Radar Detector hard wiring question. Please help.

Where are you mounting it?

I would prefer to have it mounted centered down low on the windshield. just above the clock on the dash. But am open to other places if you have suggestions.

If you mount on the dash, maybe conceal the wires somehow and feed from the radio power, or if you wish to mount it underneath the mirror with one of the mirror mounts advertised on this site, you can pick up power at the mirror from the map lights, but that is hot all the time, so you'd have to manually turn the detector on when you need it. If you want to go this route, open up the rearview mirror and tap into the Light Green/Orange Stripe wire (hot) and use the black wire for ground. Keep me posted with what you think.

I would go that route, but only two issues. 1. The purpose of this project is so that I do not have to manually turn it on every time. 2. On the '96 Cobra's they do not have lights or anything electrical on the rear view mirror.

Well, you could run the power wires somehow down to the back of the stereo, and pick up power there. That would be the easiest. Put a small inline fuse (1/2amp) right there, to protect the wire feeding the detector. How to get the wire to the top of the dash? If you're willing, and can find a clear spot , drill a hole right through the dash. Don't worry about a grommet or bushing, the wire probably won't ever short out, and if it did, the wire is fused, right? Question: with the detector positioned there, can it "see" past the windshield wipers?

the 8500 is not really made to be "hard wired"...I have the Escort Solo, battery powered so I can move it between cars quite easily...the laser jammers are really the thing to have these days...my last two tickets were by laser...now I have the jammers, well worth the investment

i just got use to the coiled cord...however im going back with the smart cord..i like the mute option on lighter plug...

we got ours in 03..but have a problem with the laser mode..seams blinker/horn/accelerator pedal all set it off...i did try in different vechile and the same results....

escort site shows hard wire kit.has stickys that hold wire where you can tuck close to dash/windshield vs hole in dash..you will lose that mute option..

it can be turned on auto mute but i cant hear it after 2 beeps.just lights

..ive had an escort in windshield since 1982 when i started driving...remember the 20lb square black boxs...

DJH1211 said:

Well, you could run the power wires somehow down to the back of the stereo, and pick up power there. That would be the easiest. Put a small inline fuse (1/2amp) right there, to protect the wire feeding the detector. How to get the wire to the top of the dash? If you're willing, and can find a clear spot , drill a hole right through the dash. Don't worry about a grommet or bushing, the wire probably won't ever short out, and if it did, the wire is fused, right? Question: with the detector positioned there, can it "see" past the windshield wipers?

Click to expand...

Yes I can see past the windshield wipers, I would prefer to not drill a hole in the dash.

2Manystangs said:

the 8500 is not really made to be "hard wired"...I have the Escort Solo, battery powered so I can move it between cars quite easily...the laser jammers are really the thing to have these days...my last two tickets were by laser...now I have the jammers, well worth the investment

Click to expand...

huh... Would you happen to know a way to rewire the cigarette plug so i comes on and off with the ignition?

TrippleBlack96 said:

Yes I can see past the windshield wipers, I would prefer to not drill a hole in the dash.


huh... Would you happen to know a way to rewire the cigarette plug so i comes on and off with the ignition?

Click to expand...

no, really sell it and get the "Solo"...no cords, it runs off batteries...can't beat that

I wired my in thue the clock area seeing i went with a gauge pod and I pick a hard wire on E bay

I like that idea. Do you remember how you took off the plastic trim from the stock clock?

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