Car Deck RCA Input Install Help

[motility]

Hi folks:

I bought an Alpine CDA-9851 today, and also purchased an AI Net/RCA adapter so I can run the Ipod in on RCA. I was initially considering getting the Ipod adapter, but I wan't pleased with its performance, so I'm waiting for a second or third gen adapter before I take that plunge.

The situation I find myself in is as follows: The AI-Net to RCA adapter cable is very short. I will need, I guess, to mod the plastic housing under my deck (area is a little plastic shelf on a mounting kit for a 1996 Buick LeSabre) in order to poke the RCA cables out into the cab. Either that, or I need to similarly mod the housing in order to run my ipod Y cable (dock connector to RCA) back behind the deck where it can then stay permanently connected to the RCA ins.

My question is this: What is the best means to mod the plastic case in order to feed to the RCA/external cables into the cab? Do I cut the housing with a razor, use a drill, or what is the best bet for creating an access point/window and not simultaneously cracking the plastic housing?

Any input on this would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[motility]

iBump


Help me please! If cutting thru the plastic is the wrong approach, and there's another simple way to get the iPod cableage into the car from the Ai-Net adapter, I'd be thrilled to know that, as well.

Thanks!

I haven't had a car for 14 years, so please forgive me if I wax incompetent. This is newish territory to me.

[motility]

that was very helpful. thank you.

[pdp76]

Why don't you get an "extension cable" for the RCA coming from the AInet adapter? You can pick one up at like Radio Shack for a few bucks..... female on one end and male on the other end. Then you have plenty of wire to run anywhere in your car, depending on how long the extension cable is. You probably won't have to drill and holes.

[motility]

thanks for the reply. The RCA to dock cable I have is quite long, and will easy stretch into the car from the AINet adapter. I'm just wondering how to get it out from where its plugged into the AINet adapter, and into the cab of the car. The AINet thingie is on th e back of the unit, inside the dash.

Thanks again for the response. I appreciate it. Cheers!

[wesc011]

Sometimes if you install an aftermarket deck it's smaller than the one that came with your car and there is a little space under or on top of the deck. If this is the case, you should just be able to pull out your deck and clip a hole in the corner of your plastic mounting harness and run the cable through there. That's what I did, until I realized that I could pull my console out (97 explorer) and run the cable from there to the armrest compartment which hid it a bit.

just read the rest of your thread and it looks like you do have the little compartment under your deck. go ahead and use that unless there's an easy way for your bottom console (if you have one) to come out.

also if you are willing to spend an extra 60 bucks go to www.blitzsafe.com and check out their universal ipod adapter, it charges and plays your ipod with better quality than the rca cables all through one cable going into your dock connector.

[motility]

thanks wes. What's the best way to clip the plastic?

Appreciate the help.

[wesc011]

I just used some needle-nosed pliers to cut a larger opening in a corner of the smaller compartment in the harness, and fed the wire through there.