iPod install & painted shifter console - PICS

I started my Spec USA iPod install today. In the end I want my iPod to sit in the rectangular cubby beside the shifter for easier control. I had to run the first cable from the back of the stereo, into the glove box, and down below the center console.

Here is the cable coming from the stereo, it was fairly easy to snake into place under the console. I tie-wrapped it in place so it doesn't accidentally come loose.



Here is where I mounted the adapter. I had originally mounted it closer to the front of the console but soon realized the bottom of the drink holders would hit it. It is mounted w/ 3M heavy duty double-sided tape. It ain't budging.




With the shifter console off I drilled a small hole, coming from the driver side. Made it just big enough to fit the other adapter cable through. I have some rubber grommets for the hole for final install to make it nice.

Then I went ahead and painted if black. I figured it would jazz things up a bit. Not to meantion cover up a couple scuffs and scratches . I masked everything except for the top silver portions & chrome, scuffed using some 600 grit sandpaper, and painted them w/ Rustoleum Satin Black spray paint, 4 coats.




I'm letting the console dry overnight and finishing the install tomorrow. I'll post a finished pic after everything is in place.

 

looks good so far!

 

Good job for doing something different. I can't wait to see it.

 

Looks good, post up some pics of it in action.

 

Looks great.

 

Good job so far.

 

Looks really good. I might hafta do this mod

 

Could you post the link of where you got your converter box from. I would love to do the same thing with mine but have lost the link of where to get them.

 

Sure thing. I bought from below, free shipping...

http://www.mp3carpros.com/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=107

 

I am interested to see how well it works. I had the pxamg isimple unit in my Accord and it had its issues. The one thing I failed to do before I installed it was update its firmware so that could have been part of my problem. Of course, I have a Touch and at the time they didn't have a cable to charge it. Now they do so that will be nice.

How is the USA Spec hooked up to the head unit? Do you use the CD/AUX button or XM button?

 

With the iPod plugged in, it activates using the DISC button from the stock radio. You can control playback strictly from the radio if you like, and keep the iPod out of sight. One of the buttons on the radio activates direct connect, so you can control playback directly from the iPod, which is what I want to do.

 

It sounds exactly like what I want. Although I prefer to keep my Touch hidden, it is nice that you can change to using the ipod controls instead of the head unit buttons.

 

so does this ipod connecting unit cancel out the use of the cd player or can one still use the cd player if this is hooked up?

 

I forgot to try this. I'm pretty sure you can still play cd's...you just have to unplug your ipod. I'll check in a bit when it stops raining.

 

It sounds like the hookup is through the CD/Aux input so I would hope worst case you would just lose the OEM Aux input. You should just have to push the CD/Aux button twice to get to the Aux.

 

Finished the install earlier today. It looks sweeeet!

-Here is everything connected to make sure it still works.



-Cables tie-wrapped and pretty.



-Everything back together. Oh yeah.



-You can see where I brought the cable into the cubby.



-Driver side







Close-up



I might have to find some more stuff to paint lol!

 

looks good, thats where I put my iphone but the cable goes thru the center console and I just dangle the wires out when I use it.

 

Looks good. Unfortunately my Touch is too wide to lay flat in the little cubby. Do you have a Nano?

 

Nice clean job! I mounted mine behind the stereo....I like where yours is mounted better.

 

Thanks! It is a Nano, 1st gen I think. That cubby is the perfect size for it.