2nd Gen Ipad Mini Dash

Started this project a while ago while bored in the barracks. I really wanted to be able to pull up my Topo maps while I'm out exploring and have them conveniently displayed while driving for quick reference. Plus I use apple music for everything. I had seen some really interesting threads and the one I liked most the guy kept a secret on how he really did it and had things mounted. I took on the challenge and decided to recreate it and wanted to share with everyone here! Hope you enjoy!!



Started out with one of those booklet style cases and peeled the front flap off and used my rotary tool to smooth out the top end. This allowed me to slide the Ipad Mini in and out of the case.



Once that was done and I received my metra double din dash kit I began cutting away to fit the screen of the iPad. I wanted just the screen to show and have the dash have no initial resemblance to an iPad so mad sure not to cut too far up. I did not have to trim any of the sides or the bottom.





I then ran a few layers of epoxy across the top bottom and side. The side was tricky because I wanted to fill the gap that was left there from the curvature of the dash kit. I used a piece of thin plastic wrapper to create the barrier for the epoxy. It came off easy enough. Before I got carried away I slid the Ipad in and connected the lightning cable and epoxied that into place to allow streaming and charging via USB.





This is how it set in place once the epoxy cured.



I used a sanding block to get the top of the dash nice and level before applying body filler. For the body filler portion I used painters tape all around the iPad. Had to be careful about how much I used because there is very little tolerance when sliding in and out. I just applied layer by layer till the whole thing was filled in. Some notes to those attempting this in the future mark a line on the painters tape where the screen ends on each side. This way you know how far to build up the body filler. Also build it up a ways past that line. its much easier to sand it down to where you want it then to try and continue to build it up once you take the Ipad out and begin sanding.



Sanding and shaping went faster than I expected. Only took a few hours really!



I installed the stereo today. I went with the sony MEX-GS600BT. Can be a little hard to find on eBay sometimes but I snagged one up as soon as I found it. I chose this stereo because of the rear USB plug in. I did not want the USB to be protruding out the front where it could come in contact with the dash kit. Also Sony has the App Remote app which allows you to control the stereo from the Ipad. Volume, source, seek, presets everything. Some of the new stereos also allow you to adjust the EQ settings from the iPad but I didn't want to spend that much (did this on a budget). Im also able to utilize the bluetooth for hands free calling or music if i want to listen to what I have downloaded on my phone. I had to do some trimming of the metra mounts as well because they stuck out too far.





I am working on plasti dipping the dash right now. My buddy had a spare can he let me have and I though it might do well to maybe fill in some of the texture. Its doing an okay job but I'm having a problem with it cracking in a few spots. Anyone have an idea?? I'm letting it set overnight then ill try and apply a few more coats tomorrow morning and see how that goes. Should have final pictures tomorrow evening and maybe a video of the set up.

So far I have used the Metra double din stereo dash, a Speck iPad case, Bondo body filler, Harbor Freight 90 Sec epoxy. I also bought the tacoma aftermarket wiring harness for the stereo. I soldered the ends together and used heat shrink to cover the solder. Like I said I used the Sony MEX-GS600BT stereo. All together I am only in this project about $100 including the bondo and sand paper.

I have also have a few apps set up that I plan on using. Of course I have the Sony App Remote. I use CoPilot when I'm not using my phone as a mobile hot spot (With no unlimited data anymore who can afford that??) I was able to download a map of the United State for offline use. I have only tested it a couple times but it seems to work okay for now. Im going to attempt to use an app called Auto Care. This will allow me to track fuel economy and maintenance reminders. I'm also using Commanders compass (Not sure how accurate the compass is, have not tested it) But I'm able to pull coordinates in Degrees, Minutes, Seconds and MGRS 10 Digit Grids which I am more comfortable with in case of emergency. I have tested this with my phone before and not with the iPad. My phone had me within about 10 meters of a GPS. For my maps I use Topo Maps. I have downloaded the USGS Topo and USGS Imagery maps for offline use. I really like this app so far. Still have to test the accuracy while offline. Anyone have any suggestions for apps or what off-road apps you prefer??

 

Subd for reading later

 

So I have the not so finished, finished product haha. I can't for the life of me figure out why the plastidip is cracking like it is. Improper prep is my best guess. I didn't clean the oils off with alcohol. But I don't have the money right now to repaint. But being plastidip it will be easy to strip off and paint when the time comes.




I will definitely be redoing this because it looks like @$$. have some texture to still bondo over and sand down and figure out what these cracks are from. But I'm happy with how the iPad operates with the stereo overall. Also will be adding steering wheel control interface when I have the funds

 

Your primer isn't right for the paint you used. I had the same issue when I did my indash actually lol

 

Looks clean boogyman. May consider doing the whole black dash! What primer paint combo did you use? Did you clear coat and wet sand too?

 

Sanded it all down then laid LIGHT coats of plastic enamel primer until i couldn't see the plastic under the primer then painted with flat black enamel and then flat clear coat. You don't want to mix types of paint or primer or you get that cracking that's why I used all enamel

 

Well that makes sense haha. Thanks for the pointer will definitely do that!

 

anyone vinyl wrap some of their interior pieces? Possible option but curious to how well if at all it hides the texture and mainly how the added thickness with the vinyl fits

 

nice job