GPS Mounting Location?

I recently purchased a Garmin Nuvi 1350 GPS, but I cannot find a good mounting point in the Matrix.



There are no smooth, flat surfaces anywhere on the dash!

I really did not want to mount it on the windshield using the suction cup bracket.



What have other Matrix owners found to be effective ways to mount a GPS?

Reply 1 : GPS Mounting Location?

You'd have to use that flat mount disc that comes with some of the units (not sure if the Garmin Nuvi 1350 comes with one or not). Since the dash is not level or completely plat everywhere - you'll have to build up the base of the disc with spacers / extra foam.



Garmin does has a "bean-bag" mounting disc that just sits ontop of the dash. Has a textured bottom and weighted so it won't slide around while your driving.



I've seen some adapt the flex arm mount for satellite radio - a few others adapted the clip that grabs onto the fins on the vent to hold the GPS.



Same way with my Corolla - either I use the windshield suction cup mount or use the dash pad.

Reply 2 : GPS Mounting Location?

I would say the windshield is probably the most sturdy place to mount. After much pondering, that is what I had to settle for to mount my Garmin Nuvi as well. But, if you really want to mount on the dash then like Fishexpo said you will need to build an even base before you could even use the flat disk mount.

Reply 3 : GPS Mounting Location?

Thanks folks for your suggestions!



I did end up mounting the suction cup mount on the windshield near the base of the left roof pillar. It doesn't really interfere with the view of the road and I can still reach it.



I do need to tilt it up slightly during the day to prevent reflected glare and then tilt it down at night to prevent reflection off the windshield...speaking of which...



Has anyone found a good clip-on glare shield to prevent this (to fit a Garmin Nuvi 1350)?



Thanks in advance.

Reply 4 : GPS Mounting Location?

mount mine on the right side of the rear view mirror.

Reply 5 : GPS Mounting Location?

Quote:

Originally Posted by workerant mount mine on the right side of the rear view mirror.

I thought of such a location as there would be little or no glare to contend with, but I didn't want the power cord dangling from there.



They've got wireless computer mice and keyboards...why have they not come up with a wireless GPS?

Reply 6 : GPS Mounting Location?

^ rofl The GPS part is wireless.



You can hard wire it. Does your mirror get power? You can wire to get power from there. Another choice is the passenger's shade which have a mirror with light.

Reply 7 : GPS Mounting Location?

Quote:

Originally Posted by workerant You can hard wire it. Does your mirror get power? You can wire to get power from there. Another choice is the passenger's shade which have a mirror with light.

The closest power would be from the twin dome lights.

Could I just cut the end off the Garmin's USB type power cord and hardwire this to the dome light's power source?

Reply 8 : GPS Mounting Location?

^ yes and no. You can't just cut. Car power is 12V, USB is 5V so you would want to keep the electronic part in the cig end. Anyway, you can play around and get the idea to work if U don't want the wire to hang.



And you can buy an extra cig USB power cable cheaply when U want to use the GPS elsewhere.

Reply 9 : GPS Mounting Location?

Quote:

Originally Posted by workerant ^ yes and no. You can't just cut. Car power is 12V, USB is 5V so you would want to keep the electronic part in the cig end. Anyway, you can play around and get the idea to work if U don't want the wire to hang. And you can buy an extra cig USB power cable cheaply when U want to use the GPS elsewhere.

Thanks for your suggestions...



Nothing is ever as simple as you hope, is it?



It probably would be simpler to get a long USB (Mini B Female to Mini B Male Connector) cord extension and discreetly feed it up from the cigarette lighter location, under the dash, behind the roof pillar trim and under the front of the roof liner.

Reply 10 : GPS Mounting Location?

My pillar have airbag in it, I don't want to touch that thing cause I want to keep all my teeth.

Reply 11 : GPS Mounting Location?

I don't think that there would be much risk involved if the cord was fed under the weather strip along the outer edge of the air bag panel and then under the roof liner edge.

There should be no need to remove or disturb the roof pillar panel.



In the meantime, I have found that the GPS ergonomics are fine with it located at the bottom left of the windshield using the suction cup mount. In that location it does not compromise outward vision and it does not suffer much from glare.

Reply 12 : GPS Mounting Location?

FWIW I just put mine down in the center console right next to the cig lighter when I'm using it. I have the little Magellan 1212 (I think) fit's down in there somewhat ok.