RAM iPhone A Pillar Mount on First Gen

This is my version of this:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/gps-install-hardwired-to-the-a-pillar.305904/

I've got about $55 invested, which seems expensive for a phone mount, but you're all aware how easy it is to justify/rationalize spending any kind of money on our trucks. I used the part numbers in the original thread and found them all on eBay. A local hardware store provided the rest.

The 99 Tacoma hand grip isn't as contoured as the one in the thread I linked to, but the end result is just as satisfactory. There's a philips head screw holding it in place under the trim cover. I used a knife to carefully pry the piece out. There's some locktite or something similar holding the original screw in place, so be careful not to strip out the head.

Factory screw size is 6mm x 1.0.

With the trim cover removed the RAM motorcycle mount is too wide to fit into the recess, so I had to improvise a spacer.

Here's what I came up with:



A. 1/8 x 3/4 fender washers...I couldn't find 3/16 x 3/4 so I just drilled them out to fit.

B. 6mm x 1.0 x 40mm...it's a philips head and happened to be perfectly sized for the RAM mount.

C. 1/4 thread coupler...this is used as a spacer so that the RAM mount doesn't squish the hand grip. The coupler had to be cut down to fit so the mount was just above the handle.

D. Lock washer...I had this laying around in my shop. It works out to be the same overall diameter of the 6mm screw head so it fits inside the RAM mount.

E. The RAM motorcycle mount with a nylon spacer...the opening in the bottom of the mount is too wide for the screw, and I didn't want it to be able to wobble around. I bought a nylon spacer that was 1/2 inch OD, with an 1/8 inch ID, and then drilled it to fit the 6mm screw, and also turned it down on my lathe to fit inside the RAM mount. If I didn't have the lathe it would be easy to shave it down with a utility knife or something.



Here's another angle:



The way I've got it positioned it is far enough away from my steering wheel to not be a hindrance, and from the driver perspective it lines up with the A pillar so it doesn't cut off any view of the road.

I omitted the charging cable at this point since I am waiting on the release of the iPhone 8, and there are rumblings of a different connector than the current "lightning" plug. At that point I'll run a cable like the original thread to provide charging capability. My stereo has bluetooth connectivity so I'm not worried about having to plug in for music.

The modification of the hardware added some measure of complexity to the project, but overall this was simple to do, and actual time invested was about 30 minutes. I like the location since my eyes are not directed far away from the road if I change songs or whatever.

 

I have a similar setup for my Ultragauge, love it!

 

@Stutely are you left handed? I drive with left hand and the wheel and between changing gears my right hand is free. If would be very awkward to operate the phone on the left side with right hand.

 

What did you do on the back on the UG to connect to the ram mount? I have one with the tape it up mod, and it kinda melts!

 

No, I'm right handed. Selecting a song, or next track or whatever isn't too involved of an action, so I don't think it'll be an issue. I don't anticipate focusing too much attention on it anyway. If a call comes in it won't be a problem to answer it. I'm in Illinois, which has done its part to subsidize the "hands free" industry by outlawing hands on phone usage...

 

I just have some double sided heavy duty mounting tape, Scotch brand I think. I have this for the ball mount and then adheared the Ultragauge mounting bracket to it. It's great cause I can pop the Ultragauge in and out as much want wothout having to redo the mounting option.

The funny thing is the tape was supposed to be a temporary mounting solution, but hasn't shown any signs of letting go

https://m.summitracing.com/parts/rm..._-ram-mounts&gclid=CPWAvfTv1NQCFUhLDQod-dcKOg

 

Ok thanks, I'll give that a try

 

I used the two part articulating arm, it's gives you a lot more flexibility in adjusting the arm and your device better.

 

Love it. Is there anyway to get a different phone to mount on that or is the mount specifically for iPhone?

 

It will hold almost anything that can fit in between it's mounting arms. People use them for scan gauges, GPS's, etc.

 

That's awesome. I have the same X-grip mount but installed on their suction mount. It works great, very conveniently placed, but it would be nice to have it someplace that doesn't block a bit of the view.

I use a Kenu Airframe in my other vehicles but the vent mount just can't handle off roading. The RAM hasn't failed me yet.

-chris

 

Dead a## old thread, but does anyone know how to do this on an 01? I don't have the oh-#$*% handle on the driver's side pillar, so I'm guessing it's held on my tabs, but for the life of me don't know for sure. Then just a matter of lining up the bolt hole, but, anyone know for sure about the tabs? Am I the only person without the handle? Stream of consciousness leads me to realize I should find one with the handle at a junkyard, then not worry about destroying the one on there, have the handle and the mount. But for now, any thoughts?

 

For those without the handle, it’s just clips, pry with care. Maybe someday this thread will be dusted off and this will be of use to someone.

 

Did you mount your phone to the a piller??

 

Trying to find an a pillar with a handle and if that doesn’t work I’ll see what I can make happen.