Taco Garage - Dashtop Multi-Mount (DMM) - Securely mount ANYTHING to your dash

I've used several ProClips in the past. I like the fixed model specific cradles with the data/power connecter pre-wired. You just slid you phone in and you get power and the best audio connection. I'm not a fan of bluetooth audio. I haven't tested in the Taco but previous cars with an iPhone would give me album art over usb but not BT.

 

With my Android, the Amazon Music app, and the BT connection, I sometimes get album art. Entune uses Gracenote to do it. Sometime it will pop up generic art if it doesn't recognize something.

But then, I will only sometimes get MP3 info when playing from the phone's internal storage using the Google app. Things have really dropped of with the latest Android OS on both sides. The OS needs a couple updates, esp on the charging side, and Entune needs an bit of a compatibility update since the next and previous track controls have become buggy. I never had this problem previously.

I have not yet tried the USB or Aux connections on the Taco.

 

Order placed! Currently using a clip that attaches to the vent. Unfortunately it blocks the vent and 'freezes' the phone when the AC is running. This should be a MUCH better solution.

 

Try USB. It's easy to hook up and test.

 

I hear you. I have a cord right there for charging. Just a useless man-of-habit.

It might help with the track controls until the patches come through though.

If only that OE connection was 2.1A, I would always use it.

 

This thing is absolutely awesome!



I finally got a chance to install it after being away for work for quite awhile. I put it to the test on a pretty intense offload trail last weekend with an iPhone 8 Plus, BaoFeng UV-5R, and an iPad Mini 2. The mount was pretty rock solid and super helpful to have everything within eyesight and arm's reach. I decided to add two fast-charge USB cords behind the dash. This cleaned up the wiring in the cab for the iPhone and iPad chargers and also freed up my cigarette lighter to charge two additional devices with a dual USB charger so I could charge up to four devices at 2.4A each.

More info and pictures below.

Parts List

• DMM
  • @FreshMexicanTaco with for however many devices you plan to mount
• Mounts
  • iPhone
    • RAM Short Double Socket Arm for B Size 1" Balls (RAM-B-201U-A)
      
    • RAM Diamond Plate 2.43" x 1.31" with B Size 1" Ball (RAM-B-238U)
      
    • @wileydavis Hondo Garage Perfect Squeeze Phone Mount
  • Radio
    • RAM Short Double Socket Arm for B Size 1" Balls (RAM-B-201U-A)
    • 1/4" lock washer
    • RAM 1" Ball with 1/4-20 Male Threaded Post for Cameras (RAM-B-237U)
    • Kiddmen57 UV-xx Series Radio Mount
  • iPad
    • RAM Double Socket Arm for B Size 1" Balls (RAM-B-201U)
    • RAM Diamond Plate 2.43" x 1.31" with B Size 1" Ball (RAM-B-238U)
      
    • $49 RAM Mounts EZ-Roll'r Cradle for Apple iPad mini 1, 2 & 3 RAM-HOL-AP14U Compatible with RAM B 1" and C 1.5" Size Round Ball Bases
      RAM EZ-Roll’r Model Specific Cradle for the Apple iPad Mini 1-3 (RAM-HOL-AP14U)
• Hidden Chargers
  • @mesojdm extended height fuse cover
    
  • $10 ESUPPORT 12v Car Add-a-Circuit Fuse ACN TAP Adapter Low Profile Blade Style Fuse Holder Pack of 5
    Low-profile mini add-a-circuit
    
  • $9 ABN 120-Piece Low Profile Small Fuse Set – 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 AMP – Low Profile Mini Fuses for Cars, Trucks
    5A low-profile mini fuse
    
  • 2x
  • Good quality electrical tape
    
  • $12 TYUMEN 40FT 18 Gauge 2pin 2 Color Red Black Cable Hookup Electrical LED Strips Extension Wire 12V/24V DC Cable, 18AWG Flexible Wire Extension Cord for Ribbon Lamp Tape Lighting
    18AWG 2-pin wire
  • $39 Blue Sea Systems 1045 Fast Charge 4.8A Dual USB Charger Socket Mount, 12V/24V
    Blue Sea Systems Fast Charge Dual USB Charger Socket Mount (1045)
  • 2x
    $14 ANKER Powerline II Lightning Cable, [3ft MFi Certified] USB Charging/Sync Lightning Cord Compatible with iPhone SE 11 11 Pro 11 Pro Max Xs MAX XR X 8 7 6S 6 5, iPad and More(Black)
    3ft Anker PowerLine II Lightning Cable (or other USB cables depending on device)
    
  • Rubber grommets (optional)

• Misc
  • Black spray paint
  • Painters tape

Tools

• DMM
  • Clamps (2 minimum)
  • Drill with
    Irwin Tools 80110 No. 10 General Purpose HSS Wire Gauge Jobber Length, Pack of 6
    #10 drill bit
  • 1/4″ wrench
  • 2mm L-shaped allen wrench
  • 3mm allen wrench
  • Diagonal wire cutters (or Dremel if available)
  • Round bastard file
• Hidden Chargers
  • 10mm socket
  • Trim removal tool
  • Wire crimper
  • Wire stripper/cutter
  • Lighter
  • Drill with (or other size depending on USB cable used)
  • Soldering iron and solder
  • Round bastard file

Instructions

• DMM
  • Follow @FreshMexicanTaco's
  • I trimmed the little black tabs in order to fit the anchor bolts and nuts. I used diagonal cutters
  • I added black electrical tape over the nut plates I wasn't using to ensure they don't rattle (may not be needed)
  • I spray painted the lower portion of the ram ball mounts black to blend in (I covered the balls with painters tape while painting)
  • I used a file to deburr and clean up the drilled holes
  • After installing the DMM, install your RAM arms and accessories
• Mounts
  • For the radio mount, I added a lock washer and the RAM ball. I spray painted the entire thing black to blend in (I covered the ball with painters tape)
• Hidden Chargers
  • Drill a small pilot hole in the bottom left and right sides of the radio bezel working your way up to a 13/32" hole size (or other size depending on what USB cables you use)
  • I used a file to deburr and clean up the drilled holes
    
  • Insert a rubber grommet into the two new holes (optional)
  • Always start with negative battery terminal disconnected (use a 10mm socket) and cover terminal with a rag so it can't make contact
    
  • Follow @FreshMexicanTaco's to remove the radio bezel
  • Remove the radio with the 10mm socket, there are four bolts
  • Follow @moe2o4 ’s guide to disassemble the dash panels. Use trim removal tool, 10mm socket, and phillips screwdriver to remove three trim pieces on driver side
  • Remove the fuse panel cover near the driver side footwell
  • Cut a few feet of the 18AWG wire
    
  • Separate and strip the red positive and black negative wires on one end of the 18AWG wires
  • Solder the red wire to the positive side of the USB plug and the black wire to the negative side, wrap in electrical tape to secure the wires
  • Feed the opposite end of the 18AWG wire behind the radio and towards the driver side floorboard
  • Remove the 15A P/OUTLET 2 fuse
  • Insert the removed 15A original fuse in the main slot of the add-a-circuit and the new 5A fuse in the second slot
  • Cut off the plastic butt connector off the add-a-circuit
  • Separate and strip the red positive 18AWG wire and the add-a-circuit wire and insert each end into the butt connector, crimp, heat-shrink, and wrap with electrical tape
  • Install the add-a-circuit in the P/OUTLET 2 fuse location
  • Install the @mesojdm fuse cover after removing one of the side slots to allow the add-a-circuit to pass through
  • On the black negative side of the 18AWG wire, strip it and crimp on the spade/fork terminal and then wrap in electrical tape
  • Connect the spade/fork terminal to the grounding location at the driver side footwell using a 10mm socket
  • Connect the two lightning cables (or other USB cables) to the USB plug (I used electrical tape to secure them)
  • Carefully insert the USB plug behind and under the radio feeding one USB cable to the lower left and right of the radio
  • Reinstall the radio with the four 10mm bolts
  • Feed the two USB cables through the new holes of the radio bezel and reinstall the bezel by snapping into place

Photos

 

@pwalnut that is a magnificent post.

 

Needs more pics.

 

Thanks! Hopefully it's helpful to others

Yeah.. I thought it was lacking a few myself as well.. sorry

 

Sokay. I have a bad case of Smartassitol.

 

What phone mount is everybody using with this? I have iPhone 6s ...

 

Wow that is an excellent write-up and photos. Well done!

 

Thanks!

 

got it saturday and finally able to install it now im just waiting for my ram mounts

 

• Great insrtructional

 

Might have to see about doing this when i take the faceplate off to paint it.

 

and turn that fountain ON fer chrisakes!

 

I really want this, but I can't tell if I $95 want this.

 

You do.

 

Do I though?