View Full Version : Painting the Belkin Auto Kit
Too Artificial
08-21-2004, 01:17 PM
I just picked up the Belkin Auto Kit for my WRX yesterday. Once I put it in the car, I realized the white cable stands out way too much against the dark dash. I'm thinking of painting the cable (only the cable) to match the dash, and leaving the plug and connector white. Anyone see an issue with this as long as I keep the connectors clear of any paint?
thanks in advance
It's not a bad idea to recolor the Belkin. When I see a white Belkin in a car, I can't help but think that it's a sign saying "please break-in, there might be an ipod in this car".
I suggest using a vinyl dye instead of paint to color the Belkin.
See the following link for more info about vinyl dye.
Vinyl Dye FAQ and Guide (http://www.gideontech.com/content/articles/202/1)
Disassemble the plastic assembly and use tape to mask off the stuff that you don't want the dye to get on; like the metal part of the iPod connector and the circuit board.
Too Artificial
08-21-2004, 11:22 PM
xsfo, thanks for the reply. That's more of what I was looking for. I did some rigging in my car today and have managed to conceal most of the cabling but there's still going to be some exposure. Is there any reason not to do this? The only concern I have is I saw mentioned on the site you linked that runs will soak into plastic over time and I'm curious if that's a problem for the underlying wires.
If there aren't any issues, I will likely do this in addition to the cable routing and it should turn out quite well. Will post pics when I'm done.
IANAMSE (I am not a materials science engineer) but there shouldn't be any problem with the dye and wires.
In short, there shouldn't be any problem with your plan. I do suggest you color the plastic part of the connector though. Just remember to mask off the metal part.
Just so you know, I did the whole Belkin up in flat black. I recommend the flat black instead of the gloss black.
jwc110869
08-22-2004, 09:53 AM
What about colored electrical tape (vinyl). I've seen so many colors of this stuff for abot $2 per roll. If you're careful, you could do a nice spiral job for the foot or two thats exposed. Most paints can't flex the way a cable can. If you're handy at all, cables come in all kinds colors at the electrical supply shops. The people that work in these places (as opposed to the home centers) really know their stuff.
The vinyl dye on the cable is (so far) pretty resistant to flexing off. It's not that big a problem. Remember it is NOT a paint.
Wrapping the cable in electrical tape? Yeah that'd would work, but that is so ghetto. Anyway, a black permanent marker would a cheaper an easier ghetto solution than tape.
Too Artificial
08-23-2004, 10:12 PM
Hey guys, if you're interested, here's how it turned out.
http://homepage.mac.com/mot4t/PhotoAlbum10.html
okandroid
08-23-2004, 11:59 PM
Totally ultra pimp. What kind of holder is that? Im looking for one and that looks cool.
The holder is an air vent cell phone holder. You can get a similar one at Radio Shack http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=17-548
Or you can save a couple bucks and find one on ebay.
okandroid
08-24-2004, 11:58 PM
And that car holder fits well with an ipod, also does it fit an ipod with an iskin?
An ipod by itself definitely fits when the holder is open to its widest.
I haven't tried an ipod with an iskin. It would be very tight if it did fit. The grippers are a hard foam so they may give a little. Try it out at Radio Shack.
Update: I just checked out the Radio Shack holder. The foam is firm but compressible. I figure you could squeeze an ipod with iskin into it although it'd be a little tight.