Mesh Grill Cover = Cheap/Fast/Easy mod

[tomije87]

I'm a newcomer at this stuff, so we'll see how I do. Had a little bit of time on my hands this morning and had been wanting to do this project for some time. I would say this has to be one of the easier and cheapest mods that actually looks good. Snapped a few pics before and after.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7dd28b3127cce824cb84d571000000016101IZt2jFq1Yi
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7dd28b3127cce824cb834d65900000016101IZt2jFq1Yi

The middle piece is cut and ready to be put in. Just didn't get around to it.

Also, I have a Sirius Satellite Sportster 4 Radio, and I can't seem to find a good place to mount it. I would like it to be where I've put the red square. Any suggestions for some sort of bracket, or has anyone seen one around?
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7dd28b3127cce824cb833576e00000016101IZt2jFq1Yi

[antichrysler]

You could use the vent mount.

[tomije87]

I tried but didn't really like the way it looked/felt. Seemed very flimsy to me...perhaps I didn't get it exactly right, but I would like some sort of metal bracket for a little more stability.

[Satsuriku]

i tryed the silcone route but with mesh........sheeesh, pain in the ass, i ended up getting pissed off and just zip tied the mofo down, i just have to get sometouch up paint to cover the holes a little but and you wont even see'em (used REALLY small holes and the smalled zip ties i could find and clear of course lol)

[Eh_nigma]

In reference to your red square... if you pop that vent out, you'll have the substructure of the dash accessible. This is what I would do:

1. Map out something stiff in there to mount a couple brackets to. These brackets are going to be flat with a hole in the end that will stick out. If you make an "L" bracket, the vent wont fit in.
2. Have them "slip" out under the vent when it's put back in. Cut out where these brackets will come out, being careful not to cut into the vinyl material on the dash where it will be visible and an eyesore.
3. Put the vent back in.
4. Have the "Mount" for the Sirus radio either bolt or whatever onto these brackets.

The other option is to have the same idea, but instead of mountind it to the dash, mount it to the bottom/back of the vent when it's popped out. The only reason I would use this as plan B, is that the plastic on the vent would be more likely to break from the pressure of pressing buttons or if the radio was clipped by something accidentally.

This is just my 2 cents. Thought up quickly. So, it's more like my 2 hay pennies...

Either way, the mesh grill looks good, and befor I forget, welcome to the forum. Enjoy your stay, and remember to keep your hands and legs inside the ride at all times...

[tomije87]

Thanks nigma, by the way I've been looking at pics of your interior, and that is some fine work you've been doing.

[Eh_nigma]

^No worries. Much appreciated for the compliments, thank you.

[DaRockwilder]

You can get a bracket specific to your car at most shops that sell mobile radios and cell phones.

Here's mine. I have an older radio though. I do have clearance issues between the unit and my headunit, but I'm actually going to work on that little problem today. I bought a universal mounting kit from best buy and junked everything but the bolt bag and the little swivel mount. The swivel should give me about another inch of clearance. I'll take some pictures while I'm working on it today.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/DaRockwilder/sportster.jpg

[Cliff8928]

I've got one of those brackets too, except mine holds the cell phone (XM from the factory on mine)

[DaRockwilder]

Ok, here's the bracket we've been talking about. I had to knock a corner off of it, but if you use a swivel pedestal you won't have to. I also think the new radios have a wider base where the plugs go, so they might clear the bracket, and with a stock radio you might not need the swivel as the radio will still be far enough away from the deck to get to the buttons and get a CD out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/DaRockwilder/bracket.jpg

Pedestal mounted on the back. Don't torque the swivel part up too much, or you'll crack it like I did. :(
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/DaRockwilder/pedestal.jpg

Here it is all mounted up. You don't have to make any modifications to your panel if you choose to hide the wiries in the dash. it doesn't snap in quite properly on that side, but you can't notice it. Maybe with a stock stereo you'll see the difference, but I don't. If you look at that plug you'll see why I had to knock the corner out without the pedestal.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/DaRockwilder/mounted.jpg

ANYWAY, hope this helps you a bit.

[Eh_nigma]

...soooo much easier than what I suggested. That's a pretty slick setup you have there.

[DaRockwilder]

Thanks! Not much to it really. Everything is off the shelf. Set me back about 80 bucks Canadian, but worth every penny. Would have been a lot less if I could source the swivel separate from best buys 40 dollar kit. Bracket was around 40 too.

[Satsuriku]

x2 very good set up

i like!!