I sat down in the Jeep today to figure out where to put the V1 on windshield...preparation to hardwire it and add remote display. For the past week, I've been using it low on the windshield b/c of the lighter plug. Now that I look I don't really see a great location to put it in this vehicle b/c of stuff on the windshield above the mirror. I don't like it in front of me at the top of the windshield (next to the garbage behind the mirror), putting on the opposite side is the best option I see but that makes it a reach to adjust volume (don't need mute since I have a remote display). I tend to like them at the top of the windshield b/c this makes them harder to see from outside but on this vehicle it's very noticable no matter where it's mounted (another huge downside for me b/c I'm lazy and now I'll have to take it down everytime I park at my office due to lots of crime). On my chevy truck I never take it down from above the mirror...it's been broken into at my office and they stole the radio but didn't notice the V1, twice!!! I guess I have to get the strip at the top of the windshield tinted. I don't care about LIDAR reception b/c I will have a jammer within 2 weeks, so being behind non-metallic tint isn't a problem for me. I'd like to make a decision and wire it sometime in the next couple of days. I'm starting to think using the visor clip on the passenger side might be the most stealthy option that keeps it high up in the vehicle???

So tell me where, or better, show me some pics of how you mount the V1 in your Jeep. I plan to put the remote display on the ledge on the gauge cluster to the left side. This way it doesn't block any idiot lights or gauges (partially blocks the bottom of the gauge where the needle pivots).

i have mine just to the left of the mirror. kind of by where you said you dont like it. its close at hand, easy to mute and not very obvious from the outside. i posted a brief description of my hardwire a while ago.

Mine is tucked up in the upper-left corner of my windshield, hardwired using the instructions in another thread on this site... PS - to whoever wrote those instructions, they were inspiring enough to get off my lazy butt and actually do it... :)

I've already spent more time trying to figure out where I want it then it will take to hardwire and run the cable for the remote :( I'm not happy with any of the options I've come up with but I'm leaning toward opposite side from yours or in the middle under the big wart in the windshield.it will probably go on the right side. Now I'm considering having the passenger visor rebuilt to house the V1 but if I do anything really custom that will happen later (months later and only if I do suede headliner and visors). I might take the windshield wart apart soon and see if there is space to run a little bolt (or two) thru the bottom of it and use a modified visor mount attached to the bottom of wart???

Mine is tucked up in the upper-left corner of my windshield, hardwired using the instructions in another thread on this site... PS - to whoever wrote those instructions, they were inspiring enough to get off my lazy butt and actually do it... :)


glad to be an inspiration to all the lazy asses out there. i was just amazed that nobody posted it before

Not sure if you will like my setup, but I'd figured I'd share. Here's what I did.

Here's shots of where I mounted my remote display and volume control. I also have a custom display with different lights for the bands.

That's cool. A little more boxed then I was thinking but along similar lines. My thoughts were the make some sort of little black mounting system for the visor clip that is smaller then the bottom of the wart. Just something simple to lower the clip about 3/4" below the bottom of the wart but still leave the V1 visible and easily removable from the clip.

Not sure if you will like my setup, but I'd figured I'd share. Here's what I did.

CBB7 What is the deal with the GIANT felt box? Also I was thinking about getting the V1 but I bought the Escort 8500 X50 instead.I use to have the Valantine years ago but I wasn't impressed with it.I used it side by side with the K40 and liked the K40 much better.I don't know how it compares with the Escort 8500 X50 though.

I have owned every radar detectory under the sun and now live by the ARROWS. The v1 is hands down the best on the market.

I have to agree with Zen, I've owned 'em all and used to sell and install them. I can buy any of them at cost EXCEPT the V1 and I still choose to pay retail for the V1. Currently, I have one V1 for each of my non-convertibles and a Passport SRX system (8500 based remote + ZR3 jammer) on my convertible. I like the SRX, but I love the V1!!! K40 dash mounts detectors are garbage, the remote systems are decent (they work) but they leave alot to be desired. Many BEL models are rebadged Escorts.

The K40 I had was in the bumpers and had the laser deflector ect.What is it about the V1 that you guy's feel is better than the escort 8500 X50 besides the arrows?

It's mostly the arrows. The 8500 has very similar range to the V1 from the front, the V1 does a little better with threats from the rear b/c it has a full rear antenna where the 8500 uses reflection to the front antenna. Escort also nickel and dimes you by not including a hardwire kit or visor clip or extra suction cups with their kit. I'd rather have to pay extra for a nice carrying case (that I don't need) then have to go back to the well for accessories that should be included.

I really miss the arrows when I'm drving my SL with the SRX.

Thanks guys.Lincoln Why don't you just get the V1 that is inside the rear view mirror,or did they stop making them?

Thanks guys.Lincoln Why don't you just get the V1 that is inside the rear view mirror,or did they stop making them?


correct me if i am wrong but I think the v1's that are in the mirror are custom made and that is only for the display. the actual unit itself must be mounted somewhere with clear view front and back

where would i be able to order one and how much do they go for???:confused:

I just got my V1. I cashed in points from my Holiday Inn Priortiy club, so it was free. I had it on a recent trip in Michigan and it saved me twice on I96. Once with a laser pickup and another with a k band pickup.

CBB7 What is the deal with the GIANT felt box? Also I was thinking about getting the V1 but I bought the Escort 8500 X50 instead.I use to have the Valantine years ago but I wasn't impressed with it.I used it side by side with the K40 and liked the K40 much better.I don't know how it compares with the Escort 8500 X50 though.


I was trying to make the unit look like one piece as well as hide the V1 so that I wouldn't have to ever worry about taking it down. The pictures make it look a lot bigger than it is. Again, kind of figured the setup wouldn't be for everyone but it works for me. I was trying to get a spot up near the headliner but could craft anything that worked for me.

I will also comment that I feel the V1 is one of the best out there. Can't comment on K40 personally, but I have not read good reviews on that one. Escort X50 is indeed a good unit, however I figured if I was going to spend this much, I wanted a unit that I knew wouldn't go obsolete. The V1 is upgradeable; both software AND hardware. Escort only offers software updates. This way you only make the large purchase once. Also I have to say their customer service has been great. In making my remote display mount, I lost the knobs. They kindly sent me new set free of charge; overnight.

Good to hear,My problem is I already have the X50,bought it about 4 months ago.I was thinking about replacing it with the V1 if it is that much better I will.I jost don't want to spend 400 bucks if it's not really nessary.

correct me if i am wrong but I think the v1's that are in the mirror are custom made and that is only for the display. the actual unit itself must be mounted somewhere with clear view front and back
exactly. You still have to hide the unit somewhere, sometimes people put in on the rear deck, sometimes behind the front grill, and one company in New York that use to do the hidden-display-in-the-mirror mod actually put it inside the dash.

As far as installing the remote display in the mirror, there are two ways to do it, one way is to etch the mirror coating completely off like THIS (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VALENTINE-1-RADAR-LOCATOR-IN-REAR-VIEW-MIRROR_W0QQitemZ260015733019QQcmdZViewItem) but its a little ugly/noticeable, the other way is more expensive but invisible when off but it cuts down the brightness.
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I was considering the $800 remote display mirror for my M5 and then I found something cooler called a StealthOne. It displays the V1 info on the BMW dash info center (under the tach or speedo. I forget which and/or on the Nav screen). It was alot cheaper ($200) and hide the lights from rear view which is part of the reason for getting a V1 remote display. I wish someone would make this type of device for DCX cars. It still doesn't really solve where to put the main unit :(

OK, I did the hardwire and remote display last night. Here's a writeup of what I did, pics of the finished product will come later.

Remove the overhead console. Pops off with three clips (one on each side about midway back and one in the middle near the sunroof). I also removed the visor clip on both sides to free up the headliner while working. Unplug three sets of wires to get the console out of the way. The plug closest to the windshield has switched power (see color code on other posting linked to in this thread) and ground (solid black next to switched power on same plug). Once the wiring is done then all you have to do is drop the V1 cord out the front of the headliner near the detector, plug into the hardwire kit and tuck the wires and little box to the side the plastic panel (this is where removing the visor screws comes in handy) that's attached to the roof (this holds the console in). I'm not a fan of scotchlocks (the little blue wire taps that come with the V1 kit) so I stripped the wires and soldered the connections, as I do with all my installs. BTW: I didn't find good ground at the location recommended in the hardwire post I referred to...YMMV.

I had to run the phone cord from the Remote Display location in front of the gauge cluster (under the fuel gauge) to headliner. To do this I had to remove the two screws holding the panel under the dash on, unclip the pod/trim around the gauges (grab bottom and pul toward you), pull off the rubber moulding that is in the door opening against the side of the dash (this is pressure fit and very easy to r&r) and remove the two bolts holding the grab handle on the pillar. Once everything is apart you can pretty easily fish the cable from the gauges to the gap on the side of the dash, then just route the wire to the pillar. YOU MUST remove the pillar trim to run the wire to the headliner or you risk interfering with the deployment of the head air bag located behind this trim. YOU MUST run the wire with the OEM wiring going up the column...I secured my new wire to the existing with zip ties. Then tuck the wire into the headliner. Plug into hardwire adaptor. Test.

Reassembly: Put visors screws back in, plug wiring harnesses into console and snap in place, position windshield trim back in place and reinstall 2 10mm bolts for grab handle, press rubber trim back in place, put two screws back in under dash panel. Took about 25 minutes but I'm fairly experienced with this type of work.

Pics

http://pic17.picturetrail.com/VOL826/449377/11862603/178511930.jpg

http://pic17.picturetrail.com/VOL826/449377/11862603/178511925.jpg

http://pic17.picturetrail.com/VOL826/449377/11862603/178511922.jpg

And one of the rear debadged:
http://pic17.picturetrail.com/VOL826/449377/11862603/178511919.jpg