DIY writeup: Radar Detector / Dash Cam, etc install using BCM Fuse Box (Passenger Side Panel Replacement Tips)

[Sump]

Not a video guy but couldn't find any good info on removing the side panel. Always hardwire My V1 in whatever cars I have. Most vids just say it pops off, which is all good but I'm pretty meticulous and don't want to introduce any rattles or have poor panel fitment after install. I've had VWs mostly for the past 10 years so not as familiar with how Ford does interior trim.


So here's a little DIY that hopefully can help others.

Tools needed:

• Plastic Panel removal tools I've used a Profit for years, super versatile and non marring. ProFit Panel tool
• Longer removal tool for a rear clip and lower white plastic fastener, I got mine at Harbor Freight but something like this: Panel Kit
• Fuse tap Kit. I used Fuse #3 thanks to the help of some videos by CKH:

The actual wiring there's plenty of videos out there and pretty standard.

Panel in question:

Here's all the mounting clip locations.

Plus one plug at the very bottom shown here:

Here's the panel with the trim off with mouting locations noted:

Note: this white plug will likely stay on the kickpanel mounting location on removal, remove it from the kick panel and slide it into it's slot for install later as shown here:

The pronged end of the panel tools helps preserve the white fastener best you can.

Then do wiring for whatever project you are doing.

Make sure your wire(s) are behind the white panel here for proper fitment.

Here's a shot of that forward most (front of the vehicle) clip that if you line that guy up right, reinstall and getting a tight fit of all clips. I had originally started trying to do this by getting the panel under the door weatherstripping but was proving difficult. So if you're on top of the rubber stripping, that's fine for now. Also line up, maybe 1 set of the 'teeth' of the white lower fastener but don't press it in yet.

Once that clip is in do the rest of the upper clips, you may not get a ton of feedback that they are in there but as long as the panel is flush and doesn't jiggle if you bang on it, they're in.

Use your panel tool/finger to work the weatherstripping back over the edge.

Press the white fastener in last. This are mostly single use fasteners for ease of assembly at the plant. If it doesn't fit as tight as you want someone may be able to chime in with the part number. I just put a 1cm square of 3M automotive foam tape behind the panel at that location and actually sits a bit more flush that it did when new as those white ones never get that tight.

Looking good!

Thanks and hope this helps someone. I haven't written a DIY since the original release of the MKV GTI in 2006.

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[Johnkn]

Thanks for the post and detailed pics.

I installed my V1 last week, no need to remove the side panel to route the wiring behind it and up the gasket and under the front of the A-pillar. You didn’t stick the V1 to the windshield, right? A Blendmount works perfectly on a Maverick.

 

[Sump]

Thanks for the post and detailed pics.

I installed my V1 last week, no need to remove the side panel to route the wiring behind it and up the gasket and under the front of the A-pillar. You didn’t stick the V1 to the windshield, right? A Blendmount works perfectly on a Maverick.

I couldn't get the lower part of the panel in question to sit flush trying to run it fully up the gasket or have some wire exposed. All in still only took about an hour, decided to take the pics at the end after searching for threads/vids of that panel.

I've used blendmounts in the past but not a huge fan. The upper right position in the groove of the mirror assembly I install in all my cars, and I can't see it out of my peripheral.

 

[SuperTongue]

Wish someone did this before I ripped mine off and snapped a clip clean off the back. But being honest, I probably should have been more gentle on the plastic piece labeled “Built Ford Tough”.

Kidding aside (well besides the clip being broken) very useful info! This was honestly the worst panel to remove/clip back for my dashcam, and I routed a cable along the passenger side floor then back up and across the rear window for a rear camera.

 

[ShadowBlack XL440]

Thanks for the post and detailed pics.

I installed my V1 last week, no need to remove the side panel to route the wiring behind it and up the gasket and under the front of the A-pillar. You didn’t stick the V1 to the windshield, right? A Blendmount works perfectly on a Maverick.

Do you have pictures of the Blendmount that you used or a model number?

 

[Johnkn]

There is a Maverick offering in the scroll-down at Blendmount.com

good luck...

 

[Ferroplasm]

Can the black plastic trim above the rear view mirror be removed to hide the wire? If you mentioned that I somehow missed it.

 

[Sump]

Can the black plastic trim above the rear view mirror be removed to hide the wire? If you mentioned that I somehow missed it.

I didn't try, I have it running from passenger A-pillar along headliner edge. I need to buy the same little black clip I use in my Golf R to hold up the wire when the V1 isn't in the mav but had one laying around from a house audio install. Not a lot of room to hold the cable on newer headliners. My vette I can basically shove my hand under headliner.

 

[The Weatherman]

Can the black plastic trim above the rear view mirror be removed to hide the wire? If you mentioned that I somehow missed it.

Yes. There are others who have shown that removed to hide the lines and some even tapped into power there. It has the same sort of clips as the panels on the trucks trim.

 

[notjoey]

Do you have pictures of the Blendmount that you used or a model number?

My Blend Mount was delivered today, unfortunately my Maverick is still on the way.

BMG-2001R is what the folks there advised was the best fit for the Maverick with the Escort Mag Mount

 

[Johnkn]

And with a 90* trim tool the black panel above the mirror comes right off surprisingly easily. Just get under one corner and it pops right off. From the top of the passenger A piller, the cable easily tucks under the headliner and over to the black panel over the mirror. Good luck


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