Pics of real car installations here!

[iMdB]

Ok, so I'm pretty much so excited I can't stand it.
I finally got a car after 20 years of torture, and I'm ready to mate my 15GB iPod to it. I just thought I'd tell people exactly what I was doing in case someone else decides to do something similar.

I just ordered the wonderful and amazing PIE X3 Auxiliary Input Selector with the accompanying cable for my car (2000 Accord Coupe). It lets me attach any auxiliary audio input (up to 3) in addition to my 6 CD changer that's right below my radio in the center of the dash. I ordered it from myradiostore.com for 97 bucks (that includes shipping and the vehicle-specific cable needed to hook up to my car's stereo). The same thing was availiable at logjam electronics for $117. Unlike the comparable soundgate model that was more expensive, the PIE X3 comes with a mini display that can be attached anywhere in the car, and allows you to switch between any of the compenents and the CD changer.

I also ordered the SiK imp, which i will use to both charge the iPod and provide a line out to connect to the PIE X3. I'm going to buy this 12VDC Car Power Adapter Outlet from radioshack, and tap into my existing power adapter outlet's lines, so that I don't take up an outlet, plus everything can be out of sight.

I must admit I stole most of my ideas from this dude Jeff (spacemansp1ff@yahoo.com), who created this wonderfully descriptive guide on how to set up an iPod in a 1999 Accord. I'm varying from his methods only slightly, since I'll have the wired remote display from the PIE X3 to deal with, plus I am going to have the cord come through the cup holder, since I'm going to use the Arkon iPod Cupholder Stand (or the Belkin TuneDok, I havent decided, it depends on which one holds it at a better height). Check out Jeff's page, he did a badass job...and for my sake, I hope it works.

The essentials (PIE X3, SiK imp) will be arriving within the next few days, and once I get them, I'll head over to the ratshack to get the other knicknacks (I already have a 3.5mm stereo plug to RCA cord). Wish me luck, as this is going to be a pretty big project, and I have pretty much 0 experience in taking apart my car. I'll post pictures of the install once I'm done. And for those wondering final cost of the whole thing, right now it looks to be around $157. If I didn't want to keep the CD changer, it would be a lot cheaper, like around $100. Wish me luck, I'm going to need it. Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Thanks

-Matt

[Torgo]

Originally posted by BackStageVirgin
ok this is my first post here, but I'm very envious of all of the people with their iPods installed in their cars. I have a factory installed CD player in my car and I am dying to get my iPod hooked up to my player. I purchased the iTrip, but the sound just isn't good enough for me. Can anyone help me figure out what I need to get/do for this to work?? Thanx ahead of time...

AIM: SLEtrKiNEGurl

What kind of car do you have? What model iPod do you have?

[BackStageVirgin]

I have a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire Sedan & a 20 gb iPod...any advice? I just spent about $600 total for my iPod (including a firewire port to hook it up to my computer) and I just don't want to have to spend a ton more....

[Torgo]

Take a look at this link:

http://www.jpcustoms.com/store/custo...cat=306&page=1

I'm not sure if this would work for your car, but it might. I'd suggest pulling out your headunit to check what type of connections it has on the back BEFORE you buy any adapters.

[BackStageVirgin]

Thanx so much for that link! I appreciate it. What sucks is that I know absolutely nothing about cars or their stereos. I think a guy at work will try to help me out. and I would definitely rather buy that Auxiliary Input rather then a new CD player for my car. Although a new CD player does sound cool, i won't need it if i get my iPod hooked up...wow I'm so excited.

Where could I possibly go to get that input? Just a car stereo place, or would Radio Shack possibly have it? I wonder....I don't want to order online, due to the fact that I'm impatient and I want to get it now!

[Torgo]

Unfortunately, I've never seen any of the input adapters available in stores, so I think you will have to order it online. Again, I would make sure that your stereo is compatible first (either by calling the adapter company or checking the back of the stereo yourself) so that you don't end up wasting your money.

As far as being impatient goes, I can definitely relate. Three simple words?Next Day Air.

[iMdB]

Originally posted by Torgo
Take a look at this link:

http://www.jpcustoms.com/store/custo...cat=306&page=1

I'm not sure if this would work for your car, but it might. I'd suggest pulling out your headunit to check what type of connections it has on the back BEFORE you buy any adapters.

While I'm sure Torgo used that link just to give you an idea of what you need, I would suggest shopping around a bit, backstageV-cardholder...the company that makes the adapter Torgo showed you, P.I.E., has two authorized retailers...myradiostore.com and Logjam Electronics. Just look for auxiliary input converters for a GM factory radio. They all have application guides, which detail which cars with which radios are compatible, so definitely check first. However, if you do screw up, i know myradiostore.com has a 21 day return policy. Plus, I used regular shipping, and I got my X3 the next day! for 6 bucks. Anyways, happy hunting, and if you're going to go the hardwire route, just realize you're going to have to take apart your car a bit and put it back together.

-Matt

[iMdB]

Originally posted by WhatIsWrong
in a 93 honda accord

how did u get ur head unit to say ipod

[signb0y]

here's mine.

[signb0y]

opened.

[signb0y]

with IPOD in dock position.

[stinkiedmb]

http://www.ipodlounge.com/forums/sho...threadid=31933


enjoy!

Jason

[iMdB]

bump

[chinhster]

I have two installs. One is for an iPod mini to a 2001 911 Turbo and the other is for a 3G 20GB to a 2003 4Runner Sport Edition. The Turbo is hooked up with a Belkin autokit. The 4Runner is hooked up with an icelink v1.1.

My signature has links to the pictures.

[ginalee]

In case anyone has any recent pics of a MINI install, I'd be interested cos I'm currently going thru my options

the ice link is a bit expensive, will see how the icarplay works...