How to: (kind of) My Passport 8500 install

[def_one]

Ive been asked by a couple guys for a how-to on my Passport 8500 install. Im not going to go super into detail about how to wire it, as thats pretty straight forward. This is more or less a bunch of photos from the install of the remote unit. I had done it before on my last car, and its pretty easy once you see how its done


I start with one of these bad boys (direct wire kit)

Basically pull off the sticker, grind down the front so its smooth like this:

Pull out that little panel where the +12V port is, this is the back side, note the ridges:

Gotta work those down to a smooth surface, as well as drill your holes for the button and lights (the scary part):

This is the only part thats kind of ghetto rigged, theres no real good way to attach the remote unit aside from glue, so thats what I did:

Heres what it looks like from the front:

Put the sticker back on from the original unit:

And reinstalled:

And where the radar detector lives:

(drinks) Finish with a beer

 

[mckraut]

Nice install, very clean work.

 

[Jon MS3]

real clean, i have an 8500 as well, where'd you get the hardwire kit from and how easy was it running those wires?

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

How was it running the wires along the A-pillar?

 

[MS3Jon]

Looks great, I have an 8500 and I was thinking of doing EXACTLY what you did. Glad you did it first and put up the write up so I can see what it looks like before I do it. Thanks!

 

[340CID]

What is that mudule (lights and button) for that you installed in the center console if the radar detector is up by the mirror?

 

[jam_asian85]

Great write up, just did this tonight but too bad my dashhawk is in the place where the smart cord would have been, so I just left it in the ashtray - concealed -

How was it running the wires along the A-pillar?

It's really easy to do.
You slightly pull on the pillar to allow it to pop out a little then tuck the wires in there and then just run the wires across the headliner and just tuck them in there.

 

[MS3Jon]

What is that mudule (lights and button) for that you installed in the center console if the radar detector is up by the mirror?

It's a remote mute button with power and warning lights.

 

[UHATEIT]

thats so ****** BALLIN! great work!

 

[def_one]

Thanks for the kind words guys. The direct wire kit is available all over the internet.

Ya the weirdest thing about running the power up the A-Pillar is seeing the airbags up there. Kinda freaky. I ran the wire on the back side of the airbag, and crossed under it to go under the headliner.