BuiltRight's 2018 F-150 Raptor Build Thread - 'Regular Guy Raptor'
#21
Small Business Vendor
Thread Starter
Dash Mount Idea
In other news, I woke up at around 5:30am this morning and was wide awake, so I had my coffee and being that it's 20F outside right now, was in no mood to go fiddle with FORScan. So, I started kicking around an idea that was in my head last night for cell phone and accessory mounting. In addition to my cell phone, I'd like a clean way to mount my radar detector and dashcam. The catch is, I hate to have my view blocked and also don't want anything attached to the windshield.
Here's what I came up with. I never used this tray in my lariat, so I thought I'd re-purpose it as a mounting location for a bracket. This bracket would have mounting features so that RAM Mounts could be easily used (along with whatever else a guy might dream up). I can mount three RAM ***** on this and then use three of their arms in various lengths to mount my gadgets. I'm also imagining a plate that could bolt to this mount and provide a flat, smooth surface for suction cup mounting, if I choose to use any of those accessories.
I tried hard to find a way to mount it using OEM fasteners, but there's just not much for options up there and the panels fit together so tightly and 'interlock' that it's difficult to sneak something between them without creating nasty gaps. I settled for using four small fasteners into the tray, the justification being maximum strength, but also that should you choose to remove the mount, the little rubber pad would cover the holes. Also, that OEM part is $20-30 to replace, should you want to return to 100% original condition.
Sooo, I whipped this up as a proof of concept. It obviously won't be as rigid as the same thing in steel or aluminum, but will at least help me identify if I like the placement and function.
Prepped it for 3D printing using 'coarse' printing settings to speed things up I highlighted the two different print times. The first is 'normal' mode and the second is 'fast' mode.
Now, we wait!
I'll continue revising the design until I'm happy with it. I could see adding some height/angle adjustability to it as well, but I do like to keep things simple.
I'll check back in later today or tomorrow with an update!
Matt
EDIT: Oh, almost forgot, getting my front windows tinted this afternoon my a good friend of mine that's been tinting for 15yrs. Haven't decided if I'll do any paint protection film/clear bra yet, but I'll see what he says. Maybe just the headlights. Small chips and stuff don't bother me much.
Last edited by BuiltRight Industries; 12-02-2017 at 12:23 PM.
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TX_hornedfrog (01-23-2018)
#22
5.0 DOHC V8
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: The southern California sardine can
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wo0t! New truck! and a Rapt0rz to boot! Congrats!
And thanks for posting your Bluetooth OBDII device and Amerzan link. Just ordered mine so that Summrz can help me with my trailer brake controller install.
And thanks for posting your Bluetooth OBDII device and Amerzan link. Just ordered mine so that Summrz can help me with my trailer brake controller install.
#23
Small Business Vendor
Thread Starter
Good call on buying the one that I used. It's recommended by a ton of people. I think some folks use cheaper devices, but writing to your ECU isn't something you want to be doing with junky hardware, in my opinion.
Matt
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Apples (12-02-2017)
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BuiltRight Industries (12-02-2017)
#26
Super Moderator
So two things pop right into my mind. First off, you're very good with CAD and that makes me jealous. Second off, nice Prusa i3, I assume you've done a bunch of upgrades to it too.
If you have any F150 related STLs to share, please do so, even if it's on Thingiverse and linked here... Everyone loves 3d printing.
If you have any F150 related STLs to share, please do so, even if it's on Thingiverse and linked here... Everyone loves 3d printing.
#27
Small Business Vendor
Thread Starter
Funny you mention that. We ran out of time before he had a real customer appt, but he has some 85% film that's super light but makes a huge difference. I'll probably do that next time I have time.
Thanks! I'll keep that in mind. Anything that I don't turn into a product, I'd be happy to post. Undecided on this one. As for the i3, it's been working well for me. I ordered like 12hrs before they announces the Mk3, so that sucks, but whatever. No upgrades yet. It's a tool for me, not so much a hobby, so as long as it's doing what I need at the moment - don't fix it if it aint broke!
Anyway, prototype in the truck! Not as rigid as I'd like, so it bounces just a touch. But I like it. Waiting on some additional mounts to show up so that I can make sure it works with the gear that I want to mount.
This is without the small rubber mat installed. I think I'll draw up a DXF of where the legs for the mount go and have a buddy of mine laser cut the clearance out of the mat.
Matt
So two things pop right into my mind. First off, you're very good with CAD and that makes me jealous. Second off, nice Prusa i3, I assume you've done a bunch of upgrades to it too.
If you have any F150 related STLs to share, please do so, even if it's on Thingiverse and linked here... Everyone loves 3d printing.
If you have any F150 related STLs to share, please do so, even if it's on Thingiverse and linked here... Everyone loves 3d printing.
Anyway, prototype in the truck! Not as rigid as I'd like, so it bounces just a touch. But I like it. Waiting on some additional mounts to show up so that I can make sure it works with the gear that I want to mount.
This is without the small rubber mat installed. I think I'll draw up a DXF of where the legs for the mount go and have a buddy of mine laser cut the clearance out of the mat.
Matt
#29
Senior Member
Nice work, almost like a little M-Lok tray. Definitely a nice alternative to suction on the windshield.
Wonder if you had a support 'leg' from the side to the bottom-center of the tray,would help with the bouncing.
Now you need to route a charge cable for your phone through the dash.
Wonder if you had a support 'leg' from the side to the bottom-center of the tray,would help with the bouncing.
Now you need to route a charge cable for your phone through the dash.
#30
Senior Member
Great idea, i never use that area either and I have been thinking of what to do with it. If you make it into a product dont forget about us folks that do not have the center speaker. We have a different tray that is larger but does not look as deep.