I have an 2004 G35 Coupe without the factory nav screen option and the standard (non-Bose) radio. I purchased a Garmin 855 and have decided to mount it using the tape deck. I searched on the internet but couldn't find anything already built other than options for the iPod. I was not interested in mounting on the dash or windshield for several reasons: attracts theives, have to move it to put up a sunshade and everything that I have mounted on glass has melted and fallen to the floor thanks to the Florida weather.

Parts I used:

$160 - Garmin nuvi 855 from Amazon (when it was on sale)
$6 - Etcassette brand Cassette Adapter (had best sound quality + cheapest of those I tested)
$2 - Various tiny screws, nuts, bolts, washers from Ace Hardware
$0 - Spare computer case slot covers I had lying around
----
$168

This project, while it looks simple, took many attempts to cut and shape the metal brackets. Using non-flat head screws can cause the tape to get stuck and the unit will go crazy trying to spit it back out! If this happens to you, try holding the tape door flap open while ejecting. If the bracket from the cassette tape to the black GPS mount is too short, the tape will not go all the way in, too long and you'll have less space to shift gears. On an automatic, the car has to be shifted at least down to Reverse or Neutral for the tape+brackets+GPS mount to be inserted or removed. When the car is shifted into Drive, there is more than plenty of room to mess with the controls when the GPS unit has been mounted.

See pics

 

nice! ingenuity, not something you find these days.

 

Now, put a 5v generator to keep the Garmin powered from the turning of the cassette gears and I'll really be impressed.

 

ingenious. great job!

 

The only downside I see here, is that the viewing position is far from optimal for directions. There's a good reason for the pop-up nav being located where it is.

 

True, not exactly optimal, its about the same place where a double din in-dash aftermarket GPS would be located. The newer GPS units like the one above has the street names spoken out and you can talk to the unit to make changes (works sometimes) which helps you to keep your eyes on the road.

 

If you can keep a cassette in the player and still use the other radio functions, you can route the audio wire between the face and headunit, behind the console, to the top cubby and put a holder up there. You could hard-wire the power to go into the top cubby too.

 

very creative!

i ended up moutning mine inside the cubby on top of the radio. it's secured by dual lock tape on the backside of the cubby door. i was able to bypass the use of the garmin cradle by purchasing a USB charging cable. the cables are run behind the stereo so everything looks clean. i was also able to purchase an external antenna and run the wiring the same way. also by mounting up here you get a better viewing angle.

 

lmfaoooooo nice