Hey guys. I just hardwired my Escort 8500 X50, I actually dont really like the set up right now especially how my wire is hang out there. I wonder if anyone know how to make it cleaner.

Note I will not move the detector from it's current location. So I was thinking of rerouting my wire from the windshield but I have no idea on how to do that.

Here are the pictures.

 

how about running it the otherway from your dash?

 

^^^ I was thinking that too but I have no idea on how to do it.

 

do you have 4 cars?

 

^^^ not exactly. tC belongs to me the rest of them are my family's LOL.

Anyone knows how to route the wire through the dash though? I been trying to do that and just gave up so I just had it pinch like so.

 

do you have side curtain airbags?

pull the dash and run the cable under the dash, thats what i did for mine.

pull the apillars (i have the side curtain bags, this step is a pita)
there is one screw behind each apiallar that has to come out for the dash to come up.
remove the guage trim there is one screw holding the guage cluster in, remove it, yank the cluster, unplug and set aside
there is only 1 (i think) screw behind the cluster that has to come out for the dash
remove the center waterfall
there are 2 screws, one on each side of the waterfall towards the hu that have to come out.
i think thats it, after that the dash is just held in by pressure clips, start yanking... the radar cable is elaastic so i just pull it to the drivers side to get it under the dash (so you dont have to take the dash all the way out)
the pull the cable back towards the center, so it doesnt get stretched out... then put it back together..

total time, 15 minutes without side curtain bags, 25-30 with the bags if you havent pulled the pillars before.

 

^^^ wow sounds a lil tricky I dont have side airbags but is there any DIYs with pictures?

 

I remember someone took apart a radar detector and wired it up inside a rally monkey doll that hung on the rear view mirror.
Just a suggestion if you want to try something unique...

 

I have mine high mounted... But if I recall correctly, the defrost vents are sealed to the dash. I think you can wedge a wire into the defrost vent, and between the seam between the dash and the vent, and the wire should drop behind the HVAC and stereo. I dunno if that makes any sense....

 

hmmm I'm not 100% sure what you are tlaking about but I had an audio shop install my GPS Antenna on my dash. Look at the second picture to the right. is it something like that?

 

Radar detectors must stay parallel to the road to stay effective. If the angle is too high or too low, the range is GREATLY effected. If is concealed and suspended from the rear view mirror, it needs to be a stationary mount and not hung on a rope/chain. But the OP already stayed that he will not move his detector.

 

^^^ yea I did my research in the laser radar... most cops would be aiming at your bumper and the beam isn't that large so it's better to have it mounted low.

I actually would like to mount high but I think low looks cooler :D

 

I can't see where the GPS/sat cable is being run due to the angle of the pic, but it looks like the same deal as what i'm talking about; running the cable forward and into and between the defrost vent/dash vent seam. But obviously do it in the center, and not in THE exact same location as the GPS/SAT.

 

Laser detection is useless, unless you have active laser jamming (highly recommended for I-80, 680, and 580). Radar is a radio wave and is not immune to scatter, which is why a good RD will detect radar even when it is not directly pointed at you. And for all distances except the extreme close range, the radar beam is fairly large. Your max detection range is damn near 4 miles on a clear road. So any close range shots should not see any tangible difference, high or low. However, at long distances and around obstacles, like semi's, hills, and buildings, a RD is no different than an antenna. In fact, it IS an antenna. And like antenna's, they receive the best reception with a higher mounting position.

Not only that, but a high mount also has a higher likelihood of receiving laser scatter (although it's pretty slim for just about any detector). Fact of the matter; the only speed measurement device that is really AIMED at your bumper, plate, or headlights are LIDAR/laser. And a direct hit by laser is bad news, no matter what detector you have or where it is mounted.

 

Thank you for the info.
The wiring came out of the monkey to the top of the mirror through the headliner so there must have been something else involved in the install.
Looked pretty neat though

 

no write up that i know of... remove drivers side pillar, remove waterfall, remove guage cluster... remove any screws you see... pull up on the dash... put back together...

 

I have an escort 9500i hard wired... I ran the wire around the dash to the same place as yours... just tucked the wire in all the way around by the vin and then under the steering area... Works really well. That's what I would suggest. (the 9500i uses the same hardwire kit)

 

^^^ Awesome thanks... might be exactly what I'm looking for.

 

No problem, if you need any pictures or anything... let me know.

 

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...hardwire+radar