Use an iPad mini for your Tacoma A/V System!

Can you make one to fit a Kindle Fire? I looked at iPads minis today and I've come to the conclusion that if I'm only using it for my truck I really don't wanna shell out 300 if a kindle fire for 100 will work just as good for its small tasks

 

I started a thread discussing the effects of iPad in extreme cold temperatures. You can find it HERE.

If anyone has any experience or advice, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

 

Current dash kits in production are coming along, save for some lack of progress due to my distributor taking his time to get me the parts I need

Either way, the kits will remain on schedule.

I will not be making these kits for other devices. If you REALLY want one for your android tab or kindle fire, I can do it, but it will take longer, be more expensive, and you will need to send me your device to use for fitment purposes during fabrication.

Hunter, just to address the issue of removing the iPad at night under cold temperatures, the dash kit can be removed, iPad slid out, and dash kit replaced in under 30 seconds using both hands with no tools required. I do this regularly to add music to my iPad / use it to test fitment in other kits.

 

Okay, thanks for the information. The dash kit that I have in my truck right now sounds similar - it has one-way plastic tabs (male) that fit into female slots. It's not the easiest to get off (I'm sure I'd be better with practice) and I'd worry about breaking it. I'm not questioning the quality of your product, I'm worried about my laziness. If it is too much of a hassle to take out twice a day, I might not do it, and then BAM! -40F and I'm crying....

Another user showed me this video:

I think magnets would be a great idea if you could get it to work. No tabs, simple on and off. It seemed pretty secure too.

He also showed me this video. I know you are looking into a sliding option, so you might find it interesting.

 

The sliding one is awesome, I have to take the ipad out 3 times a day. It gets up to 50c over jere

 

Shane, don't underestimate how easily plastic can break and/or shatter at 20, 30, 40 below zero.....

 

That's incredible how sick that setup is. If love this for my truck but I can't even begin to imagine how to do it.

 

Yeah, I've seen both of those. I've considered magnets and drawer sliders as an option, but I want my final solution to offer more security. I'm going to be researching and developing a solution that will allow the dash piece to rotate upward using spring loaded cabinet hinges with catch at the bottom made of an electromagnetic solenoid as its locking mechanism. This will allow for a hideaway switch to be placed somewhere under the dash that I can wire up to be activated only when the key is on to release the solenoid and the dash piece will rotate up on its own, allowing for the iPad to be slid out from the side. This way, the dash kit cannot be simply removed without having the vehicle on, which offers much better security toward theft prevention. Not to mention pressing a button and having the dash piece rotate up will be pretty bad ass .

This is all still in the works, though. Once I make it available, the cost of the kit will increase to cover parts and labor.

 

Okay. That sounds like it will be really neat when you finish it!

I'll have to evaluate it (with my laziness in mind) when it arrives. I have access to a machine shop, so I could develop a system like that myself for my specific application if need be.

 

Just made a quick video showing how to remove the iPad. It is held securely by the tabs which allow for quick removal. Requires no tools, recommended to be done with two hands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLV6GpfPoYs&feature=youtu.be

As far as the plastic clips breaking... I really wouldn't worry about it, even at sub zero temperatures. Just don't create binding or twisting stress on the tab mounts when you're removing the kit. Pull as straight as possible on the tabs; don't pull on the right side of the kit to remove a tab on the left. The actual plastic tabs that that lock into the holes in the dash would be the last thing to break, and will not wear out. The material they are made out of is very resistant to plastic deformation and has great properties for elastic deformation. I've removed my kit 50+ times by now and it still fits as tightly as new.

 

Yay! Finally made the list

 

Haha, yeah, you have been in production for a little while already, I just hadn't taken the time to update my list until the other night.

All kits that are in the production line will be sent out on Friday.

 

Got any pics of how mine is going?

 

Friday sounds good

 

Awesome! I can't wait to get it.

 

none worth showing off, yet. especially since yours is a little more complicated. it's going to look really good, though. There's one other user on here that mounted that audio control piece under his iPad. You should try to contact him to see what else he had to do to make it fit. I have a feeling you might need to do some cutting in the dash hole due to the depth of that EQ.

 

Have you finished the install video you were going to make?

 

No, I won't make that until the kit is 100% so that I can show it in the video exactly how you will receive it.

 

Okay, sounds good. Thanks!

 

I dont think clearance will be an issue, I had a big sony double din screen with 7 dics reservoi and cleranced good