Hard wired install with concealed display - difficult?

SheltonJ · #1 (**permalink**) 2007-12-28

How hard is it to install a Valentine One with the Concealed Display option and not use the cigarette lighter for power?
I want a completely uncluttered install and I am wondering if I should use a professional installer or if that is overkill.
I am planning to combine this with Veil and a Blinder X-25.

Veil Guy · #2 (**permalink**) 2007-12-28

I used to hard-wire may radar detectors.

Generally it was a fairly straightforward procedure of attaching the fused power lines to the fuse junction box. I used to feed them off of the a switched line, like the radio.

I then ran the power cable behind the A pillar cover--which can typically be removed with a couple of screws--and then up through the headliner area by the top of the windshield down to the radar detector which I mounted by the rear-view mirror.

Where were you planning on mounting the V1 and the remote display?

Veil Guy

SheltonJ · #3 (**permalink**) 2007-12-29

Yes, I am planning on mounting a V1 with the remote display. I also plan on mounting a Blinder X-25 with a Cheetah wireless kit. And off course topping it all off with a veil treatment.
I am curious, you use the phrase 'I used to hard-wire', does that mean you prefer to use a different hookup method now (such as cigarette lighter plug), or that you don't install radar detectors much any more yourself.

Veil Guy · #4 (**permalink**) 2007-12-29

Correct.

When I was quite a bit younger (ouch!) and going to college, back in the early eighties, I basically only had one vehicle to drive around with then, so hard-wiring seemed more feasible.

Today, I travel extensively, use a host of rental cars, and use a variety of radar detectors in any given month.

If an when I drive through the great Commonwealth of Virginia (with my STi Driver, of course), I prefer a certain mounting location that is different than normal.

I also have incorporated Cheetah's GPSMirror into the mix along with their radar detector interface.

Given all of this, I have moved away from hard-wiring, although as you can see, my circumstance may be a bit unique.

Currently I have a much older K40 model, a "remote" that's been hardwired, however, that will be giving way to either an STi-R or Escort's future SR series replacement remote radar detector.

Veil Guy

steagall1000 · #5 (**permalink**) 2008-01-02

Why hardwire?

I see a lot of videos with people trying to conceal their V1's. Why?? Their is only virginia and washington where radar detectors are illegal. I put mine dead center in the middle of my windshield. It plugs right into the lighter and I'm good to go. So veil guy, why hardwire?

GB