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Although I have an in-dash GPS in the vehicle, I have always liked Garmin Nuvi’s for their superior routing algorithms, more current points-of-interests, and ease of timely map updating. Garmin’s are just so easy-to-use.
I like operating the Garmin together with my in-dash GPS because the in-dash GPS’s instructions mute the music (rather than overdubbing the music), so it’s very disruptive and jarring. I just set the destination with the Nuvi, and then use the larger 7” in-dash screen for map viewing.
I decided to integrate a Garmin Nuvi 40 into my sunvisor. I don’t have pictures of my build progress because there was lots of trial and error – and restarts. I worked on it off-and-on over a couple of months.
I had to take apart the sunvisor’s light panel; dremel out a screen opening; then take apart the Nuvi40; create a custom super low-profile right-angle USB power connector; take apart the Garmin cigarette adapter; and then put everything together.
It’s a lot of work and more of a “mod challenge” for me than anything else. It's not for everyone, but I like it.
When we got our first car with integrated navigation, I still carried our Garmin in the car "just in case". Of what, I'm not sure of, but in hindsight it was like wearing a belt AND suspenders.
I think it's pretty darn neat visor add-on. And close enough so that you can see the (blocky) details on the nav screen very easily. Looks like a factory install. Cool project!
I think it's pretty darn neat visor add-on. And close enough so that you can see the (blocky) details on the nav screen very easily. Looks like a factory install. Cool project!
Thanks. I just tested it live yesterday.
I get excellent satellite reception (and no hanging power cords). I also like Garmin Nuvi's because they automatically power on and off with the ignition.
If I stop for gas and turn off the car, they also automatically remember the previous destination and continue on, once I restart the car again. I'm not sure if other portable GPS units do that automatically. I have 4 other GPS portables - all Garmins. This Nuvi 40 was one that I had lying around.
The viewing angle is also good enough that I can still view the screen when I push the visor forward.
Very nice installation. I am a chauffeur and run sometimes three gps at same time. My Tom Tom, the Lincoln in dash unit and maps on my Android phone. The majority of time, they will specify three different routes to the same address. Once, the Lincoln one had me going from Mineola, Long Island to Scranton PA through midtown Manhattan. Shortest, yes but time no.
Hey GCL any chance you could post how exactly to do this? I believe that something like this has the possibility of getting popular for CL members without the stock nav option. Its also in a more visible area than where a double din kit would place the screen. I also like the stealth look of it.
Might do this in one of my old cars.
Hey GCL any chance you could post how exactly to do this? I believe that something like this has the possibility of getting popular for CL members without the stock nav option. Its also in a more visible area than where a double din kit would place the screen. I also like the stealth look of it.
Might do this in one of my old cars.
08-25-14, 09:05 PM
Mod - integrate Garmin GPS into the Sunvisor
