How to Make GPS Mounts

The GPS should be mounted to the dashboard.

The Global Positioning System, called GPS, allows drivers to find any location in the world with little effort. Since the GPS is primarily used in automobiles, devices that support the technology must be mounted to the dashboard. While GPS mounts are manufactured and sold anywhere the GPS is available, they often require mounting modifications that can damage the dashboard. Save money and use a few simple fabrication techniques to make a GPS mount that won't damage your dashboard.

Things You'll Need

• Masking tape
• Gap filling acrylic cement
• Velcro
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Determine the mounting location. The GPS should be mounted in a location that's easy to see while driving. Take a piece of paper the approximate size of the GPS and adhere it to the dashboard with masking tape. Note whether it's easy to see from the driver's seat. Move the paper around until you find a good location.

2. Design the mount with a platform for the GPS to sit on and a small lip to support the GPS. The lip should be 1/2 inch wide and the length of the GPS. Measure the GPS. Create a simple sketch of the GPS mount, adding the device's dimensions to the drawing.

3. Purchase the materials for the project. Make the mount from 1/4-inch ABS, available at any plastics retailer. Have the plastics retailer cut the ABS platform to the drawing’s dimensions as well as a piece of ABS the length of the platform and 1/2 inch wide. Purchase a tube of gap filling acrylic cement as well as a piece of industrial self-adhesive Velcro 12 inches long.

4. 

   Acrylic gap filling cement works with ABS.

   Assemble the GPS mount. ABS has a textured side and an unfinished side. The textured side will be facing upward. Place a thin bead along one edge of the ABS being used for the GPS platform. Gently position the smaller piece of ABS on the bead of glue. Allow it to dry for at least 24 hours. The lip represents the bottom of the platform.

5. 

   Use strong scissors to cut the Velcro.

   Use a pair of strong scissors to cut four 3-inch strips of Velcro. These will be used to mount the GPS to the platform and the platform to the dashboard.

6. Apply the Velcro to the platform. Peel off the backing of one side of two strips of Velcro. Position the two Velcro strips on the face of the platform. Place them along the top and bottom of the platform's length. The adhesive side is placed on the platform's face.

7. Mount the GPS to the platform. Remove the remaining adhesive backing from the Velcro. Carefully position the GPS so that it's centered on the platform. Push the GPS against the adhesive backing until it's held firmly in place.

8. Mount the GPS to the dashboard. Peel off the backing from one side of the remaining two strips of Velcro. Mount the strips on the backside of the platform. Remove the remaining adhesive backing. Position the GPS in the correct location on the dashboard. Apply pressure to the platform to bond it to the adhesive.

References

• Dynalab: Plastic Properties of ABS
• TAP Plastics; Weld-On 16 Instruction Sheet; PDF Download
• Velcro; FAQs