Valentine 1 Concealed Display Install
#1
TECH Apprentice
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Akron, Ohio
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Valentine 1 Concealed Display Install
So I finally took the time to do all of this and I am very happy with how it came out. The first and obvious thing you need is a Valentine 1 Radar Detector (Basically the best one out there), the Valentine 1 Concealed Display, Splitter, Various Power Cords.
I wanted the V1 to be mounted high, but no wires running, this is why I decided to tackle all of this. I ran a 10-15ft ( I forget!) phone cord from the detector, through the headliner, down the pillar, down the dash, under the dash, and into the area in front of the shifter. You can see it, white was the only color I found when I did this. It is just standard phone cord. Too long of a cord will not power the V1 up I found, so if it is in the 10-15 foot range you should be fine. Post if 15 is too long, but I think you'll be good.
Next I purchased a splitter from a seller on ebay who basically makes the specifically for this - I am going to give the link to the auction, but the sellers name is safe-n-sound1 - Over 5000 positive feedbacks and very fast shipping. The splitter they send it prewired with a fuse built in, very nice item for this setup.
From there all it took was a little wiring. The neat thing is its all snap in phone cording for the V1. I ran the power to the splitter, which I got it from the cigarette lighter wire, just spliced into it. The problem is this thing is always on, so I wired in a switch. This I got from Advance Auto Parts. The red LED is a little too bright, so I took a small paint brush and put a drop of Black RTV Sealer over it to dim it a bit. Worked out well. That all wired up very simply, if you are a newbie at wiring switches, you are just like me and just need to hit up google, so easy anybody could do it.
Finally, I took a plate from 6LE that is for the console area. Trimmed it down, cut a hole for the V1 remote display, mounted it with some double sided 3M tape and that's it. For my first try at something custom I am more than happy with it and felt I needed to let everyone know how easy it ended up being. I just needed to put together all the parts and go for it. I decided against a remote mute button because the concealed display mute button is right by my finger when I'm shifting. Any questions please ask, pictures should be posted as well below. The extra hole below the display is for the slp fan switch. I just need to run the wire from under the hood, been busy. I know the interior needs swept, just been busy finishing up school for the year, it will be taken care of!
Here is the ebay splitter link - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=350061552520
www.valentine1.com
https://store.valentine1.com/store/
I wanted the V1 to be mounted high, but no wires running, this is why I decided to tackle all of this. I ran a 10-15ft ( I forget!) phone cord from the detector, through the headliner, down the pillar, down the dash, under the dash, and into the area in front of the shifter. You can see it, white was the only color I found when I did this. It is just standard phone cord. Too long of a cord will not power the V1 up I found, so if it is in the 10-15 foot range you should be fine. Post if 15 is too long, but I think you'll be good.
Next I purchased a splitter from a seller on ebay who basically makes the specifically for this - I am going to give the link to the auction, but the sellers name is safe-n-sound1 - Over 5000 positive feedbacks and very fast shipping. The splitter they send it prewired with a fuse built in, very nice item for this setup.
From there all it took was a little wiring. The neat thing is its all snap in phone cording for the V1. I ran the power to the splitter, which I got it from the cigarette lighter wire, just spliced into it. The problem is this thing is always on, so I wired in a switch. This I got from Advance Auto Parts. The red LED is a little too bright, so I took a small paint brush and put a drop of Black RTV Sealer over it to dim it a bit. Worked out well. That all wired up very simply, if you are a newbie at wiring switches, you are just like me and just need to hit up google, so easy anybody could do it.
Finally, I took a plate from 6LE that is for the console area. Trimmed it down, cut a hole for the V1 remote display, mounted it with some double sided 3M tape and that's it. For my first try at something custom I am more than happy with it and felt I needed to let everyone know how easy it ended up being. I just needed to put together all the parts and go for it. I decided against a remote mute button because the concealed display mute button is right by my finger when I'm shifting. Any questions please ask, pictures should be posted as well below. The extra hole below the display is for the slp fan switch. I just need to run the wire from under the hood, been busy. I know the interior needs swept, just been busy finishing up school for the year, it will be taken care of!
Here is the ebay splitter link - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=350061552520
www.valentine1.com
https://store.valentine1.com/store/
Last edited by aerojt; 04-20-2009 at 05:02 PM.
#2
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (2)
Not to hate or anything, but IMO that is a terrible place to mount it. You have to look down and away from the road. I personally would've mounted it on the steering column or maybe at the base of the gauge cluster. Even in the corner of the dash near the a-pillar would've been a good spot as well.
#3
regardless of the somewhat bad mount point, its still ******* sweet. I hardwired my electical cutout switch into my ashtray (with the help from a buddy whos a little more knowledgable than me!) and its pretty cool too
#4
TECH Apprentice
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Akron, Ohio
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah I figured that was the best spot to place it for me. The part in front of the gauges is ok, but it shows too many wires. I wanted it low so drivers and officers don't see it from behind. To be honest if it beeps I don't instantly snap my eyes down. I am still glancing upwards to the actual unit out of habit, but overall it's a solid spot that is out of the way, which is what I was going for.
Trending Topics
#10
Kleeborp the Moderator™
iTrader: (11)
Not to hate or anything, but IMO that is a terrible place to mount it. You have to look down and away from the road. I personally would've mounted it on the steering column or maybe at the base of the gauge cluster. Even in the corner of the dash near the a-pillar would've been a good spot as well.
But now that you mention it, I have been pulled over by a cop right after he tagged me with a laser - as soon as the V1 gave me the warning, I put on the brakes. He pulled me over and said "Where's the radar detector?" I had to point it out to him since he didn't see it at first, to which he replied "You know those things don't work right? Because by the time you've been warned, I've already clocked you..."
I just nodded and said "I know..." - but I didn't mention how many times it has saved my *** from the exact same thing.
#11
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The install looks great. I've been looking for a place to mount my concealed display for awhile now but could never seem to find something good. These cars are tricky. I use that little cubbby a lot, so I doubt I will be doing this.
Question. Is that the older V1? Yours looks different from mine.
Question. Is that the older V1? Yours looks different from mine.
#16
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (10)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
thanks man. yea I had to put it somewhere where I can see it at without having take my eyes off the road. also somewhere where i would be able to see the lights going off at night. also each radar band is a different color instead of the stock red for all bands