HVAC relocation gap..

[rick3000]

Norm, could you post a closer picture of the iPod mount or provide a little more detail of what you did? I would like to do something similar.
Great job!

[clickman]

Originally Posted by rick3000

Norm, could you post a closer picture of the iPod mount or provide a little more detail of what you did? I would like to do something similar.
Great job!

No problem. It's been awhile so let me get some pics and info.

[Giller]

I guess I like my cupholders too much to do that much renovation.

As I have the base - I have my cord coming out of the blank spot there the washer adjuster would be. It's just a cap that pops off. I just have to create a little stand and it will sit right next to the wheel - much easier access and safer as I don't have to look way down to see it.

[clickman]

Originally Posted by Giller

I guess I like my cupholders too much to do that much renovation.

You're a better man than I. I couldn't stand the stock cupholders. I had a hard time getting anything other than a small container to stay upright, and based on the condition of the HVAC unit when I moved it, the previous owner had the same trouble. Lots of goop from spilled drinks. Much happier with the Ultimate cupholder on the passenger side of the console.

Originally Posted by Giller

I just have to create a little stand and it will sit right next to the wheel - much easier access and safer as I don't have to look way down to see it.

I never look down at the iPod while driving. It's only adjusted while pulled over or while waiting at a light. The only thing I do while driving is hit the skip button, which doesn't require looking at it. Personally I'm not convinced that mounting the iPod beside the steering wheel makes it safe. They require more interaction than the basic radio/stereo system (which is arguably an unsafe distraction in itself). We can likely debate that til the cows come home.

[clickman]

Rick, here are some pics. Haven't cleaned up yet after summer driving, and the macro flash makes it look a lot worse up close than it is. Nothing worse than undies down in public!







The iPod itself sits in a ProClip unit. Fast and easy removal for when parked in public...

Connecting the ProClip to the cubby is just a plain jane black metal bracket from the local hardware store. I bent it in a vise, cut it down at the ProClip end and added mounting holes as necessary. Be careful when mounting the bracket to the cubby. The plastic isn't all that thick and the screws should be cut off near flush to avoid interfering with insertion of the cubby. A dab of black paint or permanent marker colours the screws black to match.

I used this cable to connect to the back of the radio:




I also had to add a ground loop isolator. I still get a whine when the iPod isn't connected (in Aux mode), but as soon as it is the whine is negligible.

[Cebu]

Clickman, thanks for the posting. My original intent was to use my iPad mini or my Nexus 7. After seeing your clean install I may just go with my iPhone on a holder and call it good.

Originally Posted by clickman

Rick, here are some pics. Haven't cleaned up yet after summer driving, and the macro flash makes it look a lot worse up close than it is. Nothing worse than undies down in public!







The iPod itself sits in a ProClip unit. Fast and easy removal for when parked in public...

Connecting the ProClip to the cubby is just a plain jane black metal bracket from the local hardware store. I bent it in a vise, cut it down at the ProClip end and added mounting holes as necessary. Be careful when mounting the bracket to the cubby. The plastic isn't all that thick and the screws should be cut off near flush to avoid interfering with insertion of the cubby. A dab of black paint or permanent marker colours the screws black to match.

I used this cable to connect to the back of the radio:




I also had to add a ground loop isolator. I still get a whine when the iPod isn't connected (in Aux mode), but as soon as it is the whine is negligible.