Project Goal: Simple, vibration free dash-top mount for Garmin Drive series navigation unit that requires no drilling into the dash or trim pieces.
Secondary Goal: Invent something useful during the Coronavirus lockdown with materials already on hand and using basic caveman tools.
Acknowledgements:
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/no-drill-no-cut-ram-cell-phone-mount-bracket.26473/https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/anyone-ever-tried-one-of-these-phone-holders.21100/https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...ter-console-for-navigation.36478/#post-603430
Materials:
Aluminum angle - 1" x 1" x 1/8" x 4 1/2" long
16 gauge steel - 1 1/2" x 3 1/4"
17mm aluminum ball machined for 6mm stud (graciously donated by TackForm.com)
6mm-12 socket head set screw
6mm-12 button head cap screw
2 ea. - 6mm "whiz nuts"
Fabrication:
The process is simple. Cut the pieces square, then use a hacksaw, file and sandpaper to shape. Drill as necessary, bolt together, paint. Install with the factory screws for the center bezel.
Notes:
The shape of the center bezel will only allow the upright piece to be 1 3/4" wide. I made mine 1 1/2" wide to allow for easier fitment. If you are using an AMPS pattern or AMPS plate you will want the upright to be the full 1 3/4" wide but I am using a 17 mm ball so didn't need the width.
The height of the 12 ga. steel piece depends upon what you are mounting. The upper hole on mine brings the bottom of my Garmin unit to the top edge of the dash tray. The lower hole allows the Garmin unit to rest on the dash tray. My observation is that the dash is not engineered to keep a mount steady against vibration without substantial modifications which are beyond the scope of a simple "no drill" navigation mount. By allowing the Garmin unit to rest on the dash tray there is no vibration at all. I never put anything in that tray so I have lost no utility. Call it done.
You will want to drill the hole for the fastener joining the two pieces together as high as possible so that it clears the defroster vent cover and center bezel. I used a button head cap screw on the center bezel side and ground down the nut on the windshield side after using a drop of locktite to be sure it never moves.
And in case you are wondering, the Garmin inReach Explorer+ is mounted on a Garmin P/N 010-12525-00 powered mount and Panavise P/N 75122-303 in dash cellular phone mount, which can also be used for ham radio faceplates, gps units, etc.
Secondary Goal: Invent something useful during the Coronavirus lockdown with materials already on hand and using basic caveman tools.
Acknowledgements:
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/no-drill-no-cut-ram-cell-phone-mount-bracket.26473/https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/anyone-ever-tried-one-of-these-phone-holders.21100/https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...ter-console-for-navigation.36478/#post-603430
Materials:
Aluminum angle - 1" x 1" x 1/8" x 4 1/2" long
16 gauge steel - 1 1/2" x 3 1/4"
17mm aluminum ball machined for 6mm stud (graciously donated by TackForm.com)
6mm-12 socket head set screw
6mm-12 button head cap screw
2 ea. - 6mm "whiz nuts"
Fabrication:
The process is simple. Cut the pieces square, then use a hacksaw, file and sandpaper to shape. Drill as necessary, bolt together, paint. Install with the factory screws for the center bezel.
Notes:
The shape of the center bezel will only allow the upright piece to be 1 3/4" wide. I made mine 1 1/2" wide to allow for easier fitment. If you are using an AMPS pattern or AMPS plate you will want the upright to be the full 1 3/4" wide but I am using a 17 mm ball so didn't need the width.
The height of the 12 ga. steel piece depends upon what you are mounting. The upper hole on mine brings the bottom of my Garmin unit to the top edge of the dash tray. The lower hole allows the Garmin unit to rest on the dash tray. My observation is that the dash is not engineered to keep a mount steady against vibration without substantial modifications which are beyond the scope of a simple "no drill" navigation mount. By allowing the Garmin unit to rest on the dash tray there is no vibration at all. I never put anything in that tray so I have lost no utility. Call it done.
You will want to drill the hole for the fastener joining the two pieces together as high as possible so that it clears the defroster vent cover and center bezel. I used a button head cap screw on the center bezel side and ground down the nut on the windshield side after using a drop of locktite to be sure it never moves.
And in case you are wondering, the Garmin inReach Explorer+ is mounted on a Garmin P/N 010-12525-00 powered mount and Panavise P/N 75122-303 in dash cellular phone mount, which can also be used for ham radio faceplates, gps units, etc.
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