Valentine 1 mount into headliner
 

Has anyone tried to use the factory visor clip to hook the Valentine 1 to the headliner? Basically, I did this on my Mini Cooper S, by reversing the clip and sliding it over the edge of the headliner at the windshield. This placed the V1 high enough that it was invisible from the exterior of the car.

The 370Z has a vertical "lip" on the headliner though. Was just wondering if anyone had attempted to cut or slit this lip to allow the mount to slide in this way? Is the headliner sturdy enough to hold the V1 without sagging?

Looked at the Blendmount and it just sits too low and is too visible from the outside. Don't want to draw any attention from the "smash and grab" crowd!

Yah that was a popular way to do in the MINI's. :D

I placed mine on the windshield just right of the cluster. So I can see without looking up.

Another option I was thinking about was to run a 5% Tint strip and use the suction cup mount on that. Shouldn't be visible from the exterior...so I won't have to hassle with taking it down all the time.

Do you take yours down each time Ken?

yah, i run V1 on my dd as well and on that car i do take it off each time. it's kind of a hassle but it's worth not getting my windows smashed. :D

in my 350Z I had the valentine V1 radar detector mounted behind the seats in the headliner by fastening a clip onto the V1 and clipping it into the headliner clips, I ran the wire into the headliner and into the V1... Im trying to find pics, there is a DIY if you go to Valentine V1 intall pics/hardware - MY350Z.COM Forums

can you post the pict mikes? need to be a member to see the pict in your link.

Those are the clips used, very strong and hold into the headliner clip holes in the rear of the cockpit over the passengers sholder (left shoulder when seated in passanger seat)


I dont know if this would work in the 370

***disclaimer, borrowed pics*****

i read somewhere that if you put it behind tints, its effectiveness drops significantly. especially tints that dark. i just run mine with suction cups under the rear view mirror. making sure it gets view out of the rear hatch window too.

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...42519827_n.jpg

Need to find a better way to get it on the headliner, this was just to see if it would even fit back there and close the hatch. I might go ahead and install it into the hatch actually at not the headliner.

I have no experience with the V1 but using the Passport Redline I have it mounted in this manner with the metal clip. I have it situated right where the inner clip for the passenger sun visor is so it rests on that and keeps the detector level. I just bent the headliner down a little bit and forced the clip on, it has been like that for over a year is still solid and leaves no visible marks in the headliner when you take the detector off.

martin- but dont you want to see the arrows? :confused: or are you just doing favors for people behind you? :icon17:

HAHAHA, no I would mount the concealed display on the dash somewhere. I actually wanted to get rid of the clock and mount it there. But after learning that you need to remove the dash to get to those gauges I GAVE UP!. I will prob. installed the concealed display into the gauge cluster somewhere. This was just an idea, I have tints so you can't even see the V1.
Being in LA, I already got my windows smashed on my x5 when it was 1 day old! They didn't even take the detector!

ahh, ok. :tup: just checkin'..

I have the blend mount with power coming off the mirror. Ill post pics later today

^same, i would post pictures but i don't have my car with me atm to take pictures of it >_<

^ same! clean setup

Pics in the dark. Sorry, just got off work. If you guys want daytime pics I'll take some. I love my blend mount. It takes minutes to install... the wire install for power off the mirror is so worth it.

Nice, I want to do this too but here in Los Angeles, car will get broken into so fast. That's why I am looking at the install on the rear hatch/headliner area so it is stealth and don't have to take it on and off with a remote display.

I just always put up sun shades

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Mounting it in the headliner will 100% eliminate the rear effectiveness of it as well as block all signals except those coming from directly in front. Also placing one behind a tint strip reduces its effective by up to 70%. So basically your radar detector wont work at all mounted that way. If you don't believe me, read your owners manual on it. If you don't sliver that than read about how they work online ad if that still doesn't satisfy you, have fun getting tickets!

^^ stupid iPhone autocorrects....

Settle down Mr negative. Both your "theories" are just that. "Theories" the rear placement is fine as long as you maintain visual. And as for me behind a tint strip, "ir" beams go through. I get readings as far as a mile. I get no tickets. Next time make your comment based on fact, not just what you "think" or "read". :D

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this is an iphone vs droid war. :icon17:

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I have a blend mount to be completely honest IMO you don't notice it unless your looking for it.

In terms of tint only metallic tints will interfere.

In terms of location I would advise against the headliner as it is to high and won't technically be able to see out one end or the other due to the curvature of the roof. It will still work but won't be as effective.

I have seen some people put them in headrests but they are running 2 or more units or systems.

The only time I take it out is when I go in for service, or at a shop for a while and am using it in another car when traveling I don't cover it up anymore as in the grand scheme of things, its not parked outside like it was where I used to live. If I'm out and about I don't cover it, the many times I've been to LA I haven't had an issue.

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so where does one source a blend mount?

I agree... as long as line of sight is maintained all is good... also agree on the metallic tint




And from blendmount.com or eBay... mine ran around $80... at first I was apprehensive about spending so much on a mount, but once received felt justified. Its worth it brother.


*also, its iPhone, android and now blackberry. Lol

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I'll take daylight pics of my blendmount today for you

doh! blendmont.com too easy. :tup:

ps: i hate my bb. i only use it for work. im a droidx guy (well, until my contract ends and get my hands on the new RAZR. :yum: )

LoL... I change phones every three months... here are day pics of my blendmount...


If it seems very dark in my Z... that's the effect of 5% all around. LoL... >=)

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^^ looks clean. :tup:

Jut throwing it out there, I was thinking about getting a similar mount, and found one for less than half the price of blendmount (looks almost the same):

Amazon.com: UltiMount Radar Laser Detector Rear View Mirror Mount - V1 Radar Detectors: Car Electronics

Only 2 reviews for it so far, but they seem to be favorable and its specs look good...if I end up buying it I will post a review.

Thanks... I hate suction cups... and didn't want wires hanging. This was best

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I saw this one too... I went with the blendmount because it was a lower profile. The other one sticks out more to me. Post pics if you get. :-)

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The location of installing it on the headline won't affect much in terms of detecting radar etc. I have no issues when installing it on an SUV. I think where it comes more into play is when detecting laser and even then that doesn't matter.

I will see what I can do in installing the detector better on the rear of the car, I want the v1 to be completely hidden and away from anyone seeing it.

good find. i suppose if you dont have auto-dimming the clearance you have for the night-mode lever is good. :)



yah, especially in some states you're not allowed to use suction cups on the windshield, i heard. this would be a great solution.

Very good find suitepee