I just bought a new TomTom Go 720 GPS and it fits perfectly in that big console in the center of the dash where the NAVI from the factory would be. The best part- no installation required! The plastic casing that it comes in fits right in the console, as if it were made just for that spot. Then, all you need is a little double-sided adhesive to keep the unit from coming out while driving. I just used the adhesive that came with it that was supposed to be used for the window suction cup. The other benefits are that this model comes with mp3 player, fm transmitter and Blue Tooth- so you can use it through the cars stereo as if it were factory installed! The fm transmitter gets some static from being encased in the plastic housing, so I just run it through my cassette adapter- sounds perfect and the music gets paused when it gives directions as well. The only issue now is that the Blue Tooth only works with the units internal speaker system, so it sounds muffled when used this way.
Anyway, just thought that I’d share my “poor-mans” installed NAVI idea.


BTW, this was $320. I don't know if other models will fit the same way- it's the plastic casing that it comes in that made this possible.

PS- The plastic is not white, it just looks that way in the light. It's actually grey, but it could def be darker. I have considered painting it, I just haven't decided yet.

 

wrong section but nice install!

 

Sorry, I don't completely "get" forums- what section should this be in? I don't see anything on the main page that specifies what kind of posts go where. Is there a way for me or anyone else to move it? I'm still learning what all the "IMO", WTF", etc. are on these forums! Sorry.

 

Id PIITB (thats a fun one)

HAHA jk

Looks good though.

 

That is actually pretty cool.

 

Ok, I Googled "PIITB"- Put it in the butt? If that's what it stands for, that's pretty funny and very disturbing!

 

nice clean install. Plenty of reception for the GPS antenna?

 

Ever thought of using that plastic as a base for fiberglass or carbon fiber treatment? Since it fits so well, all you'd have to do is slap on some resins and cloth and you're off.

 

Yea, nice fit, but it still looks like the plastic tray it came in. It needs some kind'a finish other than white plastic - my 2 cents

 

That looks really nice


Running to best buy BRB.

 

haha thats pretty neat.
cover the plastic is cloth maybe too? to match the inside?

 

ha, thats entertaining.

my Garmin sits ontop of my Ipod in my cubby pretty tight...works really well.

This is the right section AFAIK (other electronics)...

if u keep that you need to make it not white.

 

Yeah, the "eye" is actually covered in this position, but somehow it get's seen by the satelite as if nothing was there. My old Navi (3 years old) had a big, bulky antenna and would never have worked in this case. 3 years is seriously the same difference with GPS units as 8 years is with cell phones (size and technology-wise).

 

I've thought of doing something like that. One issue is that the plastic is just flimsy enough to be inserted into the console and still be solid enough to be durable. If it were any firmer, it wouldn't be able to "click" into place- I wasn't kidding when I said that it seemed like it was made just for our car; it actually snaps into place. Ultimately, I feel that painting it will be the best option, although it really doesn't look as light as it does in the pic- it matches pretty well.

 

I like it. Good idea!

 

I find that to be pretty funny. Looks good you should definitely cover it in something (resin etc, paint it) make it more sturdy.

 

What about power?
I noticed your cassette adapter cable too, classy all around (I run mine the same way). My iPod mini fits right in the change tray.

 

lol nice, that is pretty funny...I do agree with the others, maybe just paint the plastic piece to match the cubby, or fill the indentions in the plastic with a resin or something to give it a flat look and then paint it black.

Evo

 

This unit, like many others these days, has battery power, so no need to plug it in. However, on long trips and/or to use the cassette adapter, I'll have to cut about an inch directly in the center of the bottom of the plastic piece so that the cords can be plugged in. I haven't needed to do that yet, but I'm sure it will work just fine.