I am getting ready to install a "hard wired" radar detector and I was just wondering where I might find a 12v source (switching power or constant is fine) that I can tap into.
I looked under the dash and found the aux switch wires but I don't want to hook it to a switch like that. can someone help me find a constant power or keyed power wire.
How bout tapping into your rear view mirror? If you have a Escort passport or a Bell or Valentine One... Inviscord makes a cord that plugs into your rearview mirror power because there is a 12 volt constant and ground. Then you can make a mount that clips off your passenger side sun visor. The Corvette guys do it all the time. Here is some links for you to get an idea.
I ended up mounting it to the left of the steering wheel on the dash (there is a flat spot just to the left of the gauges). I used two strips of ultra sticky Velcro and and set it where I wanted it, then just let it sit for a day or so.
I opened the plastic panel on the drivers side of the dash (that becomes visible when you open the door), I wanted a constant power (not switching with the ignition) so I tracked down and tied into a constant power wire.
As for the ground, I simply found a bolt that was already screwed into metal under the dash, unscrewed it a bit and wrapped the wire around it and screwed it back in.
Then I tucked the wire up and around the pillar where it would stick out enough to reach the radar detector.
That's not exactly ideal placement for a radar detector. For the best performance, it should be centered, above the windshield wipers, but as close to the dash as possible. It should have unobstructed views forwards and backwards.
I mounted it there because it has perfect front visibility and it is close to power, it also has a flat mounting spot (almost asking for a radar detector).
It doesn't have great rear visibility but I'm not so worried about that.
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