Yaesu FTM-310DRASP Simple Dash Mount

Dash Mount for Yaesu FTM-310DRASP

This is a very simple dash mount that fits reasonably well on my 07 Honda Fit's funky dash.  The base pad is dimensioned roughly 2" x 4" to fit a commonly-available pre-cut velcro strip (use the highest load-capacity velcro you can find).  The faceplate is reclined by 15 degrees, mostly because my Honda's dash has almost NO horizontal zones.

Other parts you'll need:

• One (1) M5 bolt - I used Lowes item # 550632 - this is an M5 x 0.8, 12mm long Socket Head Cap Screw

  • Other screws of this diameter, pitch, and approximate length will work BUT be mindful about not using a bolt that's too-long.

• One (1) ¼" fender washer - I used Lowes item # 68882 but anything that allows the underside of the bolt's head to bear on the washer will work

• Low-strength, purple Loctite/thread locking compound.  Color does NOT matter here.  Just make sure to use LOW STRENGTH.  

Installation is pretty straight-forward but I'm going to break it down into baby steps:

Velcro Installation

1. Using isopropyl alcohol and a clean, lint-free cloth (microfiber works well), aggressively clean the underside of the mount's base and allow to dry completely.

2. Separate the two mating pieces of velcro and remove the liner film from one piece - this piece goes on the mount.

3. Carefully align the first piece of velcro and gently lay it onto the underside of the base.

4. When satisfied with placement on base, use thumbs or a spoon to aggressively press the velcro against the mount.  This ensures a good bond for the adhesive.

5. Test isopropyl alcohol on a small, unseen part of your vehicle's dashboard.  

   1. Clean and gently scrub but do not use violence.  

   2. Allow to dry.  

   3. Examine for discoloration, chalking, or material removal. If damage is seen, a weak mixture of dish soap and water will work but be sure to dry thoroughly.

6. If dashboard is tolerant of the alcohol, choose the mounting location and clean an area slightly larger than the 2" x 4" velcro pad.  Allow this area to dry.

7. Do not yet put the velcro on the dash. Instead, carefully align the velcro piece that still has its liner film with the piece that you earlier mounted to the mount. Place loose velcro piece onto mounted velcro piece.  Make sure these are aligned how you wish. This ensures both pieces are aligned and that the mount can fit where the dash velcro will land.  

8. Once satisfied with both velcro-to-velcro location AND the location of your mount, remove liner film and carefully place mount/velcro into position.  

9. Use thumbs to gently apply pressure to mount to encourage bonding to the dash of the second piece of velcro.  

10. Allow both pieces to rest on dashboard for 10 to 20 minutes.  Afterward, carefully remove the dash mount.  A butter knife can help start to split the two velcro pieces without ripping anything off the dashboard.

11. Use thumbs or a spoon to more aggressively press the velcro pad onto the dash, further encouraging an optimal bond.

Radio Faceplate Installation

1. Check fit of radio faceplate into mount first. Using excessive force or tightening with a poor fit may cause damage to your expensive transceiver.

2. Check the fit of the bolt through the mount's hole.  It should slide through but not be loose.  

3. Put the fender washer on the bolt/screw

4. Apply a dot of thread locking compound (loctite) onto the bolt approximately starting at the second-from-the-tip thread.  Don't coat the entire screw/bolt.  A dripping blob is not optimal.  A dot or ring is all that is needed here.

5. Using an appropriate allen key/hex wrench, turn the bolt/screw into the threaded insert of the radio faceplate.  Turn until snug, making sure of two things:

   1. The washer is touching the back of the mount and is beginning to compress

   2. There are no whiskers, protrusion, or other deleterious material under the washer

6. Final torque of the fastener is very low: 5 to 7 in-lb.  In the absence of a torque screwdriver capable of reading that low, snug the bolt/washer to the back of the mount and then torque to one quarter turn past snug.  Do not exceed this or damage to the radio can happen.

7. Place velcro'd mount onto dash velcro, route and hookup all cabling to faceplate, and enjoy your spiffy radio.