After spending the last 2 years pondering whether to buy a second-hand Columbus or to hard wire in a TomTom I've decided on the later. Does anyone know how to remove the top box from the dash without damaging or scratching it so that I can fit a cigar lighter socket to it? also is there any info on where to wire the socket to, either the bolero of the right hand side fuse panel?

Cheers

stokey

To get a switched supply you'll need to go to the fusebox on the right of the dash.

The top box removes very easily, there are three clips along the bottom front edge and thats it. I managed to remove mine by carefully wedging a large flat blade screwdriver between the dash and box until I was able to grasp the box. Then pull upwards, disconnect the hazzard wiring and remove.

It's now wired in for a total cost of £136. £99 for a new TomTom start 25, £30 for an auto electrician to fit a cigar lighter in the dash top box and £6 for a TomTom mounting disk fitted to the inside of the top box. After a week of driving with it fitted I'm well impressed I only wish I did it 2 years ago!

Pictures are required!!

I am also going this way with the Garmin. I am going to mount it with the brodit mount instead of in the box and leave the cable permanently hard wired to the fuse box.

As we do long complicated routes through France, the route planning on the Garmin is better for me.

Edited 16 June, 201214 yr by Metblackrat

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/202243-garmin-nuvi-3760t-in-the-dash-top-box/

My thread from last year. HTH.

Pics please. I'm in the middle of fabricating a holder for my start 25 as Herbert richter don't make one. Mine should be future proof as its built with a Perspex top to attach the suction cup to