The goal is an attach point for a light item, UltraGauge in this case, that uses the drivers side dash vent (side window defroster).

Today was window tint day. Drivers door and windshield. This meant that the Ultra-gauge needed to come down for the tint to cure. I had been meaning have someone 3-D print a mount that attached to the vent, but that never panned out. I think looked hard at the existing suction mount, pulled hard on it and the suction cup came off leaving a square end.

My mount is made from a small steel angle bracket, but anything sitting around will do. It goes under the vent, and is held in when the vent snaps in. The only part you can see from the top is the part that sticks up (see picture). I cut it into the shape show in the pictures and painted it black.

Step 1, pop the vent out. The release is in the middle of the side toward the driver.

Step 2, make a template from a piece of paper that will slide under the pointy part of the flange and reach across the front of the vent. About an inch long, curved in a hook, is good. See the pictures. This needs to reach all the way across the hole to catch on the lip on the far side.

Step 3, transfer that pattern to a piece of steel, 3/32" to 1/8" or so. Add a square piece on the end (1/2" x 1/2" or slightly larger) to bend to form the vertical piece.

Step 4, cut it out, remove sharp edges, drill a small hole in the center of the square tab.

Step 5, check fit, there may be a very small plastic tab in the way, I cut mine, or you can notch the bracket. You want it to fit flush under the flange, with just the tab sticking out. When it fits, mark the edge that stick out and bend 90 degrees on that line. Check fit again.

Step 6, drill a small hole, that ideally matches the short number 8 or so 1/2" wood or sheet metal screw, in the end of the flex mount. The material is a very soft metal that will plug a drill bit. You will likely have to clean the drill bit several times.

Step 7, paint the screw and the bracket black. I used a texture finish.

Step 8, bend the flex mount to suit your desired position. You can see what I did to mine in the pictures. Try to get it as close to right as you can before you install it. This will hold a light load, but will not stand up to bending the mount when installed. The dash is not that strong.

Step 9, attach the flex rod to the mount with the screw.

Step 10, slide the mount under the flange on the vent, and install the vent. I suggest gluing the bracket to the vent, i did not. My trial fit went so well I decided to leave it. I will update this if I end up having to glue it.

Step 11, make any final adjustments carefully. I just moved the UltraGauge on the gimbal.

Pictures:

Completed Bracket
RX8Club.com - 04Green's Album: 04Green Album - Picture

The Shape
RX8Club.com - 04Green's Album: 04Green Album - Picture

Poor Picture of Installation through Windshield



View from Driver Seat
RX8Club.com - 04Green's Album: 04Green Album - Picture

Side View
RX8Club.com - 04Green's Album: 04Green Album - Picture

I intended to pull it out and take a better picture, but the test fit went so well I did not want to mess with it. I used a bench grinder, a 4" cut off tool and a pair of vise grips to hold the piece. All told, it was about 2 hours work start to finish.

I hope it is useful.