The only parts you really need are the GPS unit itself, a dremel tool, and some heavy duty velcro if you would like to keep portable. You may be able to think of another way to mount the unit, but I found that industrial strength Velcro holds the unit very tight and secure and if placed right still allows the factory mounting system to be used.

The install should only take about 1 hour if you really take your time and know how to remove the factory head unit. That includes the time it takes to dremel out a notch for the power plug.

*I'm not sure about all GPS units, but if you go with a Garmin unit you'll need to notch the cubby lid so the power plug can fit into the lid and allow the unit to sit flush and at the proper height. If you use another brand, you may not need to do this*

 

she's a beaut. Great install bro!!!

 

I am just trying to picture how the unit sits in the cubby hole. What is it sitting on? How does the lid close with the unit in place?

 

I am wondering the same thing as the above question.. Is it just a fixed mount or does it rise up and down like the stock navi. Can we get some side and top pictures? Thx man.

 

do a DIY , \

it would be nice to have a guideline.

 

The unit is mounted to the underside of the cubby lid, it's not actually mounted in the cubby itself so it's not sitting on anything. The back of the unit fits nice and snug up against the lid and is held on with industrial strength Velcro (I chose Velcro to make it easily portable)

The lid is not motorized, at least not yet. Since the unit is mounted to the underside of the lid, simply flipping the lid up will bring it up for viewing. I'll try and take some more pictures tonight from the side, you won't be able to see anything from the top or bottom.

 

nice. I also just finished installing a Garmin Nuvi 750 (piano black housing, 4.3" screen) and did the same exact thing. I just ran the plug from the cubby into the center armrest. I didnt use a dremel to make any holes in the cubby compartment though. Once the center console panels are taken out, you could actually fit the plug through the opening behind the corner of the cubby door (when the door is open). It's kinda hard to explain....I'll post pictures soon. I have pictures with the panels removed...and the location of the plug wires. (btw....this is on an 06 coupe).

 

Is is possible to run the power to the cig lighter just below the cubby?

 

Do you have any bigger pics. I want to do this for mine, got a long trip coming up and I think gps is in the plan.

 

I just did the cubby-hole GPS install using a Garmin 850, on a '05 6MT sedan.

The power connects to the side port on the 850 mounting cradle, which I mounted to the cubby-hole lid using a 3/16" thick section of plywood spacer/adapter. I ran an aux. power port into the cubby, and tied the power into the +12v and ground supply to the factory lighter plug in the lower console. You really need to remove the radio assembly and trim pieces to do this properly, and there are several good DIY guides for console removal on this site - the search really works... The console really only takes 15 mins to remove - just do it on a warm day so that the plastic clips are flexible if you are concerned about breakage. I had no issues and everything came apart and reassembled with ease.

I tried to mount the GPS (actually the adapter plate that I made) to the cubby door using velcro, then with double sided tape - both to no avail. The glues in the tape(s) would simply not stick when the interior temps climbed on a hot day, and the unit would slowly slide off the lid. I ended up drilling two small screws (4-40 tapping screws) into the flat part of the underside of the cubby to hold the unit in place.

The cubby door closes fully, and the unit powers on and off with the ignition key. With the 850 model, the unit can be removed from the cradle by pushing a button on the bottom of the cradle. I simply purchased a second cradle and power cord for installation in my other vehicle.

 

I am confused about the dremel part, why do I need to do that? Are there any pics on how to do this? Trying to get this installed today.

 

btw I have the same gps

 

[QUOTE=swest1970]I just did the cubby-hole GPS install using a Garmin 850, on a '05 6MT sedan.

I have some pics of the Garmin 850 install - using the Garmin 850 cradle and side-mount power plug...



Lid is manually opened/closed, lid will close fully.



This is the Garmin cradle for the 850 model. It ONLY fits the 800 series, and has the power cable attachment on the lower right corner...



In operation - note the full signal strength...

 

Nice Setup!!! I want to set mine up like that

 

Nice setup. How did you attach the homemade bracket to the cradle?

Thanks for the info and pictures.