OVERHEAD GPS (GARMIN 276C & LOWRANCE BAJA 540C): Inst. w/ pics

***Shadow-Warrior*** · 11-27-2007, 01:02 PM

To read the original full thread and post questions/comments on this topic, please go to Lowrance BAJA 540c GPS Install Thread

I received my Lowrance BAJA 540c GPS today. I am very impressed with the quality of the unit. I am going to now make a custom steel bracket that will attach under the head liner above the rearview mirror. I am mounting the unit so that I will have access to the GPS controls. I don’t want it mounted over on the passenger side of the vehicle. I design and plan everything out in it’s location for driver access. I want to be able to scan the GPS while driving on the trail, etc. Once I design the mount, I will post some pics of the progress and dimensions for anyone else that would like to mount theirs in the same way.

I just finished making a prototype mount for the location. Here are some pics. The finshed mount will be made out of thicker steel, I used some thinner steel I had laying around in my shop to make the temp one out of.

This is the location I chose to mount mine, it's in easy reach and you can see the display.

A blury picture while I hold it up to the mounting lcation to see how the fit will be.

Mounted up in the desired location.

Well there you go, It's very bulky in the rear of the unit where all the cables go, these will be ran under the headliner out of view. In the pictures no cabling is hooked up to the unit.

I decided to make this my Install thread. I designed and built a mount for the GPS for the vehicle. The Lowrance unit comes with a "White" colored puck antenna. This will work great on all the other FJ's except the TRD SE's; because of the Black roof.

I was talking on the phone with Larry (uphill) about our Lowarance units. I told him I had made and mailed out a GPS bracket for him along with new hardware for mounting the unit. He wants to mount his in the same location as myself. I explained to him that I used a new product made by "Tool Dip" they make a rubber coating that you dip your tool handles in. I have used this product for years for all kinds of projects. I explained to Larry that they had a new product out instead of dipping, it's in a spray can. I decided to use a rubber coating instead of spray for more durability and since it's inside up next to the head liner the metal won't tear it up.

Well during our conversation I explained that I was going to have to paint my GPS Antenna Black to blend into the roof, that I didn't want it sticking out on top because it's white. Larry said you should use the same Black rubber coating that it would provide even better outside wear then black paint would, I agreed, that it would stand up alot better then the paint.

This morning I decided to go ahead a coat the GPS Antenna with the Tool Dip Spray. here is a pic of the unit.

I am waiting to install the Antenna unitl my ARB Half Roof rack comes in this Tuseday and my Custom One-Off BAJA Light bar arrives sometime in the next two weeks. Once these come in, I'll have a better idea on where I want the Antenna to be placed on the roof along with how and where I'm going to run all the wiring for the lights and antenna. I'll post up when everything is in.

I also updated the first page of the build site (The RAPTOR) so that it's easier now to follow the build along with many new pictures.

***Shadow-Warrior*** · 11-27-2007, 03:19 PM

Thanks Guys,

I just finished making a prototype mount for the location. Here are some pics. The finshed mount will be made out of thicker steel, I used some thinner steel I had laying around in my shop to make the temp one out of.

This is the location I chose to mount mine, it's in easy reach and you can see the display.

A blury picture while I hold it up to the mounting lcation to see how the fit will be.

Mounted up in the desired location.

Well there you go, It's very bulky in the rear of the unit where all the cables go, these will be ran under the headliner out of view. In the pictures no cabling is hooked up to the unit.

I'll post more as the project progresses.

***LandCruiserSteve*** · 12-03-2007, 01:36 PM

To read the original full thread and post questions/comments on this topic, please go to GPS: Overhead / Rear-View Mirror Installation Mod w/ lots of pics!!

If you happen to have a GPS that uses a swivel base mounting system, such as this Garmin 276C . . . .

. . . . you can securely mount your GPS right above your inside rear-view mirror by following these (relatively) easy modification instructions.

Step 1 - Remove your rear-view mirror by sliding off the plastic cover plate and use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws.

Step 2 - Feed through your headliner (from behind the inside A-pillar cover) any cables that will be necessary to run your GPS . . . . such as a power cord, external antenna cable, etc.

Step 3 - Notch back (cut) 1 1/8" of the sides of the rear-view mirror base so that a flat platform results. (File and paint as necessary.) This will allow the GPS mount base to fit flat against the mirror base.

Step 4 - Drill two holes in the rear-view mirror base that are even with the original holes, but are 5/8" rearward of the original holes. (These will be the new mounting holes through which the OEM mirror screws will go, thus setting your rear-view mirror 5/8" forward towards the windshield.)

Step 5 - Drill a pair of matching holes through the removable circular base of the GPS mount. (Take advantage of an existing hole and add a second hole the same width apart as the rear-view mirror mounting holes.)

Step 6 - Insert the OEM mirror screws through the GPS mount base and the rear-view mirror base, attaching both to the existing ceiling screw holes.

Step 7- A self-tapping screw (for additional support) can be drilled and inserted through the GPS base and into the metal that protrudes slightly beyond the mirror screw holes.

Step 8 - After all screws have been securely tightened, the GPS swivel mount can be attached to the mount base with the thumb screw.

If necessary, rotate the GPS mount cradle for proper orientation.

Step 9 - Install GPS unit into the mounting cradle, connect necessary cables from behind, and adjust the swivel mount for optimum viewing.

Even a large GPS unit like the Garmin 276C GPS will sit above your rear-view mirror, as to not block your rearward view. And, either the GPS unit itself, or the entire swivel mount can be easily removed from your FJ to prevent theft.

Plus, sitting as high as it is within the FJ, little of the GPS can be seen from the exterior.

This GPS mounting modification will result in a very sturdy platform for even the heaviest of GPS units. The swivel base will allow your passenger to rotate the unit in his/her direction. And, since it is aimed at eye-level, noting your location is literally as simple as glancing in your rear-view mirror.

For a similar overhead GPS mounting modification, take a peak at Shadow-Warrior's Lowrance GPS set-up. Lowrance BAJA 540c GPS Install Thread

***LandCruiserSteve*** · 12-09-2007, 12:18 PM

CABLE ROUTING:

1 - Remove the driver side sun visor by unscrewing the two Phillips head screws.

2 - Remove the sun visor retaining clip by turning it 1/8th revolution to the left and pull straight out.

3 - Using a non-metalic pry device (i.e., plastic knife) to avoid scratching the plastic, remove the upper and lower covers from the driver side grab handle.

4 - Using a 10mm socket, remove the grab handle mounting screws and the grab handle itself.

5 - With your fingertips, gently pull downward and outward on the top of the plastic A-pillar cover.

6 - Remove the A-pillar cover completely.

7 - After you have fed your GPS cable and/or power cord up through the opening on the dash created by the removed A-pillar cover, route the cable(s) over to the opening by the rear-view mirror. Notch the headliner as necessary to allow the cable(s) to exit the headliner to the side of where the mirror and GPS will be mounted.

8 - Tuck the loose cable(s) up under the headliner with your fingertips.

9 - Take the remaining slack out of the cable(s) and secure them to the existing wires running down the A-pillar with cable ties.

10 - Replace the A-pillar cover, the grab handle, the sun visor and the sun visor retaining clip in the reverse order of removal. Then install the mirror/GPS mount (as per the instructions in post #1).

Calisun · 03-28-2008, 07:02 PM

My version.. got the idea from Steve.. Thanx

NH_Joe · 03-29-2008, 10:29 AM

My nuvi 650 works just great attached to the rearview mirror. Great reception, fast signal lock, and good accuracy. Frankly, I was (happily) surprised by this.

Here are a couple of shots of my nuvi 650 mount, inspired by landcruisersteve's original post. It's hardwired to the switched power available in the "mystery plug" found under the driver's side a-pillar cover.

Joe

**FJVP** · 03-29-2008, 10:23 PM

Posted this in the GPS Pics Thread....I owe this all to LSC...Thanks Steve for the great post.