Concours GPS Mount

[Charlie Gary]

I began looking for a GPS mount for my Garmin eTrex Vista C, and all I could find was a lot of stuff that looked like big, bulky things that could hold luggage. I wanted small and unobtrusive, so I got busy. I took some pictures, but space limits dictate using the link below to see them.

http://leftcoastmayhem.spaces.live.com/

I began with a bicycle handlebar mount purchased from REI. I could have ordered online from Garmin, but I don't like to wait. Picture 2 shows the mount with bad lighting. Since I only wanted the part with the clip, picture 3 shows the roll pin after it was driven out with a custom punch (nail with a flattened end). After separating the two, picture 4 shows the ears about to be cut off flush with the other end of the mount. The wood helps protect the mount and saw from contact with the vise. After cutting the mount, I drilled and tapped the first hole shown in picture 5. I didn't do any more at this point because the other holes are match drilled.
At this point I began creating a template for the steel piece. Picture 6 shows a piece of cardboard go through the trial-and-error stages. After it was roughed, shaping of the steel began. Picture 7 shows some important equipment for this and many other jobs, and the background shows it was taken out of order. Picture 8 shows the first layout for shaping, which was followed by drilling the two holes for the ignition guard bracket. I could only do so much without bending, and picture 9 shows a feeble attempt. Picture 10 shows the right tool for the job (thanks Harbor Freight). Picture 11 shows the first fit check. This is where I trimmed the handle cover to clear the bracket. Once things fit the first stage, the second bend was made and I held the GPS where I wanted it to be. Then I marked the bracket where the mount should be and drilled the first hole. I screwed the mount to the bracket, got it adjusted like I wanted, and re-marked the bracket. I then laid out where the second hole should be and drilled the bracket tap-drill size. I reattached the mount to the bracket with the first screw and used the second bracket hole to locate the drill for the second mount hole. After it was drilled, the bracket hole was enlarged while the mount hole was tapped. The third hole was laid out after measuring the mount, and picture 12 shows it about to be tapped.
After all the holes were in, I attached the mount and drew trimming lines. Then the grinders made their marks, followed by the wire brush. Picture 13 shows the bracket before final trimming, and picture 14 shows it mounted to the upper triple clamp. The screws will be replaced with some longer stainless items. Picture 15 shows it all put together, minus some sexy black polyurethane paint.

Later,

Charlie