more time-consuming, but I'll consider going that way if there's sufficient interest.

Here are some design constraints. The location for the radar detector HAS to be up front. The area allocated for the area detector should be generic, that is, large enough to accomodate MOST current detectors. I will fabricate the console to hold the Valentine 1. Each person might have to cut his own hole (similar to the window that now exists for the temp/compass guage).

Because I'm designing this for the Valentine, the console will be little deeper in the front (less than an inch added, however) to preserve a clear view to the back window and still accomodate the temp/compass guage. To visualize the profile of the new console, think of a front-sump oil pan with a smaller hump in the middle.

If you already have a console, you'll be able to use the existing roof tray and wiring harness; if you don't have a console already, be aware that you'll need to do a lot of work before this console will work for you.

I will answer any questions I can, but please don't ask if this will work in your 19xx Country Squire, or any other vehicle. Repeat: I'm making this console to fit my 2001 Lightning. It's up to YOU to do the research to determine if it will work for your vehicle.

Also, don't ask if it will accomodate your non-Valentine detector. Rather, if your detector is larger than the Valentine (the Valentine measures 4.5"L x 3.6"W x 1.0"H.), e-mail me with dimensions and I'll let you know if it will fit. FWIW, most detectors I've seen are smaller than the Valentine.

Any suggestions are welcome, although I reserve the right to incorporate or not. I'm making only ONE mold!
Post your inquiries HERE (not to my e-mail address below) because others might have the same questions as you! I drop in occasionally and will try to answer whatever I can.

I will post this on a couple other boards. If you know of someone who might be interested, please let them know. Also, if you think this should be posted some other place, let me know.

All of this is, of course preliminary, you can write to me at L_console@hotmail.com to indicate your interest in purchasing (around $75 plus shipping). I want a number from 1 - 10, with 10 being "Tell me where to send my money."

If the response is sufficient, I will build the plug, mold, and a limited number of consoles. I already HAVE a job, and I'm honestly not interested in mass producing these things....

I'll get back in touch with those who wrote to the address above and will provide a time-table (I have to do this in my spare time, so it might take a few weeks or more....), a more definite cost and some pictures of the prototype.

This will be a BTO (build-to-order) project. That means orders will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Mounting instructions will be provided.

Jeff

 

wow, sounds like it will be a pretty cool mod. goodluck and post pics when you get it all done and installed

 

am i very interested in this, I want one with the V1 up front, then the compass/temp.. then I want to have the a/c controls moved to the 3rd section off the dash so i can use that dash space for some sound system equipment

 

I've been looking for a better way to hide my V1 for a while now, so please keep me posted on your project. As long as it's functional and fits in with the interior I'm definitely in for one.

 

i think this project is long gone the email address linked is no longer valid and it was posted a while ago

 

I have my V1 mounted up in front of my console with a custom made (by me) bracket. The wiring is all hidden up behind the headliner and down the A pillar. Having done all of this on my truck and two others with V1's, I might offer the following advice.

1) The laser detector feature of the V1 has front and rear sensors. The design you have proposed will very likely disable the rear laser sensor. This isn't a big deal in my opinion since a rear laser hit is rare.

2) Depending on the installed height of the new console and detector, the front laser sensor may be somewhat hampered by the window tint at the top of the windshield. Again, I don't think this is major since most laser hits are fatal anyway.

3) The last concern I might have is access to the "mute" button on the detector to silence it. If you hide the detector too well, you might not be able to access it when you need to. Hint: Having your radar detector wailing away while a cop asks you for your license and registration is a guarantee that you'll get documented proof of your experience.

If anybody wants a picture of my bracket and installation, drop me your e-mail address and 'll get you some pics. Good luck!

 

I have a V1 (is there any other) Hardwired to a "keyed" power
wire in my overhead console. The cord for the unit goes inside the tube supplying power to the automatic dimming R/V mirror, to the V1 mounted just below the mirror. The Remote module is also mounted inside the O/H console as well.

Then a lead goes across the top, under the headliner, down the a-pillar inside the dash to my REMOTE READOUT, doublefaced taped between the speedo and tach, under the top of the gauge cluster 1/2 inch in from the front edge.

WHY would anyone want to have to take your eyes off the road to look up to the mirror area to see the reading. That is just as bad as looking at the detector itself, maybe even worse.

I just drop my eyes two inches, to the guage cluster to check out the reading, as the bird dog barks.

REMEMBER the laser antenna needs to be clear, front to rear, that means a tinted rear window, and trying to detect forward, behind the factory tint at the top, is like a detector wearing sunglasses. Expect deminished responses.