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introMake a $2 Adjustable Smartphone Car Mount in 10 minutes
Do you ever wander the aisles at store after store looking for just the right thing to hold your phone/GPS/mobile device while you're driving? There are tons of these on the market but I've never managed to find one that worked in my oddly shaped Scion XB. In California you can't mount anything to the window, and my window is far out of reach anyway. Belkin makes a charger/mount that goes in the cigarette lighter but that puts the phone by my knee - definitely unsafe for driving. Giant bean bag sliding around the top of the dashboard seems like a silly waste of space. Some "cradles" are ridiculously larger than the device you're trying to hold. Suction cups pop off at the most inopportune times. And who wants to put glue or holes in you car?
Luckily for me, the original (super boxy) XB has an assortment of odd "spaces" in the dash. These make a perfect place to attach a rock solid, quick and dirty $2 mount that'll take less than 10 minutes to make from stuff you likely already have around the house. This mount is adjustable and easily completely moveable/removable without harming your car in any way. It can also be adapted to any hold any mobile device that weighs about one pound or less.
Note: PLEASE ALWAYS DRIVE SAFELY. My mount works perfectly for me. Your mileage may vary.
Do not attempt to use this mount if it in any way impedes your ability to drive with total concentration on the road or if it's use would be illegal in your location.
The way mine is positioned it does not block my view of the road at all but is right at my fingertips and close enough to the windshield that I can keep my eyes on the road at all times.
Luckily for me, the original (super boxy) XB has an assortment of odd "spaces" in the dash. These make a perfect place to attach a rock solid, quick and dirty $2 mount that'll take less than 10 minutes to make from stuff you likely already have around the house. This mount is adjustable and easily completely moveable/removable without harming your car in any way. It can also be adapted to any hold any mobile device that weighs about one pound or less.
Note: PLEASE ALWAYS DRIVE SAFELY. My mount works perfectly for me. Your mileage may vary.
Do not attempt to use this mount if it in any way impedes your ability to drive with total concentration on the road or if it's use would be illegal in your location.
The way mine is positioned it does not block my view of the road at all but is right at my fingertips and close enough to the windshield that I can keep my eyes on the road at all times.
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step 1Locate a Suitable Mounting Location In Your Car
Go to your car. Take a look at the dash. See if you have any goofy vacant spaces like mine.
They should ideally be no at least 1" but no more than 2" tall and at least that deep. 3-4" wide will suffice.
Make sure that the spot you choose is well clear of the steering wheel, vents and any critical controls. We don't want to create a driving hazard!
Take some measurements from this spot to where you'd ideally like to place your mobile device so you'll have an idea what size parts to buy. I chose the center of the long upper space in the pic.
If you have no such spaces then I'm afraid this 'ible most likely won't work for you.
But if you do, hurray!, read on.
They should ideally be no at least 1" but no more than 2" tall and at least that deep. 3-4" wide will suffice.
Make sure that the spot you choose is well clear of the steering wheel, vents and any critical controls. We don't want to create a driving hazard!
Take some measurements from this spot to where you'd ideally like to place your mobile device so you'll have an idea what size parts to buy. I chose the center of the long upper space in the pic.
If you have no such spaces then I'm afraid this 'ible most likely won't work for you.
But if you do, hurray!, read on.
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P.S. I wanted to tell that I really liked the design shown in the original post. It is very simple and cheap and after all does what it is designed for.
I previously bought a bracketron thing from Best Buy that attaches to your vent, but my vents could not handle the weight, and they'd popout.
I thought about getting a $30 windhshield mount, but thanks to this tutorial, I saved myself $25 by getting a PVC Pipe, a 45 degree angle bracket, a T-bracket, a 90-degree bracket, 2 male adapters, and a u-bolt.
Pictures and a quick write up are here
With a little more investment of time & $$ "friendly plastic", Thermoflex, Sculpey Bendy would probably work really well. I considered casting a silicone mold as well.
I may try this when my suction mount finally gives out!
=)