DIY - Valentine V1 Radar Detector Installed to Rear View Mirror - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

ClutchKargo · 11-22-2009, 05:24 PM

I just finished installing my V-1 to my rear view mirror and it turned out great.

I used two products for the installation I got off eBay. First I used a "Stealth Mirror Cord" from Safe-N-Sound1 because it has smaller wires to push into the back of the connector than the inviscord which has to be filed down to fit. Then to attach my V-1 I used a mount from Blend Mounts. The mount was expensive, I also got the one that is hinged, but it gave the best mounting flexibility for adjustments on the install and I didn't mind spending a little more and doing it right the first time for my Camaro.

First using a #20 torx undo the mirror and slide it up the windshield bracket to remove it from the windshield. Then there is a two piece plastic cover over the connector and wire that goes to the mirror this will pull away from the windshield and down from the roof. To release the power connector take a small screw driver or pointed object and push in the release pin on the front of the connector and it will come right off.

You should now have the mirror completely removed.

Next you'll need to connect the Stealth cord. On the side of the connector closest to the metal winshield bracket is where you'll push in the Stealth cord wires. On one end you'll see a black and white striped wire, push the black stealth cord wire into the back of the connector where this striped wire goes in. On the opposite side of same row of wires there is a red wire which is one wire back from the end, there is a green wire on the end. Push the red stealth cord wire into the back of the connector where the red wire goes in. It's a little tight to get the red wire back in there, but use some thin needle nose pliers and take your time.

I then reconnected the connector to the car and fired up the V-1 to make sure the connections were good before I went on.

Next I used two cable ties to tighten the stealth cord to the existing wires to secure the connection.

I then installed the Blend Mount to the mirror and headed to the car to reinstall the mirror adjust and tighten it all up.

Everything went together fantastic and it looks great, for me this is much easier and cleaner than messing with running wires to the fuse box and/or cutting an soldering wires.

Now here are my pictures:

Red wire inserted into back of bracket into existing red wire slot next to Green wire, it's hard to see but there are two red wires in this slot.

Black wire into black and white striped wire slot

Cable tie the wires

Ready to reinstall

Plastic covers back over connector

Front View

Left Side

Right side

Second view Right Side

I hope this helps some of you with your radar detector installation.

Clutch

amanc96 · 11-22-2009, 06:23 PM

looks good! this looks like the route i want to go!!!

buddylok · 11-23-2009, 03:21 AM

wow.. this is great.. I've ordered the stealth mirror cord last week, was wondering which wire to use from the mirror.

Thanks for the info.

ClutchKargo · 11-23-2009, 04:54 PM

Glad I can help out............

The two wires I used are switched and work perfect.

obe1 · 11-25-2009, 02:26 PM

Nice write-up! Just ordered all the parts.

obe1 · 12-05-2009, 02:46 PM

Just installed mine per your instructions; worked out great! I ended up notching one of the plastic covers where the new wire comes out. The fuse holder built into the wire ended up right at that junction so I snipped out a 1/4" notch with diagonal cutters and filed the edges smooth.

POWERFREAK · 12-05-2009, 02:53 PM

nice write-up and install. But weird thing is that I used an invisacord and it fit perfectly.

HaZe_X · 12-05-2009, 03:14 PM

Glad to see that the Camaro mirror mount is the same size as the one in my TBSS..great write up. Although I made my own wires for the back of the mirror to power the stealth display, so its totally PnP, instead of wire splicing.

buddylok · 12-15-2009, 02:48 PM

I don't have the auto dimming mirrors with my 1LT and wires in the connector are different on the mirror side. So I have to tap into the top connector instead.

Black to Black, Red to Pink.

SSTony · 01-31-2010, 12:47 PM

where did you get the blend mount from?

04Ram2500Hemi · 03-10-2010, 02:01 PM

This is a great thread (I love the search function). I've been giving this a lot of thought since I ordered my Camaro. Great write up!

Ivan @ Southwest Speed · 03-10-2010, 11:44 PM

You guys really dig the V1? I have been wanting to invest in a detector...I've been SOTP'ing it for the last 20 years and sometimes it don't work out...lmao

Anything bad to say about em?? I've read great things.

Thanks,
Ivan

enigma · 04-16-2010, 08:43 AM

Hay Clutch, thanks for the post, very good job. I have been looking at the Blend mount and wondering if the RD positioned below the mirror creates and even bigger blind spot there. After having it installed for some time now are you finding the RD blocking your vision, or have you learned to look around it?

obe1 · 04-17-2010, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSTony

where did you get the blend mount from?

http://www.blendmount.com/

obe1 · 04-17-2010, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enigma

Hay Clutch, thanks for the post, very good job. I have been looking at the Blend mount and wondering if the RD positioned below the mirror creates and even bigger blind spot there. After having it installed for some time now are you finding the RD blocking your vision, or have you learned to look around it?

It does create a slightly bigger blind spot but hasn't been an issue.

monstertodd · 04-21-2010, 06:55 AM

Wow, this is an awesome mod! This is my next one for sure!

*update: All parts ordered. Can't wait to do this one!

CamaroFTW · 04-22-2010, 11:28 AM

This is a beautiful write-up. Thanks so much!

highmark · 04-29-2010, 06:00 PM

IMO the valentine 1 is the best detector I ever owned. That installation is clean. I mounted mine on the driver visor and ran it down the inside pillar to the fuse box.You can barely see any wire. I guess it was the cheapest and fast way. If it wasn't allready in I would do it your way. Nice job!

LittleRockCGM · 04-29-2010, 07:27 PM

Used your write-up this weekend and installed my V1 - thanks! Really nice placement and function.

Ukd73 · 05-03-2010, 03:43 PM

black to black pink to red?

SiNFuLL · 05-03-2010, 07:10 PM

Thanks for a great write-up! Installed my V1 Saturday and it looks great!

Tati · 05-18-2010, 02:04 PM

Oh wow, Nice!
I wish it wasn't illegal to have radar detectors here in Virginia , I could so use one of those!!..

Kwik · 05-18-2010, 02:15 PM

That's a great looking installation. Do you need to disconnect battery? BTW, the Valentine is absolutely the best detector available. I had one in my 2004 SVT Cobra. Saved my bacon many times. LOL!!

obe1 · 05-18-2010, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwik

That's a great looking installation. Do you need to disconnect battery? BTW, the Valentine is absolutely the best detector available. I had one in my 2004 SVT Cobra. Saved my bacon many times. LOL!!

No need to disconnect the battery.

obe1 · 05-18-2010, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ukd73

black to black pink to red?

Clutch's instruction are pretty clear:

Red wire inserted into back of bracket into existing red wire slot next to Green wire, it's hard to see but there are two red wires in this slot.

Black wire into black and white striped wire slot.

11-22-2009, 05:24 PM	#1
ClutchKargo Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS L99 RJT Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Knoxville Posts: 212	DIY - Valentine V1 Radar Detector Installed to Rear View Mirror I just finished installing my V-1 to my rear view mirror and it turned out great. I used two products for the installation I got off eBay. First I used a "Stealth Mirror Cord" from Safe-N-Sound1 because it has smaller wires to push into the back of the connector than the inviscord which has to be filed down to fit. Then to attach my V-1 I used a mount from Blend Mounts. The mount was expensive, I also got the one that is hinged, but it gave the best mounting flexibility for adjustments on the install and I didn't mind spending a little more and doing it right the first time for my Camaro. First using a #20 torx undo the mirror and slide it up the windshield bracket to remove it from the windshield. Then there is a two piece plastic cover over the connector and wire that goes to the mirror this will pull away from the windshield and down from the roof. To release the power connector take a small screw driver or pointed object and push in the release pin on the front of the connector and it will come right off. You should now have the mirror completely removed. Next you'll need to connect the Stealth cord. On the side of the connector closest to the metal winshield bracket is where you'll push in the Stealth cord wires. On one end you'll see a black and white striped wire, push the black stealth cord wire into the back of the connector where this striped wire goes in. On the opposite side of same row of wires there is a red wire which is one wire back from the end, there is a green wire on the end. Push the red stealth cord wire into the back of the connector where the red wire goes in. It's a little tight to get the red wire back in there, but use some thin needle nose pliers and take your time. I then reconnected the connector to the car and fired up the V-1 to make sure the connections were good before I went on. Next I used two cable ties to tighten the stealth cord to the existing wires to secure the connection. I then installed the Blend Mount to the mirror and headed to the car to reinstall the mirror adjust and tighten it all up. Everything went together fantastic and it looks great, for me this is much easier and cleaner than messing with running wires to the fuse box and/or cutting an soldering wires. Now here are my pictures: Red wire inserted into back of bracket into existing red wire slot next to Green wire, it's hard to see but there are two red wires in this slot. Black wire into black and white striped wire slot Cable tie the wires Ready to reinstall Plastic covers back over connector Front View Left Side Right side Second view Right Side I hope this helps some of you with your radar detector installation. Clutch Last edited by ClutchKargo; 11-25-2009 at 05:52 AM.

11-23-2009, 03:21 AM	#3
buddylok Drives: 2010 Camaro 1LT (IOM) Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Coquitlam, BC Canada Posts: 456 View My Garage	wow.. this is great.. I've ordered the stealth mirror cord last week, was wondering which wire to use from the mirror. Thanks for the info. __________________ __________________________________________________ ______ If you live in Canada, British Columbia with a 2010 Camaro. Please join my facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=101509818230

11-25-2009, 02:26 PM	#5
obe1 Drives: 2010 2SS/RS M6 IOM, 1995 Blown Z28 Join Date: May 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 238	Nice write-up! Just ordered all the parts. __________________ 2010 2SS RS M6 Inferno Orange Metallic 1995 Z28 - blown, intercooled and nitrous injected

12-05-2009, 02:46 PM	#6
obe1 Drives: 2010 2SS/RS M6 IOM, 1995 Blown Z28 Join Date: May 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 238	Just installed mine per your instructions; worked out great! I ended up notching one of the plastic covers where the new wire comes out. The fuse holder built into the wire ended up right at that junction so I snipped out a 1/4" notch with diagonal cutters and filed the edges smooth. __________________ 2010 2SS RS M6 Inferno Orange Metallic 1995 Z28 - blown, intercooled and nitrous injected

12-05-2009, 02:53 PM	#7
POWERFREAK I.AM. Drives: 2010 2SS/RS/M6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NY Posts: 2,148	nice write-up and install. But weird thing is that I used an invisacord and it fit perfectly. __________________ 2010 R6P-2SS/RS/LS3 - IBM w/ silver rally stripes / UNDER CONSTRUCTION. NY5thgen.com

11-22-2009, 06:23 PM	#2
amanc96 Drives: 2011 SIM 2SS/RS Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Iowa City Posts: 298	looks good! this looks like the route i want to go!!!

11-23-2009, 04:54 PM	#4
ClutchKargo Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS L99 RJT Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Knoxville Posts: 212	Glad I can help out............ The two wires I used are switched and work perfect.

12-05-2009, 03:14 PM	#8
HaZe_X Drives: Trailblazer SS & Camaro SS Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: North Jersey Posts: 759	Glad to see that the Camaro mirror mount is the same size as the one in my TBSS..great write up. Although I made my own wires for the back of the mirror to power the stealth display, so its totally PnP, instead of wire splicing.

12-15-2009, 02:48 PM	#9
buddylok Drives: 2010 Camaro 1LT (IOM) Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Coquitlam, BC Canada Posts: 456 View My Garage	I don't have the auto dimming mirrors with my 1LT and wires in the connector are different on the mirror side. So I have to tap into the top connector instead. Black to Black, Red to Pink. Attached Images __________________ __________________________________________________ ______ If you live in Canada, British Columbia with a 2010 Camaro. Please join my facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=101509818230 Last edited by buddylok; 12-17-2009 at 02:17 AM. Reason: add pic

01-31-2010, 12:47 PM	#10
SSTony Drives: SS Camaro Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Piscataway NJ Posts: 1,100 View My Garage	where did you get the blend mount from? __________________

03-10-2010, 02:01 PM	#11
04Ram2500Hemi Drives: 04 Ram 2500 & 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Missoula, Montana Posts: 1,336	This is a great thread (I love the search function). I've been giving this a lot of thought since I ordered my Camaro. Great write up!

03-10-2010, 11:44 PM	#12
Ivan @ Southwest Speed Southwestspeed.net Drives: '10 2SS/RS, '96 Z28 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Rio Rancho, NM Posts: 10,375	You guys really dig the V1? I have been wanting to invest in a detector...I've been SOTP'ing it for the last 20 years and sometimes it don't work out...lmao Anything bad to say about em?? I've read great things. Thanks, Ivan

04-16-2010, 08:43 AM	#13
enigma Drives: 2010 2SS/RS 6A RJT/BLK Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bethel Island California Posts: 5	Hay Clutch, thanks for the post, very good job. I have been looking at the Blend mount and wondering if the RD positioned below the mirror creates and even bigger blind spot there. After having it installed for some time now are you finding the RD blocking your vision, or have you learned to look around it?

04-21-2010, 06:55 AM	#16
monstertodd Allyourbasearebelongtous Drives: 2010 Cyber Grey Metallic 2SS/RS M6 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Tega Cay, South Carolina Posts: 3,470 View My Garage	Wow, this is an awesome mod! This is my next one for sure! update: All parts ordered. Can't wait to do this one! __________________ Last edited by monstertodd; 04-21-2010 at 07:47 AM.*

04-22-2010, 11:28 AM	#17
CamaroFTW Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS-Rally Yellow Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Palm Bay, FL Posts: 1,295	This is a beautiful write-up. Thanks so much!

04-29-2010, 06:00 PM	#18
highmark Burnin out! Drives: Sick SS Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Flyin by Posts: 194 View My Garage	IMO the valentine 1 is the best detector I ever owned. That installation is clean. I mounted mine on the driver visor and ran it down the inside pillar to the fuse box.You can barely see any wire. I guess it was the cheapest and fast way. If it wasn't allready in I would do it your way. Nice job!

04-29-2010, 07:27 PM	#19
LittleRockCGM Drives: 2010 Camaro CGM/IOM 2SS/RS Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 736 View My Garage	Used your write-up this weekend and installed my V1 - thanks! Really nice placement and function. __________________ 2SS/RS CGM/IOM stripes/IOM interior Manual 1100 11/3/09 - Order Submitted (NQTRTW) 2500 11/4/09 - Order Preferenced 3300 11/11/09 - Order Scheduled for Production (TPW 11/23/09) 3400 11/17/09 - Order Broadcast 3800 11/23/09 - Build Complete (VIN: 2G1FT1EWXA9170886) 4000 11/26/09 - Ready to Ship 4200 11/30/09 - Shipped (ETTX854262) 5000 12/11/09 - Delivered to Dealer 6000 12/12/09 - Delivered to Customer (It's Mine!)

05-03-2010, 03:43 PM	#20
Ukd73 Drives: 2010 1ss/rs Ls3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Kentucky Posts: 99	black to black pink to red?

05-03-2010, 07:10 PM	#21
SiNFuLL SS Chick Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: East Alabama Posts: 61	Thanks for a great write-up! Installed my V1 Saturday and it looks great! __________________ ~~ Manda ~~ '10 Camaro SS/RS

05-18-2010, 02:04 PM	#22
Tati I ♥ my Camaro Drives: Black 2LT, RS w/ Sunroof. SRY0FZR Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Manassas, Virginia Posts: 17	Oh wow, Nice! I wish it wasn't illegal to have radar detectors here in Virginia , I could so use one of those!!.. __________________ You are what you drive!

05-18-2010, 02:15 PM	#23
Kwik Drives: car Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: USA Posts: 805	That's a great looking installation. Do you need to disconnect battery? BTW, the Valentine is absolutely the best detector available. I had one in my 2004 SVT Cobra. Saved my bacon many times. LOL!! __________________ Upgrades to suspension, brakes, motor and appearance. 482.7 RWHP- 434.2 RWT - All motor.

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