30-31 MODEL A MOUNT FOR GARMIN GPS
The mount shown here will work for any Garmin GPS that uses the “bean-bag” mount,
which is placed in the glare shield of a modern car. The GPS mounts to the “bean-bag”
with a small disk that mates with a latching mechanism which allows the GPS to be
rotated for viewing and may be locked by a small lever. (See photos above.) Garmin
sells the latching mechanism (I call this the “mount base”) as a separate item, which
can be glued by double sided tape to any metal object. In this application, I have
removed the screws that hold the base together and using similar, but longer screws,
attach the base to the top of the fabricated mount.
This separate mounting base is used in conjunction with the part fabricated, which
attaches to the Model A dashrail.
This dashrail attachment could be used with other manufacturer’s devices providing
they have a similar mounting scheme and sell a mounting base.
The dimension from the mounting bolt hole to the top is critical; therefore, before
drilling, check to be certain that the top is flush with the top of the dashrail
when the hole location is aligned with the attach hole in the rail. The aluminum
sheet on the top must rest on top of the dashrail when completed, as this piece prevents
the mount from rotating on the single mounting bolt.
that can be attached to the fabricated part shown here.
MODIFICATIONS FOR 29-29 MODEL A
A similar, but much simplier mount can be fashioned for the 28-29 Model A using the
Garmin mounting base. However, the steel angle is not required. A piece of steel
bar approximately 1/8” thick and about 2” wide and long enough to extend under the
dashrail to where a suitably drilled hole can be used to fasten the bar to the center
clamp holding the gas tank to the cowl is used to attach to the car. (An aluminum
bar can be used, as well. However, it must be a hardened bar and thick enough to
prevent vibration.)
The Garmin Base mount can be positioned such that the screw holes will fall on the
bar. Remove the screws and clamp the base in position and mark the hole pattern.
Drill the holes and mount the parts together using slightly longer screws.
Remove the center bolt clamping the gas tank to the cowl. Use a slightly longer bolt
and fasten the Garmin Mount with the clamp, using a locking nut.
