I have been wanting to install a nav unit in my truck but I did not want to replace the factory radio and then have to change all of the speakers as well. I decided to purchase a hand held unit but I wanted it to be a clean install and not the suction cup mount with wires exposed. After doing some measuring I purchased the Garmin 1490t with a 5 in display and with a little bit of engineering I managed to install it into the overhead console. I then purchased a 5 volt voltage regulator and hard wired the units power. It now comes on automatically when I turn on the key and will shut off 30 sec after the key is turned off.

I also purchased the Ecoroute HD cable from Garmin which plugs into the OBDII port and wireless transmits engine parameters to the nav unit. So far I am rather happy with the unit and ended up only spending around $330 total on the project.

looks great....i thought the 1490t was closer to 400 bucks....also do you have any issues getting a gps signal with it not having a clear view of the sky?

I purchased the unit off tiger direct for 199. It was a refurb but I have always had good luck purchasing from them in the past.

I have had no issues with the GPS signal at all. It is pretty much all of the time full bars of signal even with my truck parked in my garage.

That looks real good. Nice thinking on that one :thumb:

well done eric!! looks awesome!

the 1490t is the truc edition isn't it? keeps ya off of weight restricted roads and low bridges?

Very nice.

The only problem I see is the pain of removing it whne you want to update your maps.

No, unfortunately the 1490t does not have the truck mode. You would need a 465t or similar for that option.

To update my maps I just take out the 1 screw holding up the console then it comes right down and I just have to undue the 2 electrical connectors. Does not take long at all. Either that or I have wireless internet and just go to my garage with my laptop and plug in.

Sweet! I might need to look into the Eco Route cable and see if my Garmin is compatible...

EDIT: THAT SUCKS!!! MINE DOESN'T SUPPORT IT!!!

Man, that is a clean install! good work dude.

man that is an awsome idea very nice keep up the good work

Cool! You MUST do a DIY on that.

Nice work. It looks like it is meant to be there