Attaching hardware to dash top

[JWA]

Originally Posted by Steve Hunt

3M Adhesive remover is also an amazing product. I 've kept some on hand since first finding it decades ago. Have never found any surfaces that it harms.

I also use 3M Adhesive Cleaner of some variation and while it is relatively "safe" on most every automotive surface its best to test somewhere out of sight before using on larger visible surfaces.

Acetone ect can wreck a pristine automotive plastic part in very short order. Proceed carefully.

[Kibo]

I've had good luck using VHB to attach a RAM ball rail on our late-model (08+) dash. We currently use it to hold two wireless chargers + phones, replacing the flexy single ball mount windshield mount seen in the background:



It's bonded to the black trim, not the upper grey dash itself--the thought being that it would be easier to remove or replace without permanent damage if we decided we don't like it (per JWA's comment of the bond strengthening over time, which is absolutely true and what it's designed to do).

Here it is "bench mounted" so you can see what's going on behind the chargers:



Although this looks kind of "busy", in practice we still have full access to all the buttons, don't block any vents or windshield, and it's worked out great. Of course, now that I look at it, we won't be using the CD player anytime soon... The right-side 90 degree arm has loosened up a few times on rough roads and rotated due to mechanical leverage, but the rail is plenty solid for our use.

[fjefman]

I have a bar of 2020 series 80/20 mounted across my dash..it is bolted from underneath using the normal 8020 nuts. So this I have a mounts (R to L) for my phone, one for my GPS (Garmin Montana), my iPad Mini, and a cup holder . It has been super solid for 4-5 years. I have the bar wrapped in 3M carbon fiber wrap so it looks good and doesn’t noticeable reflect off the windscreen. It is essentially permanent but because it looks so good I think the next owner will appreciate it as much as me.

Re VHB, I’ve found it amazing for some projects (it has been holding Solar panels on the roof of my truck for maybe 8 year, and I’ve built 3 hidden lock boxes with it) but never found it reliable for mounting things to to the dash.

[Mikerson]

Originally Posted by fjefman

I have a bar of 2020 series 80/20 mounted across my dash..

Sounds cool. Can you post a pic?

[fjefman]

I will when I see my van again in a couple weeks, I’m in CA and it is in GA.

[Datzneat]

Would love to see it when you're done. I've been wanting to do a drop down tablet mount on the right side of the radio.

[boywonder]

This thread has been quite entertaining so far....


There are the fastener people and the VHB people......one one suction cup person..lol

Suction cups are interesting; ambient pressure (around 14.7 psi) holds the suction cup to the surface it's on since you squish all the air out from under the suction cup when applying. So as you go up in elevation suction cups lose holding strength...and are rather useless in space.

.....for a 2" diameter suction cup at sea level the holding force is pressure x area.....so 14.7 lbs/in2*(2"*squared*pi)/4=46 lbs!

[bigriver]

Originally Posted by boywonder

.....for a 2" diameter suction cup at sea level the holding force is pressure x area.....so 14.7 lbs/in2*(2"*squared*pi)/4=46 lbs!

Hmmm... did not know that. Innerestin

[bec_n_em]

A little late to the mounting party...that said, super fun posts and comments, thanks!...my favorite mounts below...last one most favorite ...HAM mount on the suction cup hasn't failed*yet over 25K miles and much washboard.* Best to all, Em -

Tablet Mount
https://photos.app.goo.gl/LFjxDaoUJpvuxchH8

Ham Mount
https://photos.app.goo.gl/X5Vd8T1BZfzBY9kR8

HiTech Soap Dish Mount
https://photos.app.goo.gl/cq5qBdjbhmMpRmZ58

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by bec_n_em

HiTech Soap Dish Mount
https://photos.app.goo.gl/cq5qBdjbhmMpRmZ58

Sold! I'm buying one.......brilliant!

I place the phone on the dash sometimes.......and that doesn't always end well.