V1 Install? Ok.. I know what your thinking… Just stick the V1 on the windshield, plug it into the cigarette lighter and drive away… great if you want to have an annoying cord in your field of vision and give away to others that you have a radar dectector… The solution… HARDWIRE into the MINI’s power grid.
This will help with cord management, visibility, unclutterness, and being able to be as stealthy as possible. Stealth is a key factor in being able to keep those who like to tail, from following, and the theives from wanting to crack open the MINI. There are several ways of install, here’s mine (an aid to help others)…
Tools Needed:
V1 with flat power cord
Visor clip, Suction Cup Mount (Optional Pending Method of Install)
Screw driver (wrapped in tape for protection)
Industrial Strength Velcro
Tie Wraps or Velcro Tie Bands
Add-A-Fuse Circuit with (2) 5 amp fuses (not mini size)
Electrical tape
Female electrical connector
Crimper
The Method and Install
I have found the most easiest and painless method of hardwiring the V1 is using the add-a-circuit method where you utilize an existing fuse slot (located on the drivers side foot well) and expand it out.
Add-A-Circuit
The first thing you do is remove the knee bolster and side fuse panel in order to gain easy access for the wiring. Before any work on the MINI can happen, you will need to cut the connector off the add-on-circuit and put a female electrical connector that will match the red lead of the V1 power adapter. They sell these connectors in bulk at any store such as Walmart, Radio Shack, and the like. This will be the only time you use your crimper tool (honest). Once done, your ready to start the wiring in the MINI.
With the fuse panel open, look for a switched 5amp fuse circuit. Many who have done this recommend going with fuse socket #36. Use the fuse puller or needlenose pliars to pull out fuse 36 then place the fuse in the add-a-circuit along with another 5A fuse. Push the add-a-circuit into the fuse 36 socket and route the cord up the panel and into the open area under the dash.
Installed with (2) 5amp fuses
The next step is to take the V1 power adapter and secure it using velcro somewhere under the dash area. Take the red lead from your add-on-circuit and connect it to the V1 adapter. A little electrical tape wouldn’t hurt around the connection. Take the ground from the power adapter and connect it to a bare metal connection of your choice. Once done, use zip ties or velcro (works nice since it sticks to the existing MINI’s wire harness) and wrap up all your cords. That is all the electrical work needed.
The next step is to run the flat power cord from the V1 to the power adapter. Estimating a little extra and starting at the rear view mirror, tuck the wire between the windshield and the headliner and route the cable to the a-pillar down to the crack between the dash and the a-pillar. A flat head screw driver helped me tuck the wire but make sure you cover it to help prevent scratching or piercing the cable sheath. I had to pull the a-pillar out a little to help tuck it behind. Again, this will also be between the windshield and pillar. When the door is open, on the side of the dash, there is a plastic piece that comes off. Here is where you store the extra cord and route to the power adapter. Just use a tie wrap device and tuck the excess cord in the cubby, and connect the power cord into the power adapter. Put the side dash cover back on, knee bolster, and fuse cover and the wiring is finished. The last step is choosing how you will place your V1 in the window. There are three methods, velcro’d to the headliner, turing the visor clip around and clipping it to the headliner, and using the suction cups. All work and each one has distinct advantages. Just place in window, hook up power cord, start MINI, drive off… FAST !!!
Overview of Install
Grounding Point
Side Dash Access
Stealthy
Whats that in my rear view mirror?
The Result
Success and flawless…The final pictures speak for themselves. I am however playing around with the three different mount methods. I hope within the coming weeks I am able to settle on one. Till then… I’ll be motoring on.
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