Here is some pics from my install I began today. More to come later tonight, with writeup following sometime after.
Mark
Pics
Pics 2

 

Nice but I'm just waiting to upgrade my headunit when they include an iPod connecting port. Soon all decks will have them and the more pricier models will have a built in hard drive so you can store songs right in the deck;that'll be sweet but it'll be out of my price range for a while.

 

You guys are aware of the FM transmitter for the Ipod right?
I have an MP3 deck and with one CD I get almost 200 songs. Thats good enough for me.

 

Yes,the FM transmitter will work for now but it the sound isn't as good as a direct link. I think BMW has the first iPod compatible head units and more manufacturers will follow soon.

 

My double din JVC head unit has an MP3 input. Would that work for something like that?

 

I tried the FM transmitter (2 different brands) - not satisfied with the sound at all. Ended up with the SIK Imp (allows for true line out + charging) and rca cable to my head unit (Kenwood KRC 535). This set up's sound difference is orders of magnitude better than the FM transmitter. For mounting ipod: I'm using a porta grip cell phone holder. I'll take some pics and post'em later. There are solutions to contol ipod from your oem headunit (dennison "icelink" and a few others) - search the forums @ www.ipodlounge.com (gear>car insalls). Lot's of ideas there.

 

alpine has also recently come out with a control box for their head units. check their website and ipod lounge for more info

 

Cool work. Mine's hardwired. I used a SiK IMP cable, to my stereo via an IP BUS AUX IN. PERFECT sound quality, and it charges! No need to waste money on the Alpine unless you want to control the iPod from the head unit.

 

also (especially for non-ipod players) this product (http://www.autotoys.com/x/catalog/OE...e_1_c_280.html) or similar will plug straight into the back of OEM head units, if you have a free CD changer port. no charging, but you get the audio piped in with a clean look, just run the jack wire out from under the dash...

but i am just using a $10 dollar cassette adapter. its definately not the weak link for sound quality if you are using OEM stereo. mine sounds great, i am using a rio carbon btw. rock on-

 

tape adapter, ipod in the front cupholder and i'm good to go.

 

Why not an aux input? That's what I plan on using.

 

Alright...after much delay, I finally got the fabric on. Next step will be the resin.
Getting this fabric smooth-ish was a pain in the @$$...took me the better part of an hour.
I think I am going to paint the whole thing gloss white when I am done.

Fabric 1
Fabric 2
Fabric 3

This being the first time I have really worked with fibreglass.....I am a little neverous about the whole thing......but whats the worst that can happen, right?
hahahaha

 

First coat of resin is on....fingers are crossed.
Pic

 

Mine's hardwired through the AUX input in my truck, but I use the iTrip FM transmitter when I'm traveling (rental cars) or in my wife's car. Definitely not as good as hardwired, but it works for my books on "tape".

 

sorry to be offtopic a bit, but what all comes with an ipod out of the box?

 

According to the website:

http://www.apple.com/ipod/specs.html
(page down to the bottom; the accesories vary with which iPod you're thinking of)

 

I guess we can use our tape players for something again. Yay!!!

 

Ahh, finally. I got the third coat of high gloss white on it. So now all I have to do is wait the full 7 days for it to cure (apparently)...and then install it. Meanwhile, I think I am going to start on version two, considering I am not happy with the results of this one. I guess we will see how that goes...

Final paint
Final Paint 2

 

lookin' good man!!

 

Well, the camera has been being stupid lately......but I finally got the finished pics taken. Unfortunatly, I am not done......version 2 is already underway.
Hahah, well......I guess thats just the way it is.
Pic (ignore the random hands)
Pic 2 (no hands)
Pic 3
It is a good feeling to be done though.....even if it is only temporary. Plus, it does do its job fantastically.