I was trying to figure out the best way to install my Escort 9500ix. In previous cars I was running the directwire smartcord which I would wire into the fusebox. Then I could run the cable up through the A-pillar and along the roof to the detector. Popping off panels on the F-Type are a bit more intimidating though. I can't even figure out how to remove the A-pillar. It is extremely tight and flush. Couldn't even slip in the cable through a crack. So instead I decided to try out the MirrorTap.

Ordered the MT-2009 (9" and .050" Tap)

Figured out which wire was switchable and tapped into that. Works like a charm, and looks clean. Detector turns on when the car is on, off when it is off. Only caveat is that the mute button is a bit tighter than before.

For reference these are the wires I plugged into.
Black was ground.
Blue/gray was power.



Finished look:

 

This looks like a clean installation and I have a couple of questions. I was wondering if the scratches on the windshield next to the dot matrix in the bottom picture is from you trying to open the mirror trim? If that is not how you access the wiring could you show how? I just received my Savvy and was wondering how to route the wiring up the A pillar arm and across the headliner. I have the ivory leather headliner and don't want to mark it up too badly. Thanks in advance.

 

Oh those aren't scratches, I just checked. Just odd dust patterns that wiped off with my thumb. The piece behind the mirror is extremely easy to come off. It is barely clipped on. Just pull out from the top and it comes right off. No fuss. It also has a nice cutout so you can run the cable right out.

As for coming up the A-pillar and across, that I don't know. Like I said in the other post, everything is so tight and secure. Plus the airbag in the A-pillar made me hesitant to start pulling without knowing what is actually back there and what is securing it. I'm sure it is possible, others here might know.

 

Thanks for the detailed photos and information. I prefer the Mirrortap installation over the Savvy and will follow your directions. Too bad I just ordered the Savvy.

 

Thanks for the info. Been using
Invisicord Products

for my past two vehicles. Cheaper but looks lower quality than yours.

Wonder if there is enough space for a mirror mount instead of using the suction cups. Tends to always fall off for me.

 

Yeah there is a hardware mount that you can attach to the mirror. Blendmount i believe. It is over $100 so didn't think it was worth it. Plus it hangs below the mirror. It is hard enough to see out the right side as it is. Suction cups always worked out for me.

 

I did a savvy install and was able to push the wire behind the A pillar and under the roofliner relatively easily. I've had mine for 5 months now without problems (rattling etc).

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f-type-72/valentine-one-install-121975/

I think this is a better solution than the blendmount under-the-mirror system because it allows the V1 main unit to sit neatly in the gap between the mirror and the roof where it's out of the way.

The F-type has a low profile windshield so having the radar detector attached below the mirror (with the blend mount) makes it occlude the driver's field of vision.

 

Schraderade- My intentions were to copy your installation and I ordered the savvy. I was concerned how to route the wiring where I have placed the red arrow. On my previous vehicle I removed the A pillar trim in order to cross over from the outside of the A pillar to the inside. I had a difficult time putting it back on. The airbag trim tab needs to be removed and was easily damaged. As you can see now I have an ivory A pillar and do not want to risk any marks on it. Thanks for your help.

 

I just pulled the cable across the seam to do the crossover, but used a griots tool to pry a gap ahead of the cable as I worked it across as
I also have white trim on the A pillar.

The set of tools I used are:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/eight+piece+trim+panel+removal+tools+with+hammer.d o

 

I live in LA as well and am wondering what your experience has been using a radar detector here.

After only driving my v6-s vert for two days, it seems like cops are always looking my way. Im debating getting one.

Thanks for the wiring suggestion...

 

Installed mine today, worked like a charm. However be careful, I yanked too hard and the entire mirror came off. It slides back on though. I had to install mine on the driver side. The 9" length for a Valentine 1 install is slightly short due to the J28 being on the opposite side of your Passport.

 

What color is your car?

 

Anybody try this on a vert? The plastic bracket is different. It is divided vertically with the slit/gap running down the whole center.

 

I would think that as long as you can pop open the mirror, the wiring should be the same.

 

Thanks. That was my question. Anyone pop it open on the vert since it divides vertically along the whole assembly, it seems to me it needs more force and has a higher chance of breaking something. I tried with my hands and couldn't pop it open.

 

Yes, I have the Escort Passport 9500ix hardwired in my V8 Vert. No tickets yet in over a year!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/126837...57646946758758

 

Did you do it yourself? If so, any tips on removing the plastic cover. Mine feels very tight with the hand so I don't want to break anything by applying too much force.

 

No I had an audio car specialist fit it for $120 while I did some shopping

 

I must be a real n00b to even be asking this question, but where is all this wiring into which the Mirror Tap is supposed to fit? I assume it must be inside that housing to which the mirror is attached? How do I remove that without breaking it?

My car is a 2015 base coupe and is supposed to have an autodimming mirror.

 

There is a cover that is loosely clipped on that covers the entire mirror stock (the part that connects the mirror to the windshield.). You can see it in place in the 2nd and 3rd pictures. It pops off very easily using just your hands. No tools. Think of it like a remote control battery cover. Pull from the top out, as it has plastic tabs that are inserted at the bottom. Once open you will see the wire connector.