Custom mount for Garmin Nuvi GPS

If you have ever been in a Volkswagen New Beetle you might have noticed that the dash is deep enough to take a nap on. This makes the suction cup mount provided with the Nuvi pretty much useless. You would have to press your chest to the steering wheel to touch the device.

So out of necessity and the desire for a more finished look I created a custom mount that uses the bud vase as the attachment point. If you are unfamiliar with the VW bud vase it's important to note that it's not just a little cup in a hole. There are actually three pin on the side of the vase that lock it in place with a twist. This makes for a very secure attachment point.

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Step 1 Construction Overview

The basic construction of the mount is 3/8" soft copper tubing. This is easily bent by hand but still more then ridged enough to support the unit. There is one soldered right angle joint at the top right before the mounting ball.

Materials:

• ~16" of 3/8" soft copper tubing
• 17mm ball, hard plastic or metal
• 1/2" long 3/8" diameter brass or copper rod
• Solder and pipe flux
• Epoxy
• Black spray paint
• Masking tape
• M3x10 socket head cap screw

Tools:

• Propane torch
• Hack saw
• Belt or disc sander
• Metal lathe
• M3 tap and drill



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Comments

[1bugman]

I've got a old but works like a charm TomTom 300 in my bud vase, a rubber plug/stopper that snugly fits into the vase, apply adhesive (crazy glue) to the top of the rubber stopper and take the mount that came with it ( it has a rubber pad on the bottom) and position it on the stopper. This works great and you can tap the screen with your right hand fingers without removing your hand form the wheel. Cheers to all!

[automd]

Thanks for the suggestion. It is really best to put it in a place that is within reach so it would not become a hassle especially when driving.

[SSeegars]

I know this goes against the whole build it yourself creedo BUT, if you just turn your mount suction cup down it will work just fine on the center of the dash.

[raelx]

I tried that and it wouldn't stick. The dash has a very light texture to it--matte really--that prevents the cup from sealing. Also that was getting a little far away from the driver. I didn't want to be leaning forward out of my seat to reach the screen.

[newbeeloo]

tres sympa!

merci de la part de tous les fans français de new beetle

Team NewBeeLoo

[trebuchet03]

Go Tee Dee Aye! :P