Smart Clip - disappointed

Scott · Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 11:15 am Post subject: Smart Clip - disappointed

I recently purchased a Smart Clip (similar idea to a Brodit Proclip) to replace an old vent mount.

I can't fault the service (from Cellustar) or the quality/finish of the item itself, it's the end result that's disappointing.

The clip is designed to snap into the gap between the dash and the air vent. The problem is that on my car at least there is no gap. The air vent is in tight contact with the dash around its entire circumference. When the clip is fitted, it buckles the airvent visibly leaving an unsightly hole either side.

In every installation picture I've seen, it looks as though the clip fits into even extremely tight panel gaps without a trace. I ended up filing the clip down - it's better but still nothing like the pictures.

I don't think a Proclip would have been any better in this respect - they look to be of similar thickness/construction.

What's the secret? Or are the pictures just deceptive?

MikeB · Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 1:00 pm Post subject:

I think with the clips every installation is different. There will be different tolerances and gaps in the individual cars, and some clips are more suited to one type of car.

For instance on my Probe I have both a SmartClip and a ProClip. In this case the SmartClip is the better fit. Slightly thicker, and slightly different design makes it a better fit than the Proclip.

On my other car the Chrysler Voyager the Brodit ProClip is far superior.
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Mike Barrett

LostAtSea · Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 7:17 pm Post subject:

I agree with Mike.

I have used both Brodits and Smartclips in a variety of cars. Brodit are more consistently the better fit, but often it is a case of trying to work out just how on earth it is supposed to fit. On occasion I have thought I've fitted the mount, sat back and thought "that's useless", had another fiddle and suddenly it's gone "clonk" and slotted in brilliantly.

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