Let's Hardwire my Escort 8500

[RickR]

Has anyone hardwired one on a convertible?

[Texas]

Originally Posted by RickR

Has anyone hardwired one on a convertible?

Not really a DIY, since I paid to have mine hardwired, $50. I wanted my 9500i low on the windshield, so it's placed right next to the nav. The power was tapped from the lighter. The visibility is great. I have no complaints. Just trying to give the DIY'ers some ideas.

Pics:

[Dan203]

Anyone who's done this on a 1er, does it interfere with the sun visor? Or is it out of the way enough to still put down the visor unobstructed?

Dan

[C_Topher]

Nice install, Texas. Might have to do that as well - that looks really nice with the remote kit in the ashtray. FYI, I have heard the radar reception is improved 5-10% if the radar detector is kept perfectly level with the car, probably because it catches reflections from the top of the hood. I have even heard of some people keeping a small level in the car just for that purpose.

[AndyM]

Originally Posted by C_Topher

On the 1 series, is this a convenient location if you have to press the mute button, or would it be easier with the remotely installed mute button?

I have mounted it in this spot in all my cars. It is not inconvenient to press the mute button. The only way I would want a remote mute button is if it was tied into the steering wheel, if you have to reach for one button, why not just reach to the detector?

[C_Topher]

Thanks for the reply Andy. I can see in Texas' installation where you would have to lean forward a good bit to reach the detector, but did not know about the high windshield install (don't have my car for another week). I have the install kit without the remote mute button.

[Matt60158]

Texas I would take a look at your manual for more ideal detector placement. Where it sits right now it is going to be really difficult for it to pick up any radar coming from behind( the sensor is very low and blocked by your instrument cluster). Just keep in mind mounting the detector that low is seriously hurting your range.

[AndyM]

Originally Posted by C_Topher

Thanks for the reply Andy. I can see in Texas’ installation where you would have to lean forward a good bit to reach the detector, but did not know about the high windshield install (don’t have my car for another week). I have the install kit without the remote mute button.

It is about the same amount of effort required to flip the sunvisor down if that helps you. I have always had my RD in that location so it is second nature for me.

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by Phiberglass

Nice DIY.

Works bette high, but the only RD with rear coverage for laser is the V1, but it still picks it up regardless.

Passport 8500 and 9500 both have rear laser sensors.

[PhAzE]

I'm having alot of trouble trying to get the tabs to release. I ended up taking off the cover for the front lights off. Can anyone give any more tips on how to release these tabs?

[AndyM]

Originally Posted by phaze

I’m having alot of trouble trying to get the tabs to release. I ended up taking off the cover for the front lights off. Can anyone give any more tips on how to release these tabs?

Pull the headliner down along the front edge (by the windshield) and reach in and use your hand to push the panel down. You will need to be very careful doing this so you do not damage the headliner.

The best way to do it the Templedogg way, slide a small spatula between the plastic of the panel and the headliner, this will push the tabs in and you do not need to be precise with where the tabs are. With one tab pushed in, pull the panel down on that side, hold the side down and repeat on the other tab.

[PhAzE]

What angle should I have it going in? toward or away? say I'm using a butter knife, should the end be pointing toward the windshield? or away?

[AndyM]

Originally Posted by phaze

What angle should I have it going in? toward or away? say I’m using a butter knife, should the end be pointing toward the windshield? or away?

I don’t understand what you mean, you have to push the tabs toward the back of the car in order to release the panel, exactly as the arrows indicate:

[Trapperj]

Follow the directions and take your time. If you get upset or tired....walk away and try again later. It Will work if you dont get in a hurry. BTW....it went back togeather EZ. DONT FORCE IT!

[C_Topher]

BB or CC will do it for $50.

[ki__]

what is the best & smallest radar detector to put on a dashboard? cause im thinking of getting one, but i dont want it to be so obvious or ugly..lol

[C_Topher]

Originally Posted by BlacknRedi

what is the best & smallest radar detector to put on a dashboard? cause im thinking of getting one, but i dont want it to be so obvious or ugly..lol

There have already been a zillion threads on the "best" radar detector. Check here or here for a few discussions, or click on : .

The 3 big players are all pretty much the same size. You can get some smaller detectors from Cobra or Whistler, but you don't want to. If you mount it up high near the RVM you will keep it out of the way and out of other's sight.

[PhAzE]

Man I hate those stupid clips. Took me a few tries yesterday and 2 tries today but I finally got it. Hardwired everything and it all works! No more wires coming from the cigarette lighter!

[jeremyc74]

I did this installation this morning, and the tabs are pretty difficult, untill you finally get the damn thing out and see what's going on.

Personally I recommend a flat blade screwdriver (like one for electrical terminals). If you stick your head up there you can see that there's a small slot right where the tads are that's just the right size for the screwdriver. You stick it straight in, pushing away from the windsheild.

The top of the tab doesn't stick up very far. If you poke the screwdriver in too far it will be pushing on the map light. If you see the map light moving around, pull the screwdriver back a little and tilt it so that the tip is going more toward the roof and try again.

Ater you've had the thing out all this make much more sense, but that doesn't do you any good while you're sitting in your brand new car with the back of your head pressed up against the glass in the blazing sun and all the neighbors are looking at you like "WTF are you doing?!".

[PhAzE]

Haha yeah my neighbors looked at me like I was crazy. Funny story is that my Escort 8500 saved me tonight. A fast approaching car came up from behind and at the point where I noticed it my detector was going off like nuts. Turns out it was a cop but I had already been going the speed limit when he got to me. I didn't know the 8500 had rear sensors too!

[stefan]

Question for you.. Is a fuse necessary? I see you mentioned that you wrapped your fuse, though I don't have mine on my direct wire cable..

[d3syd]

I have another question. What if I don't have a sunroof? Can I get power from the interior lights?