mlevinedc

I have several questions regarding the mounting of a non-Lexus cell phone. In my area of NW CT we still use 3w Analog phones. I am curious as to where installers have been placing the external antenna. I wonder if anyone knows if the window tinting is a metallic film. Also curious as to where the handset is being mounted. I saw the bracket made by Pro-Fir Intl and it looks like a nice fit. If anyone can describe or post some pictures, that would be terrific.

Mark

LexRX

not sure about others mounting cell phone antennas in the RX, but they generally (in most vehicles) go in the rear window. For us that would be the window's looking into the cargo area.

Also, I wouldn't think that the tint is a film since it is factory. Factory tents are usually made with the glass - some type of tinting process. That is my experience with black tented glass, i suppose it is the same for the mirror.

malhokc

most of the cell phone antennas, including mine, are installed on the front windshield on the passenger side, probably due to the titanium tinting on back window.

LexRX

malhokc, what kind of cell phone set up do you have? Do you have any pictures?

malhokc

The phone is an aftermarket cell phone. Couple of things, the built in phone wires only apply to the Lexus phone. All after market cell phone require own wiring, hardware, etc. Also, there is a new product, called the PRO-FIT, which is a metal piece customized to the different vehicle, that fits between the radio and the wood panel, avoiding any holes and drilling. It looks very professional with no damage to the vehicle. It costs about $30 for this metal piece. The phone antenna is installed on front windshild-passenger side, due to the mirror-like titanium tint on back windows, for better signals.
The whole installation, including profit, costs about $60-75 from a local cell phone dealer. The dealer can also install but quoted me $175.
Hope that helps.

LexRX

Thanks for the info malhokc!

mlevinedc

I went to my local cell phone installer today to get some ideas on mounting the phone and antenna. He agreed that the PRO-FIT bracket is the way to go. He priced it at 20.00. He also used a meter to measure the rf transmission compatibility of the rear window - passenger side. He said that the on-the-glass mount would work just fine. I suppose if you consider Lexus put half of the Diversity AM-FM antenna in the Driver's side rear glass, this would make sense. I don't care for the look of the windshield mounts, which is why I'm looking to put it back there. We'll see how it works out.

malhokc

I will be posting some pictures of the phone installation next week.

LexRX

Thanks again

malhokc

This is what an aftermarket installed phone looks like using PRO-FIT plate. I put on the "Lexus" decal afterwards, to give it a custom look.

mlevinedc

Sorry but I don't see the picture, is it just me?

malhokc

I don't see the picture either. I thought I posted the picture. How do you post the pictures. It didn't work the way I did it by attaching the file

malhokc

C:\lexus phone.htm

OK, try this. Hopefully it should work

LexRX

malhokc, did you use the browse feature below were you type the massage to find the picture on your hard drive?

malhokc

Yes, I tried that too with no luck.
LexRx help me with the attachment. I see you were able to put an attachement.

Were you able to see the pictures, by cut and paste, though.