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View Full Version : Garmin GPS in the dash install

RUSHING
01-03-2009, 03:22 PM
Well i got a GPS for Xmas (GARMIN NUVI 255) and didnt want to mount it on the dash. So i search for a different way to do it. I found that i could mount it in the dash on my truck to the right of the HVAC.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a122/250Xer/IndashGPS001.jpg

That cubby just pulls right out.

We then made up a bracket that would set the GPS out far enough to mould to the bezel. This takes a fair amount or trial and error, but with some tie will look sweet!

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a122/250Xer/IndashGPS006.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a122/250Xer/IndashGPS002.jpg

I wanted to wire it directly to the fuse block at first but then figured it would be much eisier to just tap off of the AUX 12V and use a female cig adaptor. This way all i have to do is plug the gps in. This is a must because the adaptor converts 12V down to 5V.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a122/250Xer/IndashGPS003.jpg

This way the GPS will be controlled by a switch so that it is only on when i want it. Even if the truck is off the GPS will remain on.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a122/250Xer/IndashGPS009.jpg

We put all the wires in the glove box and it is a little mess now but i plan on aking a center console soon and will mount all this in there along with the switch.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a122/250Xer/IndashGPS011.jpg

Overall im very happy with the install. Looks pretty much factory to me and other than the screen you cannot tell its there.

Thought this might help some.
Any questions, just shoot.
F4MOU$
01-03-2009, 03:28 PM
Good fvckin idea! Too bad I ain't smart enough to do it myself.... Looks awesome man!
Al_97GMC
01-03-2009, 04:03 PM
damn thats badass nice man
DoogieLee
01-03-2009, 05:29 PM
I thought about doing the same to mine after reading this (http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forums/general-discussion/audio-video-electronics/332786-gps-install-how.html), but my Navigon's traffic antenna plugs in on the side, exactly where one of the dash clips go. I didnt want to give up my traffic, so its stuck on the windshield.
Its a killer idea and looks great, good job!!
Lil Azn Dave
01-03-2009, 05:49 PM
Nice! It looks clean!
Crank1
01-03-2009, 07:52 PM
So I'm confused how you wired it... Did you hardwire it directly to the wiring on the cigarette lighter? or do you have to still actually plug a plug into the cigarette lighter? Or does the wiring just go from the hot of the lighter, to the switch, then to the nav? If so, that's a sweet little deal. Would there be any problem with just wiring it up all the time, as far as my truck goes anyway, you get power to the cigarette lighter when the truck is off anyway, which would negate the needing for a seperate switch to give it power.

Also, how is the reception with it in the dash hiding like that?
stimpy13
01-03-2009, 09:59 PM
How much for the cubby pocket shipped to 62236?
gr8twhite
01-04-2009, 09:11 AM
Heck, you stole my idea!

But, I'm doing it on my 89 with a TomTom...
RUSHING
01-04-2009, 11:33 AM
So I'm confused how you wired it... Did you hardwire it directly to the wiring on the cigarette lighter? or do you have to still actually plug a plug into the cigarette lighter? Or does the wiring just go from the hot of the lighter, to the switch, then to the nav? If so, that's a sweet little deal. Would there be any problem with just wiring it up all the time, as far as my truck goes anyway, you get power to the cigarette lighter when the truck is off anyway, which would negate the needing for a seperate switch to give it power.

Also, how is the reception with it in the dash hiding like that?

all we did was tap into the power source going to the cig and AUX and add an additional cig adapter that i got from radio shack. At first i was just going to snip the end off of the nav charger and hardwire it directly to the fuse block but the nav only needs 5V. The adaptor on the end of the nav charger converts the 12V power from the truck down to 5V. So yes it still jut plug into a cig adaptor like normal but its all hidden. Mine will stay on all the time so you need the switch to turn the nav on and off, because the power switch is on the top of the nav.

i get full bars where is at now, and the sound is ood as long as its turned up to 100%.

hope that cleared it up for ya! any more questions let me know.



and no the cubby im going to keek for when i sell the truck.

thanks for the props guys!
Stevens07
01-04-2009, 11:44 AM
Great looking job. Now, how well can you see it from the drivers seat position?

Steven
gwhunter350
01-04-2009, 11:48 AM
Not a bad idea but i rather it be right in my view for easier safer viewing, I would mount that switch in between the two accesory out lets or in between the left one and the steering wheel
RUSHING
01-04-2009, 12:37 PM
YA it can be seen very easily from the divers seat.

This one talks to you and says what street to turn on anyways so there is really no need to look at the screen all the time. and i wanted the switch mounted somewhere hidden, so it looks stock. That means no holes in my interior
gwhunter350
01-04-2009, 01:56 PM
Yeah i was driving and looking at that area in my truck today and it was not as bad as i was thinking. If you dont have fog lights or 4x4 you can put a switch for it over there. If you dont have foglights you can get the switch from gm and it would look stock. just and idea
BlueOnBlack96GM
01-04-2009, 02:50 PM
nice