Does anyone have experience drilling holes in the dash panel? Would like to drill two 1/8th inch holes in my dash within the red circles to install a cell phone holder.
Bill, try not to drill holes in your dash. There are some great 3M double stick tapes out there that work good on textured surfaces. No worries it won't fall off and you won't have those holes to look at when you change to a different holder.
I like the idea of not drilling holes, however, the back of the phone holder once had a suction cup on it and is not flat on the bottom. I do have some very strong 3m tape but think I need more surface area on the holder.
Screw a flat plate to the holder then tape that to the dash.
Look for a new phone holder that has a sticky suction cup. These hold much better than a regular suction cup.
Something like this: Amazon.com: 【2021 Upgraded Suction Cup】 VANMASS Universal Car Phone Mount,... (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HZ3KW75/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
My cell phone holder. Magnetic base.
If you do decide to drill, it's not a problem. I have drilled two half inch holes for switches as well as a 1.25" for a USB Charger. I just used sharp bits for the half inch and a good hole saw for the inch and a quarter. No issues.
Bill, where you have the circle I put a hole through the dash and mounted a USB receptacle that is wired to the monitor switch so it is only active when the monitor is on. I took the dash out and drilled the hole with a end mill. That being said I would not have tried it with a regular drill bit for fear if grabbing and tearing the hole.
Chris
Noticed the pioneer head unit. Can you share the model number and the installation details? Sorry to hijack your post
Thanks to all for the great ideas. Forest, I have ordered the phone holder you suggested and will give that a try first. Should be here tomorrow. Also liked the magnet phone holder and the mounting location.
Peter, I know little about the Pioneer unit. Haven't really played with it since buying the coach. Just use for cameras as the Javelina system no longer functions. The unit is a Pioneer AVIC-N3.
Bill,
Side question:
I can import a phot into photoshop and add a red circle or text.
Do you know of an easier way?
Regards
Klaus
I have had great luck with these for similar applications:
Amazon.com: 3M Dual Lock Reclosable Fastener SJ3560 250 Clear, 1 in x 6 Ft:... (https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00JHKTDMA?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details)
Amazon.com: Amazing GOOP 150011 Plumbing 3.7oz Adhesive: Office Products (https://smile.amazon.com/Amazing-GOOP-150011-Plumbing-Adhesive/dp/B0016L0NTU/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=plumbers+goop&qid=1622999297&s=office-products&sr=1-2)
Kepeters, I took photo with IPad Pro. Chose photo, select edit, and tools are readily available. Have never used photoshop but it was very easy.
Do the 2 lines around your dash still light up when the headlights are on? If they do they probably won't after you drill holes, or so I've been told.. the illuminated dash should never be drilled or cut
Keith
Check out the Scosche Magic Mount and Magic Mount Pro XL. They have 3M adhesive on the back and stick VERY well. I hold my cell phone with one and TPMS display with another.
" Never met a 3M product I did not like".
Great American company.
Stick it on, others have said the same!
One of several mistakes in my life, had advice in 1999 or so. 3m. No future, sold my few shares in my 401.
Fired that advisor couple yrs latter.
Still one level above broke. Always stock was more than I could afford after that.
Stick it to on, take advise from Mr, Fore look close, lots of your trim etc is double side tape on, or Velcro. Probably mostly 3m or copies.
Make a small board to bolt to holder and then double stick tape the new board to dash. Some coaches have electroluminescent wires within dash and drilling often damages these lighted dashes.
Two lines around dash do light up when headlights are on. I am familiar with the lighted dash panels, my 03 had that for sure but I'm not sure about the 2000 I have now. Maybe some of the folks that have drilled holes in their dash can comment on whether or not it was a problem.
Folivier, thanks for the tip on the phone holder! It was super easy to install and holds the phone securely and positioned where I wanted. However, traveling and time will tell the tale. And thanks to everyone for all the excellent tips!