Need your help to come up with a navigation solution for my new Camaro!
I currently own a 2008 Pontiac G8 GT, and I freakin' love it. I also plan on buying a new Camaro (can't wait to sit in one at the auto show in February!). But I am disappointed that the Camaro (like the G8) does not have a navigation option (and, no...OnStar nav does NOT count!). So I need a good solution for navigation in my Camaro. So let's start brainstorming!
Below is my Bluetooth/navigation solution for my 2008 G8 GT (believe it or not, the 2008 G8s don't have Bluetooth either). As you can see from the photos below, I went with the Garmin nuvi 265T and installed it in my cubby hole under the G8's main console unit. My first step was to remove the side panel to access the G8’s main console area so I could install a second DC outlet by hard wiring it to the vehicle’s center outlet… http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...8-G8radio2.jpg The next challenge was to come up with a way to mount the nuvi in place so that it didn’t move around when I pressed the screen or drove around town aggressively. I started playing around with the mounting bracket that comes with the nuvi itself… http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...-navstand3.jpg To create the base, I improvised. In true hillbilly fashion, I used a simple post-it package and used electrical tape to attach it to the mounting bracket… http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...viandstand.jpg I then installed my half-assed mount in the cubby hole with Velcro. I also attached Velcro to the front of the mounting mechanism to attach the nuvi… http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...-navsetup1.jpg I then attached the nuvi to the mount. The hillbilly looking appearance of my half-assed (yet effective) mount is irrelevant since the mount will be hidden from view… http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...-navsetup7.jpg I then placed the nuvi and mount into the cubby hole. I also ran the wiring from the nuvi up through the underside of the main console (yes, there is a hole there so you can access it) and concealed the wiring inside the center unit. I then reattached the panel that I had removed to access the wiring… http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...-navsetup8.jpg This Bluetooth/nav solution works great. When I turn on my car, the nuvi turns on automatically. When I turn off my car, the nuvi turns off automatically (since the G8’s front DC outlet loses power when the car is turned off). It looks completely integrated, and the risk of theft is substantially reduced given the nav unit’s location and low profile… http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...navsetup13.jpg It just makes the G8 look that much better inside. And I have not had a concern with safety in looking down at the unit to view information. The nuvi 265T speaks street names, so I don’t even have to look at the unit at all times. I just listen to the voice prompts. Even when I need to take a look at the screen, a glance is all it takes… http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...navsetup14.jpg Sure, I wish the G8 came with a nav unit that displayed information on the main screen, but this is the next best solution. I think it looks better than placing a nav unit on top of the dashboard (where the unit is visible to the entire world, including thieves). Plus I like that I don’t have to turn the unit on and off every time I get in the car (and there is no concern about ever losing power). For $199, it’s a nice set up (and probably a better value than if the G8 did come with a navigation option!). So what is my navigation solution for the Camaro??! I have been studying the interior photos, but I still don't know what to do. Thanks! |
Wow, for a "hillbilly solution" that actually looks really great!
Not sure how to do this for the Camaro though...main problem being that the center stack doesn't go all the way to the center console. |
Here's how I'll be doing my nav system.
As far as yours goes, are you getting the four pack or not? - Xanthos |
^^ same here! :) especially since i'm installing the 4-pack in my 1SS
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Rand McNally....the man's serious here guys. I'd expect that of fuzzy buddy zebra(lower case z???), but I thought you, Xanthos, were more of a class act! :rolleyes:
Seriously though, there don't seem to be any useable openings in the Camaro console stack. Plus higher up the dash appears curved, and you need a flat surface for a flat screen. This is a tough one, but doing the same thing has crossed my mind, so I will keep thinking about it. |
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How about this for an idea... What about placing the nav unit right above the four pack and right under the climate control console? Is there enough room between the bottom of the main console and the top of the four pack? It looks like there is an opening there, but it is hard to tell from the photos I've seen. There also may be an opening right under the climate control console that you can run a wire through (and install a second DC outlet inside the center unit so that it is concealed). I've looked at hundreds of photos on this board, but it is hard to tell how much room there is in this area. Does anyone know? |
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Hard to tell for sure from this picture, but what about mounting it on the dash to the left of the radio? It looks like there is some space on the dash and you might be able to run the wires back into the dash there. Certainly, where the 4-pack gauges go would be the obvious choice, but that doesn't work for those with the gauge package.
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I will mount mine on the windshield just like I do in my truck. Most times it isnt even up there. Do you really need a GPS around your own town? You only use it on trips or unfamiliar areas anyways. Why cut a hole in the dash to mount it.
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as for Rodrunner Quote:
end rant. |
zebra, my apologies!!! I was assuming you know me well enough from past posts to know I was just joking...I swear!!! But after rereading my post I can see why you took it seriously, and I shouldn't have used the rolling eyes smiley. Just remember in the future don't take Rodrunner too seriously. Again, I was not being serious, that's why my next sentence started "Seriously though". SORRY!!!
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it's all good. :thumbsup: i didn't know exactly what you were goin for, so now that that's clear...
maybe someone could find a way to mount it on the A-pillar |
IMHO, lack of a navigation option for a 2009-10 model year car that costs $30,000 plus is a major oversight. I mean, you can get factory nav in $17,000 Hondas and Fords. GM is behind the curve once again.
Trust me, when you see the Camaro in those new car buying guides where they list the pros and cons of each car, "lack of navigation" will be listed for the Camaro. |
Exactly
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Struggling with the same issue....even my wife's new Traverse doesn't have NAV....I've got an excellent A/V guy here in St. Louis....JML Audio.....he'll figure out a way for me to get it integrated, make it look factory, and still continue utilizing all of the factory capabilities.
When I sat in NUMBER3's 1LT a couple days ago, this was one of the things I was thinking about and GM did NOT make this dash aftermarket "friendly" as all of the controls and faceplate are one integrated unit. Good luck! Suction cup on the dash is the best I can offer you right now... |
Slightly off topic, but how do you like the navi that you bought for the G8, Garmin nuvi 265T. I just bought the same one, though I got the wide screen. Still waiting for it to arrive, thanks to the wonderful post office. And if you could, tell me how the traffic situation works, it seems like a really great feature.
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zebra might be right, the A-pillar may be your best choice. I would prefer it mounted there over the dash, yet, I know, that's not "built in".
I don't understand the no nav option either. Otherwise, they went balls to the wall, like AFM, remote start, tapshift, launch control, not just HIDs but also halo rings, ambient lighting, C&C package, On-Star, XM....makes no sense. Did I mention short stripes? Sorry....kidding! |
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The traffic alerts, however, have failed to impress. So far, I have had two traffic alerts on my unit. But each time, the information that was given was wrong. The first time I got an alert, the nuvi said there was a traffic jam on a particular exit when in fact the traffic jam was 3 miles up the road. The second time I got an alert, there was no traffic at all. In fact, it was Christmas day when the alert went off, so I was really surprised there would be a traffic jam on that day. And sure enough, NONE to be found. I expect up-to-date traffic information given that the nuvi's traffic alerts are supported by advertising that randomly appears on your screen (from places like BP, Walgreens, and Ramada)... Overall, though, I give the nuvi a thumbs up. I think there is a reason why the nuvis are so insanely popular. Good product. |
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GM put all its money into OnStar navigation (since it invested so heavily in it), but the fact is that OnStar is NOT the solution. People want a nav unit in their main console display (with nice colorful graphics...you know, like all the other car manufacturers). OnStar nav does not offer any real graphics, and I don't want to deal with a dang operator every time I want to go somewhere. Plus, it's none of GM's business where I go anyway! People also want to use their OWN cell phones, not a separate phone number provided by OnStar. You gradually begin to realize that GM has been behind the times when it took the company until the 2009 model year to offer Bluetooth in all its cars. Even my 2008 G8 does not have Bluetooth (unlike every other car in its class). I mean, come on now! |
come to think of it... OnStar is probably exactly why they don't have nav build in. it makes no sense for somebody to pay for that subscription if they have a navigation system right in front of them. GM & OnStar are both businesses, therefore they're goal is to stay well into the green. that's my guess
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Forget the fact that most GM customers would opt for a regular nav system as opposed to OnStar's nav system. Once again, poor choices and poor investment by GM. Hence their struggles... (It doesn't help that GM didn't even make the Camaro friendly for aftermarket solutions). |
Attorneyguy, that install looks great on your G8. I am also spoiled with in-dash Nav on our 07 Tahoe and 07 Avalanche. I also wondered that when the unit is an option, do they need a different dashboard due to the Camaro design?
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OnStar is NOT why Nav is not available...
NAV is an available option on Many (but not all) GM cars even with OnStar. That said, there is probably some other reason why there is no Nav option (They liked the dash design as is and didnt want to clutter it with a screen there? who knows....). I don't know what it is, but i probably wouldn't have gotten it anyway. |
C'mon guys!
The majority on this site are MEN. We don't need no stinkin' directions. We don't need no stinkin' NAV. All you need to know is which way your heading. Our servicemen, back in the day, had a map and a compass. All you need, is a compass, which the Camaro has. Problem solved. Man up! :respekt: |
^^ +1 :)
i'm still diggin the a-pillar idea. that's where they put the little screen in the cobalt ss, so why not? it won't screw up the dash & is still out of the way, yet easily seen! |
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We also don't need active fuel management. Real men don't worry about fuel efficiency. We also don't need airbags and other safety devices. Real men don't wear seat belts (they're not cool, man). Look, a good number of consumers want their 2010 model vehicle to have certain features--features that the main competitors have. The Challenger has navigation. So does the Mustang. In fact, the Mustang's navigation unit is voice-activated. If you don't want navigation, then so be it. Don't order it. But GM should have offered the option. We don't even know where to put our aftermarket nav units because of how the Camaro interior is designed! |
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By the way, it's actually kinda funny that everyone is mad because GM's new interiors are now integrated. A few years back, everyone was complaining about how outdated our interiors were because we still had "slide-in" switchgear. There's just no way to satisfy people. |
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The problem with Camaro's interior is that GM spent too much time trying to make a center stack more unique than it is functional. They took feedback from a well-received concept car and it just didn't translate well into plastic. The Camaro's center stack just looks odd and doesn't lend itself to adding modern conveniences like Navigation. Looking at it, it kind've reminds me of the robot from Lost in Space. It has a face (display), two arms (knobs) and two legs (playstation-like HVAC controls). http://www.chevrolet.com/camaro/imag...interior02.jpg |
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I'd sacrifice that center channel speaker for a pop up nav - it's do-able for GM or even aftermarket/custom if you get the right parts (granted there's like 6 - 8" of clearance under there. Perfect too, because a thief has less reason to break in when he sees nothing.
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I think in future updates the area where the radio display in will be where the Nav screen is placed. Th scrren wont be huge, but they've got enough room there if they expanded further into the blackened area around the current screen and it should'nt mess with the aesthetics of the current setup.
GM had alot of choices of things to leave out when developing this car as a means to shave costs. In my opinion I'd happily give up Nav and push-button start for all of the other uptions we got. |
I don't know why so many are worried about a NAV system. I got one already. It's called MYWIFE! She always tells me where to go.;)
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if you don't get the four gauges in front of the shifter you could mount the nav where the gauges are supposed to be
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I bough a 200 dollar Mio GPS about 3 years ago. I have used it in 4 different cars.. and I will probably use it in the Camaro... I program it, stick it on the windshield, plug in the power cord, and go where i need to go the pull it off the windshield throw it in the glovebox or center console and forget it until I need it again...
Cheap, effective and only need one for no matter how many cars you drive... |
GM- WHY CAMARO HAS NO NAVIGATION
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...ive/index.html (SEE BELOW) Quote:
BTW IMHO TOMTOM is the most user friendly nav. on the market, personally i feel they all work teh same give or take a few features but IMO TOMTOM is really user friendly |
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