Nav Problem Solved!!!

JohnsZ

Recently I posted a Thread about a dilemma I was having trying to decide if I should get a Nav unit installed in my Z. Getting one installed would have cost me around $1000. Members here have said to just get a portable unit like a Garmin but I didn't like that idea because I didn't want one attached to the windshield or one sitting on the dash. Every possible scenerio seemed like a cheap aftermarket attachment............THAT IS UNTIL I FOUND THIS BRACKET on Amazon for a Garmin Nuvi unit!!!

This bracket is really made to clip on a sun visor but the idea came to me that if it fit, it would be perfect over the dash storage box compartment cover. I bought the bracket, it was just under $10, tried it and as luck would have it, it fit perfectly. I just inserted the clip part over and through the hinge crack which is wide enough to fit it and it sits snug against the dash box cover. The best part is that you can still open the compartment cover with the bracket in place.

Once I knew the bracket fit, I bought a Garmin Nuvi 50LM, 5 in display. I did not buy one with Traffic or Bluetooth purposely because I hate the wide power cord that would have to dangle down the dash. In fact, with the smaller power cord, I was able to tuck it behind the lower center console on the passenger side and I plugged the power cord in the power socket under the glove box. Only a small length of the power cord is visible near the cd player/radio but being black, even that is hardly noticeable.

The Garmin sits low so it's not too visible from a few feet away from the car unless you're looking directly through the window. The 5 in is a perfect size and with the ball joint, you can turn the Garmin right towards your line of vision. It vibrates only the slightest (basically unnoticeable unless you're going over a rough stretch of road) nothing more than any other portable GPS unit. It's truly the next best thing to getting one installed in the dash and a heck of a lot cheaper. I was able to get the Garmin from Amazon for less than $100. As I said, it doesn't have Traffic or Bluetoooth (had a Garmin with Trafffic once and I was never crazy about it) and I have Bluetooth already in the car so I didn't need that.

I am soooooooo happy to share this because I know this will help others with the same predicament. This is absolutely the way to go if you don't have an installed nav unit!





ARKON GN111 Garmin Nuvi Auto Sun Visor Mount with 17mm Ball Head

6spd

pics?

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cheshirecat

I'm not sure how nav would cost $1000, but congrats on the 5 dollar bracket.

JohnsZ

I'll take some and post them this weekend.

Masa

I have an aftermarket unit but I am curious how this setup looks.

In for pics.

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JohnsZ

Factory Nissan Nav unit installed at a dealership.

JohnsZ

Wait til you see my pics this weekend!

SouthArk370Z

The clip looks like a great find. My only worry would be how it would affect the finish on the cubby lid over time.
Is it a one-piece unit or could it be adapted for other GPSs, iPad, &c?

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JohnsZ

I was actually thinking of that this morning. I can't imagine it would leave that much of a mark and I doubt it would be permanent. It's not that tight. I also think that the cushioned lid would rebound.

It's actually 2 pieces...the U clip and the swivel ball. Not sure if it could be adapted for other devices but I suppose as long as the other bracket that attaches to the GPS unit itself can fit the ball, I don't see why not. Amazon states that it fits Garmin's Nuvi and Streetpilot GPS. It doesn't state whether it's compatible with anything else. Check Amazon out! The ball is 17Mm Swivel Ball Socket that you would need to keep in mind if trying another device bracket. I suppose that something can be rigged up with another device without the ball and just the clip but that's for more of an engineering mind than mine!

BeemaaZ

Sold! I have been looking for this. Thanks!

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Ziggyman

Reps to you for sharing John! I want the LM50 and this makes the decision easy.

JohnsZ

You're very welcome! I love the LM50! The 5in screen is just right and this bracket find makes it a no brainer. It actually looks like this Garmin and bracket were made just for the Z.

JohnsZ

SouthArk370Z

I did a Q&D search for "ARKON GN111" and found out that there is a "dual-T" thingamajig that holds the mounting adapter on. Easily changed and they offer the same clip with different mounts. Gets mostly good reviews (most of the complaints seemed to be about sun visors, not the product).

Rather wide price range: $6-25.

Thanks for sharing. I plan on putting a small "tablet" (something small with a touchscreen for OBD/CAN monitoring/logging) in that spot and this clip looks like a better option than removing the cubby door. Please keep us updated about any wear and tear on the cubby door that you may encounter.

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JohnsZ

Got mine for $9.95 on Amazon. Exactly...no need to remove the cover lid and the lid still opens up with the bracket in place. Even if it does leave a little indentation mark when removed, it's still a fair trade off to be able to have a GPS in the car that almost looks like it was made for the Z.

But here's a question for you tech guys....is it okay to keep it plugged into the socket for long periods of time without the car running? Is it draining the battery? Right now I unplug it at night but leave it in during the day while I am at work.