Wondering if anyone has installed this radar dectetor/laser shifter system themselves? Is it fairly straight-forward? Haven't found anyone locally, that I trust, to do this work on my 2006 Vantage so looking to see if I can do it myself (without getting myself intro trouble). The last thing I need is the airbag deploying because I'm screwing around with the front bumper.

 

Call Chris at C2 Design in Tampa - 813.223.3744 - www.C2USA.com he has done several lazer systems (not sure about brands) in several different exotic cars - he was going to do mine but I had some other priorities. I just had him do some work on my 2007 Vantage - very good shop and I am now a customer ... they even designed a cool brake system for me ... that is design/fab/build/install ... all from a verbal description I gave him - very clean shop that I would recommend to anyone, not just AM.

 

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

Please refer to http://www.amoc.org/forum/index.php?topic=10389.0
and http://autopia.org/forum/click-brag/...8-vantage.html (custom valentine installation)

Both are relevant to a MY07 coupe.

I would personally suggest hardwiring a detector professionally - schematics/diy instructions/etc do not really exist for this car because it is quite limited in numbers compared to Porsche.

However, if you are technically saavy, it is quite easy to tap into a hot wire that is linked to the ingition as long as you have a handheld power tester.

The most common area to tap into is either the dash or the overhead lighting - near the rear view mirror.

I plan to get a hardwired/mirror integrated V1 on my 09 Vantage (on order)

Best,
Tom

 

Moogle - I hardwired my Escort w/ advice from AM dealer, using Escort hardwire kit (I think it was $10). Tapped into power below the dash, drivers side, tucked the wires by myself - takes awhile but not that hard. I just want to point out the dealer said do not tap into the power associated w/ rearview mirror/overhead lighting. They told me there is not enough current up there to support lighting and a radar detector. I am just a shade tree mechanic and have not put a power meter up there - just went w/ dealers advice. Not trying to argue - just wanted to offer another perspective from AM mechanic - which sides w/ your advice to seek a pro.

 

Thanks for clearing it up Michael. It is definitely an easy job - I've seen someone do it on a Porsche in less than 5 minutes with hardware included inside the radars kit (just like you mentioned)

However, some- like myself are scared shtless of breaking something - I am just not the type to start ripping a car apart

 

Thanks, guys. I feel like I can do it myself but I am generally nervous about messing with the car, especially for warranty reasons.

I think I may go ahead and buy the SRX system and just take a look at the installation instructions. If it looks over my head, I'll probably take it to a pro.

Thanks, again.

 

I have a good friend who owns a shop in Tampa called Carisma Audio, 813-884-9000 His name is Jason and he is more than qualified to do this install. He does radars all the time on high end cars. He is very miticulous and you will be very happy with the end results.

 

Just had my dealer install the V1. They also told me NOT to tap into the map light. Mine was installed like Michael described. They had the Passport system there and told me it takes 10 hours to install. This is the same place that charged me 2 hours labor to do the V1 so who the heck knows what to believe. It seems that not using the map light is truthful.

 

Great advice, everyone. Just the thought of drilling a hole in the firewall myself, for example, gives me the creeps. Let's face it, I don't even have a way to lift the car if I did have to do anything underneath. I know I should just find someone close by to do the work, but I'm still honeymooning with this thing and I am a bit overprotective at this point.