Although it's blackish, the mount (combined with the metal V1 adaptor) seems quite noticeable from the outside. Has anyone tried painting the unit flat black to blend in with the rearview mirror? Would spay paint, with a little bit of sanding, adhere to the nylon material?

 

First of all, let me just say that I got the product in no time. I think that the construction of the mount is very durable and altogether well built aside from the microscopic scratches that can only be seen close up.

I would definetly recommend this product to hardwire a radar detector as there is no unecessary lifting of the dash or A-pillars (wanted to avoid future creaks and rattles). I took it to a local tint/stereo shop where they charged me $20 to install it. They wired it to my interior map lights and used the plug-in box that came with my V1 which they mounted behind the map lights and then ran the wire through small hole in the roof where the mirror wire comes in from.

The shop foreman told me that he didn't even want to try hardwiring through the rear view mirror as my rear view mirror has homelink and a sensor. He said that if connects to the wrong wire, then he could fry the computer... or something. Decided it was better not to play with fire.

Looks great and works exceptionally, but the only issue I have is I can't seem to keep the radar detector level (perfectly horizontal) and have a good viewing distance out my rear view mirror.

 

Where do I order one of these mounts for my 8500?

 

PM "MIKE3348" for them. All the info on the mounts are contained within this thread.

 

Escort just brought out a new Passport 8500 X50 radar detector that is supposed to be improved over the old model. I just ordered one and am curious if it is that much better. Time will tell compared to my Valentine One and my old 8500. http://www.350ZMotoring.com/forums/s...5&goto=newpost

 

Desperado,

So did you like your 8500 better than the Valentine One?

I love my 8500 and just ordered this mount from Mike.

 

I just received my Escort Passport 8500 X50. I already have one of Mike's mounts that I ordered a few weeks ago. It appears that Escort has redesigned their windshield bracket. Unfortunately, I don't have a digital camera (yet) so I can't post any pictures.

Mike's mount still works great, but, the new windshield bracket can only be inserted about halfway into the mount. Only the bottom two screws of the mount are used. With the new bracket, the radar detector ends up about one-half inch lower than with the original bracket. Sorry for the vague description.

 

Uh, oh. I just ordered the 8500 X50 and Mike's mounting device. Iggman . . . what's the problem with the new Escort's metal bracket piece? Is it too thick to slide all the way into the slot or is it too long? Pics would be greatly appreciated.

 

First, I should say that I don't own the original 8500 and windshield bracket. I'm basing my information on the pictures that have been posted on this forum. I don't have a digital camera, so I appologize for the confusing description that I'm about to provide.

Mike's mount has three allen head screws. I'm assuming that the original windshield bracket has three holes that line up with the holes on the mount when the bracket is fully inserted into the mount.

The new windshield bracket only has two large holes. If the bracket is fully inserted into the mount, the holes don't line up. You can only insert the bracket about halfway into the mount in order for the holes to line up. The third allen head screw doesn't attach to anything, but, you can leave it in for appearance.

The new windshield bracket also has a raised ridge that runs along the centerline of the bracket. You'll have to use a little bit of force in order to slide the bracket into the mount. It will fit, though.

I still think that Mike's mount is awesome! Nothing comes close to it in appearance, performance, and value. I'd definitely recommend it!

 

Thanks, iggman. When I get my stuff in, I'll take and post photos for everyone else to see. I have alot of tools, so maybe I'll be able to fabricate a solution that allows the metal bracket from the Escort's windshield mount to slide all the way into Mike's bracket and still use all 3 holes. We'll see.

 

I'm not sure that's all necessarily True. I have the Escort 8500 (regular one) and I only use two of the holes as well. It is also difficult to slide into Mike's mount.

I too have wondered what in the world that third hole is for, but I haven't figured it out.

If anyone does let me know!!

 

Sounds good MSGarrett1!!!

jikman01, does your windshield bracket fit into Mike's mount flush like the one pictured on the first page of this thread? Did you buy your detector recently?

 

iggman - no it does not sit flush like mikes. It sticks out a bit.

I bought my detector about 3 months ago. It appears to me that most detector mounts are the same offering two holes where the two suction cups go.

I'm wondering if Mike made up his own windshield mount?

 

The original suction cup mount had holes for 2 suction cups and a cutout above the suction cup holes. Since I had to make the slot deep enough for the suction cup mount to fit all the way in the slot I put a third screw to go through the top cutout.
I don't know if escort has changed the suction cup mounting on the new detectors. Please post a picture of your suction cup mount.
Mike Peronek

 

Here's what it looks like Mike:

 

Yep. I just got my Escort 8500 X50 today, and the windshield suction cup mount looks just like jikman's, with the suction cups in those holes. I haven't gotten my mount from Mike yet, so not sure how it's going to work. Can anyone with the previous version of the Escort 8500 comment on whether the suction cup mount looks like the picture jikman posted?

 

MS: I have the "previous" version of the 8500...bought it last Halloween. The mount is indeed identical to the one jikman posted - I just went and looked at it to be sure.

Let me know if you want more info on the "previous" version - the one that has saved my a$$ many times.

 

I bought mine Jan 03, right after my car was delivered. My mounting bracket is different. (Mine is the one on the first page of this thread). Apparently there was a change in mounting bracket.

 

I knew something was wrong when my install didn't look like the ones in the pics from this thread.

 

I got my Escort 8500 X50 in last week and today Mike's radar mount shows up in the mail (Thanks Mike, it looks great).

Here is a pic of the new 8500 X50 mount next to Mike's mount: