Stealth Valentine 1 Install on Saab 9-3 Aero

[Saabateur]

I decided to integrate my Valentine 1 radar detector into the car in a stealthy and intuitive way.
While I was at it I also mounted some switches in the empty space next to the cup holder which will be utilized in the future and are currently only eye candy.
I also installed my backlit shiftboot leftover from my old Saab.


V1 Remote Display w/ Color Mod, Etched into Rear-View Mirror
I was able to install this in the rearview mirror in place of the Homelink unit which was of no use to me.
The mirror etching was outsourced to AutoDesignsNYC, and the color mod on the remote display was done by Radar-mirror.com


I extended the potentiometer control knob in order to allow room for the extra switches, which are Oracle Flush Mount from AACStyle.

Remote Audio Adapter & Switches

Valentine 1 Main Unit

Hardwired into Fuse Panel

Let me know what you guys think.

[spartcus]

Man, that is a awesome install I wish I can do something like that myself very clean install.

[NormSky]

Nice install and nice car too. I've owned 5 Saabs.

[Jstglockem]

Talk about impressive, way cool.

[Digital Dude]

Wow, impressive for sure! I just looked at the website for those parts, so now I get it. Very cool and I may have to buy that headrest kit!

[Saabateur]

Man, that is a awesome install I wish I can do something like that myself very clean install.

Thanks, I'm all about clean installs! And it really isn't that hard as long as you trust yourself to cut into some interior pieces and do some simple soldering.

Nice install and nice car too. I've owned 5 Saabs.

Thank you, I'm currently on my second Saab and loving it.

Talk about impressive, way cool.

Wow, impressive for sure! I just looked at the website for those parts, so now I get it. Very cool and I may have to buy that headrest kit!

Thanks guys! I posted this up in my main Saab forum and got no love lol!

That headrest option is sweet and what I would have gone with if I had a middle rear headrest.

[fire65]

It is a great install with some very nice work by you. But it is far from stealthy IMO, got bright red lights and arrows flashing in the rear view for all to see.

[focalcivic]

How is the sensitivity with the V1 in that box?

Can you take a picture of the box on the rear shelf?

How much did they charge for the mirror etching?

[Saabateur]

It is a great install with some very nice work by you. But it is far from stealthy IMO, got bright red lights and arrows flashing in the rear view for all to see.

That would be the case if I were fishbowlin' it but my tints keep everything hidden.

How is the sensitivity with the V1 in that box?

Can you take a picture of the box on the rear shelf?

How much did they charge for the mirror etching?

Sensitivity for radar is slightly affected, not because of the box, but the placement of the V1.



I paid $160 for the mirror to be etched and covered with a protective coating. The guy at AutoDesignsNYC was really friendly and helpful, and is also apparently the originator of this mod dating back to the 80s/90s.

I found that most competitors either don't offer just the etch alone, or charge a ridiculous amount for it,because it is considered a trade secret...

You could always try chemical etching, sandblasting, or just scraping with a razor to DIY but you only get one attempt and risk ruining an expensive OEM mirror.

[focalcivic]

Thank you for the reply.

For the remote display does the auto dimming feature get affected?

Did you recover the stealth box? Since it comes in black cloth right?