Blendmount for Valentine One (review & pics)

Xan

I was looking for a better alternative for the suction cups and ended up buying the Blendmount.

Thought I'd post up some thoughts and of course pictures for anybody that is interested.

First of it's made very solid, it's not just a bended piece of steel.
It's made out of small different components that are bolted together with little allen screws.

You get the mount, a little tube with two allen wrenches and back up screws, a couple of tie rips and some instructions (in case you can't figure it out yourself). No, the V1 wasn't included



You take of the top piece that comes with the V1 and take off the suction cups.
Then you use the small bolts and nuts to attach the bracket.



Then you simply loosen up one of the half circles and put it around the stem (you don't need the rubber piece to make it fit, it's for smaller stems.
Angle it the way you like it and tighten all the screws.
Added one of the tie rips to keep the wire tucked in.



I put mine closely under the mirror and a little behind it, so it would be less obvious (I also have the remote display, so the V1 never lights up).



(I know I still needed to trim the little tie rip)
Because it's not on the window with suction cups, it's less obvious from the outside. I had to angle and flash to show this picture.
One other benefit I thought of while installing, was that I can finally put up my window sun screen without taking off the V1.



In summary, I should have bought this the same day I bought my V1, it's definitely worth it!

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tsolin01

Wow that thing is pretty pricey for just the mount. Looks good though

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SOLD 12/30/2011 2010 370Z Coupe Monterey Blue 6MT/Touring/Sport/Nav
F.I. CBE CF w/ 12" Res | V1 | SecondSkin | Stillen G3 | EVO-R CF B-Pillars | Volk GT-S Ti Gunmetal 19x9.5 +30 F, 19x10.5 +8 R | Swift Spec-R Springs

SPOHN

I had something similar in my G. Looks great. I got to get me a Valentine. Should of never sold my last one. What's the cost of the bracket?

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Xan

I was thinking the same thing originally, that's why I didn't get it right away.
But it's very well made, plus all American made if that's important to anyone.

I figured compared to all the other money we spend on cars, it's a small price to pay for the convenience and looks. Actually it's a small price to pay to get rid of those irritating suction cups..

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Xan

$79.95 if you use the coupon code "friend" (got added automatic in my case).
This is the one I got and fits the touring mirror, don't know if the stem for the normal mirror is different.
BlendMount 2000 Series Mount for Valentine One radar detector, BV1-2000

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SPOHN

A little high for just the mount. Plus $20 for the 8' cable I need. Oh well. We had a guy on my350 website that made them with a Z in them for $20. I think I have pics somewhere.

The Z emblem was facing out the windshield. But he made them at his shop.

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Xan

Those were a good deal for sure, but I like the adjustments on this one, so I can tuck it in nice and close behind the mirror and get it fully level.

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SPOHN

I agree with that.

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tsolin01

Well for a cheaper alternative, I have the one from Country Joy Crafts:

Mirror Radar Mount for the Valentine-1 Radar Detector

Although I don't think they make the stationary mount that fits our cars anymore. Only the 23mm size will fit, so looks like only their "Super Z Mount" will work.

Either way, these mounts along with hardwiring are definitely worth it.

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SOLD 12/30/2011 2010 370Z Coupe Monterey Blue 6MT/Touring/Sport/Nav
F.I. CBE CF w/ 12" Res | V1 | SecondSkin | Stillen G3 | EVO-R CF B-Pillars | Volk GT-S Ti Gunmetal 19x9.5 +30 F, 19x10.5 +8 R | Swift Spec-R Springs

Xan

That's for sure, I hardwired it right away, but I should have gotten the mount right away as well.

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Red__Zed

Looks pretty good!

Xan

Thanks!

Now the only thing I need to do is find a better spot for the remote display. I had it attached with double sided tape on the underside of the dashboard (say above my knee, where the little temperature sensor is).
However it keeps falling off and it's not the easiest place to press the mute button.

So I was maybe looking at putting it next to the gear lever, but I'm not sure yet.

Anybody have any good ideas where to place it (without having to cut into my dashboard)?

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cheshirecat

IMO, buying the concealed display and mounting that in the front cabin is a better alternative (if you want to pay out the extra cash, that is).

Then, you can mount the detector itself farther back toward the hatch- on the roof or whatever.

Either way, very clean install, OP.

spearfish25

Why do V1 products look like they are directly from the '80s? It's time Valentine updates some of his product lineup.

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2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

kenchan

they dont want to rid the KITT or was it KITTT (?) look.

(i have two units...)