i am looking to do a hardwire of my radar detector, and i was wondering if you guys recommended using any kind of tool when removing a pillar or any paneling. in my other cars, i've usually been able to pry off paneling with my hands or with the help of a flat screwdriver, but i want to make the install in my g is as clean as possible

thanks for any tips.

 

what model radar detector?

 

it's the escort x50. i'm using the pictures i found on another thread as a guide. i'm just wondering if there's a "cleaner" way to removing paneling than my method of a flat edge and my hands.

 

Have you thought about an invisicord? It allows you to wire the detector into the power going to the mirror.

 

sadly, my mirror is not powered
it might be possible to wire it to the moonroof controls somehow, but i haven't considered it yet...

 

I just pulled the pillar out without using any kind of tools. The clips just pop out as you pull. I was able to do it and I'm a complete newb when it comes to car mods...this was the first one I did. When you're done just push it back and the clips should pop back in place.

 

nice, that's what i wanted to hear.
(i'm expecting the clips to be somewhat durable and that they won't snap?)

 

I've pulled mine off by grabbing it towards the top and pulling it towards the middle of the car (back and to the right for the drivers side, back and to the left for passengers). They come off rather easy, and go on just as easy.

 

Is simple, pull the a piliar right out, run the wire to the fuse box, go to auto zone and pick up a fuse piggy back. tap the wire together put the 15 fuse back in the piggy and put a 5 fusein there. no splitting wire or anything.

 

If you have any kind of powered harness in the headliner, my Invisicord can work there too. There is nothing specific to my product that requires the mirror harness. You just have to have a harness where you can see the factory connectors going into the harness. It just happens that the mirror is the most convenient harness in most applications.

 

interesting, i might give it a shot

from what i am reading, i am gathering people are mounting high, near the mirror, eh?

 

I used Mike's radar mount (mike is a dude on my350z.com). Hangs your x50 or V1 from the rearview mirror pole.

 

just rip the pillar off.....lol. it'll go back flush....probably... lol

No, seriously, just pull from the top with your fingers and the snaps will disengage easily.

doc

 

thanks to everyone for their advice...
i went with the direct wire smart cord, because i wanted the remote mute button (otherwise i probably would have gone with the invisicord).

install wasn't too bad. i didn't even have to take the pillar all the way off, i just kind of pried it back far enough to slip the wire behind it.

i think my grounding needs a bit more work though...the detector has "rebooted" itself a couple of times with rough terrain... finding a good ground point is a PITA in this 03 sedan.