The idea for this build came from these threads. Thanks for the inspiration, guys!
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...vigation-dash-mount-for-wrangler-tj-lj.36578/
and
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/no-drill-no-cut-ram-cell-phone-mount-bracket.26473/
I've been slowly working on this bracket, just taking my time to get it right. I started by asking around and a coworker had some spare 1/8-inch thick angle aluminum that was just the dimensions I was looking for (basically 1" x 3") so I lucked out getting this.
I cut out the gap at the bottom (the dash trim piece clip goes in there) and once I finally decided on which mount to use, I angled the top edges. To mount the bracket, I put a couple of washers under it to even it out with the plastic console piece and fastened it down with the two dash screws.
Once it is screwed in place, the dash trim piece snaps back in place and everything... just... fits.
For a holder, I chose a Tackform Drill Base mount that has 4.5-inch mounting arm because I wanted to take off as much weight as possible on those two dash screws. The Tackform arm lets me use it like a tripod, resting in the dash tray. The phone holder then rests on the forward edge of the console right where I wanted it. I'll probably cement a rubber or foam 'bumper' on the phone holder's bottom edge/corner just to help protect the console.
Sitting in the driver's seat, my eye-line places the top edge of a mounted phone in-line with, or just below, the top edge of the black band around the windshield's lower edge. In other words, it doesn't block the driver's view of the road. The plan is to leave the bracket and ball in place all the time. I'll remove the arm when it's not needed. To remove, it's just a single thumb screw and doesn't affect the rest of the settings. Easy off, easy on, but solid once in place.
Once I was done with tonight's final test-fitting I sprayed the aluminum bracket with some etching primer and satin black spray. When it dries and I mount it all together I'll get finished pictures.
I could have saved a little weight by taking the ball mount off its 2" x 2 1/8" base. However the three screws that hold it on would have most likely required me to countersink the aluminum plate, and I didn't want to get this close to done only to dork it up getting fancy. I found the black oxide screws (10/24 x 1/2") and nylon lock nuts at MonsterBolts. (Great pricing and really quick shipping, BTW.)
All in all, an easy project. Just make sure to measure everything twice (or three times in my case) and cut/drill once. Thanks for checking it out!
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...vigation-dash-mount-for-wrangler-tj-lj.36578/
and
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/no-drill-no-cut-ram-cell-phone-mount-bracket.26473/
I've been slowly working on this bracket, just taking my time to get it right. I started by asking around and a coworker had some spare 1/8-inch thick angle aluminum that was just the dimensions I was looking for (basically 1" x 3") so I lucked out getting this.
I cut out the gap at the bottom (the dash trim piece clip goes in there) and once I finally decided on which mount to use, I angled the top edges. To mount the bracket, I put a couple of washers under it to even it out with the plastic console piece and fastened it down with the two dash screws.
Once it is screwed in place, the dash trim piece snaps back in place and everything... just... fits.
For a holder, I chose a Tackform Drill Base mount that has 4.5-inch mounting arm because I wanted to take off as much weight as possible on those two dash screws. The Tackform arm lets me use it like a tripod, resting in the dash tray. The phone holder then rests on the forward edge of the console right where I wanted it. I'll probably cement a rubber or foam 'bumper' on the phone holder's bottom edge/corner just to help protect the console.
Sitting in the driver's seat, my eye-line places the top edge of a mounted phone in-line with, or just below, the top edge of the black band around the windshield's lower edge. In other words, it doesn't block the driver's view of the road. The plan is to leave the bracket and ball in place all the time. I'll remove the arm when it's not needed. To remove, it's just a single thumb screw and doesn't affect the rest of the settings. Easy off, easy on, but solid once in place.
Once I was done with tonight's final test-fitting I sprayed the aluminum bracket with some etching primer and satin black spray. When it dries and I mount it all together I'll get finished pictures.
I could have saved a little weight by taking the ball mount off its 2" x 2 1/8" base. However the three screws that hold it on would have most likely required me to countersink the aluminum plate, and I didn't want to get this close to done only to dork it up getting fancy. I found the black oxide screws (10/24 x 1/2") and nylon lock nuts at MonsterBolts. (Great pricing and really quick shipping, BTW.)
All in all, an easy project. Just make sure to measure everything twice (or three times in my case) and cut/drill once. Thanks for checking it out!
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