I've attached two pics, one internal the other external, of the Passport 8500 Radar Detector I had installed in my Track. Right above the three gauges, perfect fit, no visual impedements.

 

exterior

 

Did you use the special order hardwire kit available from Passport?

I purchased two of the harnesses from them for use in my beater as well as my t-tracking Z thats due in Nov.

I'm thinking the remote light/mute button will fit in the lower right hand corner of my empty nav. space with perhaps a small "smoked window" to keep the door closed.

I couldn't be happier with the 8500. Good choice.

Joe

 

How did the center console remove? I'm sure al ot of people planning on doing stereo installs would be psyched to know!

 

Yes I have a 8500 and I'm planning this exact install - can I have details on where you plugged in and how you wired it? Thanks.

 

Is it a good idea having it in front of the windshield like that, I mean as far dealing with cops and stuff?

 

From the bottom picture, it looks like the center dash area hinges on the top-front. Is this true?

 

NissaNZ,

It's fine to have it in the front widnshield, just as long as you're not in a state where they are illegal. The last 2 times I was pulled over the officer did not even mention my detector and both times I received just a warning.

But, there are stealth systems available if that's what you want.

-Plucky

 

In Texas there are no laws against radar detectors...putting this type of detector anywhere else either interferes with visuals for the driver or looks like crap (review view mirror) because it doesn't fit well and you have more wires showing.

As for the details of the install - sorry guys don't have them. Custom Sounds in Austin did the install. Took them about 1.5 hours and I couldn't be happier with the job they did.

I had some misgivings at first about turning the car over to them, but considering they had already worked on someone elses 350Z, and had a Viper RT/10, a BMW M5, a NSX and a 911 (all new) in the shop getting work done I was okay.

Since I know your next question is about cost - the labor to install the detector as shown cost me $100...way worth the price.

Chris
Austin, TX

 

I too have had a 8500 in my GS for sometime now, and it is the SH**! I'm about to order another one for the Z (I was slighlty speeding the other day, when a cop pulls up fast behind me pulls along side, and gives me "thumbs up"! ) so needless to say, I need to install it quick!!!
Now Bishop, my question is: Did they place the plug-in into the only socket back behind the seat in the middle? Because the cord does not seem like it would stretch that far? As you can see, several of us are VERY INTERESTED and as much info as you can provide would be much appreciated................
TX

 

I'll get the details and post asap.

Chris

 

Thanks Chris. That will give me a "heads up" when I go to locate an installer. By the way, I can't remember where I bought mine almost 2 years ago? I know it was an electronics place online, and I got it for $265 shipped! How about you guys?

 

Chris,

Your install looks nice, though I'd have mounted it by the mirror for stealth reasons (from thieves, not cops). Your car was in good hands w/ Custom Sounds...they've done 3 stereos, 2 alarms, 2 tint jobs, and a radar detector hardwire for me. Nothing but top notch work every time.

I just can't believe you'd pay for the Blose stereo "upgrade" instead of letting Cusom Sounds install something decent!

 

Yeah we've changed the stereo upgrade option. Dealer is now just ordering the front mesh plate and woofer box that is available in the touring...and I'm having custom sounds put in a JL Audio 10" sub.

I'll contact Sam tomorrow and get the specs on the radar install and post them here.

 

Sounds like a plan! And JL Audio..........Way to go! My stereo upgrades are SERIOUSLY needed in this car.

 

Chris S-

You can't put the detector by the rear view. That is where I wanted to put one myself. There is material on the windshield, to block light between the visors. The detector would have to go about 6 inches or so to the side of the mirror center...if not all the way over near the A-Pillar. Obviously, that would still be more stealthy. I don't know if mounting it there would have any adverse effect.

Chris (Bishop)-

Are they doing any other stereo components? I can't wait to see it installed. It would be great if you could ask them to take some pictures of the install process. I am sure that there are a lot of people that would be interested in these.

Thanks,

JD

 

The Passport 8500 was pretty readily available on EBay, new in the box, when I bought mine. Paid ~$260-265 IIRC.

As for hardwiring, it's not difficult at all. I did the one in my Tundra (have a 7500 in there). Instead of the Escort hardwiring kit, which has a concealed display that I didn't want, I ordered a Passport hardwire kit. It cost much less (~$12 vs. $30) and is easy to install. Just run the wire from the detector, tucking it in along the run. Once you have it under the dash, you just ground the ground wire and find a wire that's hot only when the ignition is on for the other one (I used a voltage sensor w/ a thin-tipped probe to do this).

 

thanks
i copied you hope thats ok took it to my local shop and they had it in in abou an hour and a half i know the owner and he owed me a favor only charged me $25 bucks showed the tech the pics you took and had lunch while he did it...

NOTE: I PUT A PIECE OF FELT ON THE BOTTOM OF THE RADAR WHERE IT HITS THE GAUGES AND IT NOW KEEPS IT PERFECTLY STILL CANT EVEN SEE THE FELT ITS STUCK ON..
I PICKED UP A SHEET OF DIFFERENT SIZE FELT STICKEYS AT HOME DEPOT FOR 99 CENTS

THANKS AGAIN

CRAIG

 

ive seen some of the other radar installs and this is by far the best

craig

 

Hey Bishop_TX, I'm gonna be down in Austin this weekend...any chance I could meet you somewhere to check out your pride and joy? Just name the place...I need to see a Z, I don't get mine until November!