Help Direct Wiring a V1 to a '01 Boxster

[gandrade1]

Hi guys,

I have finally decided to hardwire a V-1 to my '01 Boxster, I am a little bit confused on where to tap for power. The instructions that came with my "Direct Wire Cord" (and Radar Roy!!!) seem to suggest that I can use the connector to tap in to the fuse box. I have however read in this link Install Instructions (thanks Izzy) that the easiest way would be to remove the left side panel in the center console and use a 3M connector to tap into the black/green cable of a 4-wired loose harness which is found once the pannel is removed.

Has anyone installed a V1 in a Boxster and followed the steps above? :help:

I need some help on the following:

1) Are there any tricks to remove the left side panel of the center console (photo below) ? Can it be broken easily? I am not the most skilled or delicate installer.

2) Should I tap into the Black/Green wire behind the console (photo below) for power or would it be easier just to go straight to the fuse box and use the fuse for the radio?

3) Will any metal screw work as ground for my install?

4) What is the easiest "route" to hide the wires? I read somewhere that it might be as easy as tucking the wires in the space between the pillar and the windshield - does that sound fine?

As you can see by my expertise, I have a long Saturday in front of me.. B)

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Gustavo

[macdaddy]

Here is what I did to "hardwire" my V1:

First, locate the 12v outlet on the left side of the passenger side footwell (986 may not have this). Install the V1 on the left (or right) side of the rearview mirror. Then, plug the power cord (straight phone cord type) into the V1 and start running it along the edge of the (passenger side) windshield, continue down in between the dash and A-pillar, underneath the dash (there is a 'foam' panel you need to remove) and finally over to the 12v outlet. That''s it. The cord is totally out of the way and basically completely hidden. The only way you can see it is if you look for it up under the dash on the passenger side (you can't see it at all from the drivers side). The only downside I can see to doing it this way is the 12v outlet is hot %100 of the time. You'll need to remember to turn the V1 OFF when you turn the car off. This has been pretty simple since it's right by the latch for the roof and I always close it when I park. I had my V1 hardwired in my S4 and so far this method has worked just as well imo. And, it's waaaay easier than removing panels, cutting wires, hoping things don't catch on fire etc. ;) FWIW, I think if you do a search you'll find a couple poeple have done all the wiring on the left side of the dash and fed the wires behind the fuse box (you do have to pull the fuse box). From what I can tell, there is NO reason to go through the center panel/console like you're doing. I've also heard of some guys splicing into the dome light for power.

Eitherway, good luck and hope this helps!

jef

Edited September 14, 2007 by MACDADDY_987S