New mod... ipod holder.

pektel

pektel

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I was getting sick of having the damn ipod in the cupholder, so I got an extra ashtray surround (thanks Kyle) and grabbed the dremel. Inside the box that the ipod comes in, there is a little cradle piece made out of white plastic. I think it's supposed to be used as an insert in certain bases for ipod stereos or something. I painted it black, and epoxied it underneath the surround, for a permanent cradle in the car. Just need to epoxy the pplug underneath to finish it off.

I also still need to paint a little bit on the black plastic underneath the woodgrain, so it matches up properly with the cradle.

Here's a couple pics:

ipod3.jpg

ipod-1.jpg

ipod2.jpg


I also took plenty of process pictures. If anyone is interested, I could do a write up.
 
Good work! Does your head unit have an input for it? Or, how are you connecting it to the stereo system? I am sick of my stupid FM transmitter and having the iPod in the cupholder (which is an original flip-up version).
 
NYC LS8 said:
Kyle would be upset with the shape of your interior. ;)
Click to expand...

Haha very true. If only I knew it was going to that slum I wouldn't have sent it! J/K, looks pretty clean. Did you put those message center buttons in yet? Did they snap back in? How'd RBOE hold up to the dremel?
 
There weren't any buttons in the package you sent me. Unless you just had single buttons in the ashtray. I didn't take the tape off there yet to see what was inside.

Oh, and the state of my interior was partly due to me not cleaning it recently. Any product I would've tried to use would've frozen. But it's also partly to having to use the dremel (with an engraver bit, because of the contours and shifter I couldn't reach it properly with the cutting wheel)on the interior, underneath the ashtray surround:

before:
ipod4.jpg


after:

ipod5.jpg
 
Yea the buttons are in the ash tray with the tape over them. WTF do you think the tape was for, flair and style?
 
LS4me said:
PLEASE do!
Click to expand...

will do. I'll just post it up in this thread later on today.

rainjacks said:
Good work! Does your head unit have an input for it? Or, how are you connecting it to the stereo system? I am sick of my stupid FM transmitter and having the iPod in the cupholder (which is an original flip-up version).
Click to expand...


My head unit (Kenwood Excelon DDX-7015) has an A/V input. I bought the wiring for 8 bucks from here:

http://www.cellphoneshop.net/av3g.html
 
Looks good Pete - If I could find an extra ashtray surround I would try that for my Zune... should be pretty similar to what you did for the Ipod
 
Yessir, should be very similar. As long as they have a cradle, I don't see why it wouldn't work.
 
One question. How secure is the ipod in the cradle? When I take a few corners, shall we say enthusiastically, will the ipod stay put? I don't want the thing flying all over the place and ruining the ipod connection.
 
Here we go. I have a little free time right now, so I'll put up the pictures/process:

Things you'll need:

Dremel with assorted bits
2 part epoxy
Cradle that comes with your mp3 player
masking tape
sandpaper

Total time for this mod was about 2 hours, including painting.

Anyways, here's what I started with:

ipodmaterials.jpg


First, determine the location to mount the cradle, as shown here:

ipodprocess2.jpg


Once that's determined, flip the surround over, and cover area with a piece of masking tape. Begin to trace the entire outline of the cradle:

ipodprocess4.jpg

ipodprocess3.jpg


Next was the most difficult part (although not really difficult at all). Measure the cradle lip, to draw the void that you will cut. you could use a tape measure for this. I wanted mine a hair larger than the opening in the cradle.

ipodprocess5.jpg


Now cut out the inside shape. I used a cutting wheel, and small sanding drum to acheive this:

ipodprocess6.jpg

ipodprocess7.jpg


Now it's time to paint the cradle piece. I happened to have these items from a previous project lying around, so this is what I used:

ipodprocess8.jpg

ipodprocess9.jpg


Next, use the 2 part epoxy to attach the cradle underneath the surround. I first just used a couple drops to position it, then after it was cured, I went over it again with a thick layer to make sure it doesn't come out later on.
ipodprocess10.jpg

ipod3.jpg
 
LS4me said:
One question. How secure is the ipod in the cradle? When I take a few corners, shall we say enthusiastically, will the ipod stay put? I don't want the thing flying all over the place and ruining the ipod connection.
Click to expand...

Only time will tell I guess. The cradle does not offer a whole lot of support, although it seems sufficient for me. Maybe there is a way to fabricate something to offer more support, but I'll wait to see how this performs. It may hold up just fine.
 
Okay, just went for a little rip. she holds steady. Just try to keep her on all 4 and you should be okay :D
 
What are you gonna do when you get a different iPod? Good thing you kept the original surround! I may have to get the PIE adapter and go searching junk yards.
 
Won't be getting a different one. At least, not as long as I'm in this vehicle. The next HU will hopefully have a hard drive for music storage. That, or drop the ipod altogether for the newest technology being talked about now... the cloud.
 
KD00LS said:
Yea the buttons are in the ash tray with the tape over them. WTF do you think the tape was for, flair and style?
Click to expand...

Well when I asked for the buttons and stuff, I meant the upper vents with the buttons and everything. that whole piece. Oh well.
 
I hate i Pods but Pete, that looks so freaking nice it makes me want one!

j/k

I dont like ipods but I really have to pat you on the back, that looks factory in pictures!

A+!
 
Very nice mod! and X2 on the headunits with harddrives... its only a matter of time before that is the new standard.
 
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