Celica Forums General Discussion Exterior custom radar detector mounting?

So I was thinking about getting a radar detector but hate the ones that are hanging from the windsheild. What do you think about this idea...

get a system with probes to detect radar and laser, mount them in the grill of the car. Then remove the stock clock and build a custom mount for the radar detector right there. I think that would be balls out, especially since most of us have aftermarket decks that display the time.

good idea. i personnaly don't like the one's that mount to the windshield with the wires all over the place.

There are a few remote detectors available. Bel has one, I'm sure. They are usually quite expensive. I made my own mount for my Valentine One (see profile, mounted on rearview mirror). The wire is run around the windshield and hard wired under the dash. Valentine also offers a remote display. Just remember that you need sensors for front and rear if you want full coverage. My Valentine detects front, rear and side.

^^ urs looks really bulky though... i think in the clock would be clean cause when the cops roll up they wouldnt see it, (right away at least) and the grill mounted probes is really nice, unless you want to cut a opening on the opposite end of the clock for the sensor to put out...

i visualize just having the indicator LEDs in an arrangement behind some tinted plastic, know what I mean? I need to get a nice one first

I know a guy that has a 'secret' setup. He had to drill like 9 LEDs in the space infront of the clock. Looks good tho. You sorta can't tell he has 1. In VA, that's a good thing...

that's the idea, only I want to remove the clock and have that behind the tinted platic that way you can't even see the LEDs unless it's on and alerting me

i think that would be a great idea, matt. good luck with the project and def update us if your doing it.

i personally am too scared to crack open a radar detector and rewire led's to it..lol maybe if someone gave me one i wouldnt worry so much about breaking it.

i think step 1 is to pick out a good radar/laser. What do you guys think?? I've heard different things about different models. I'll let you guys battle it out, someone convince me they're right.

I thinks that's an awesome idea. My Cobra has saved my ass several times but I also hate the way it looks stuck to the windshield. The led in the clock location would work real nice. I'd love to conquer a task like this, but I don't think I have the know how to do it. Good luck though!

its not gonna be as simple jsut moving the senors they are wired with a specific resistance in mind and if you increse decrese that the dector won't be able to do its job as well more false pos/neg it would be a better idea to just get a kit like the Vector 975 Remote where its made like that

and yes i do know wht im talking about 7 years of electronics graduate this spring (damn physics)

i heard valentine was the best out there

Oh yeah definately the plan is to get one with remote sensors already. Only thing I'd need to move would be the indicator LEDs and perhaps making a new housing for the internals or at least a custom mount with removal of the clock. Perhaps I didn't make that clear. I want to get one with remote sensors for front and read mount already. How's the vector? what else is available?

you can get a system like that for 300 at my local shop it blocks the radar signal

how about that random small shit container area right next to the cig lighter? I think that area would be sweet too...although not as easily visible...

smart idea, i was thinkin about doin a custom insert of a radar detector, but mine is a little different.
u have to remember that the detectors for the front and rear, so putting it infront of the grill wont get good signals from the back of u.
i was thinkin of makin a custom rear view mirror, and putting the detector mechanism somehow in it, drill some holes on the mirror with LED lights, and a speaker hole. or else have the LEDs somewhere by the ashtray

that one kit has sensors for both front and rear

That's a bad ass kit.

But Damn $500.00 Ouch.

isn't the random small crap container next to the lighter called an ashtray? anyways yeah I've seen boost controlers and neon light controllers mounted there that's a cool place to mount things.. the clock might be better for this particular application though considering you want to be able to see it easily and be alerted as soon as possible so you can slam on your breaks.