DIY: Build your own custom iPod Mount!
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DIY: Build your own custom iPod Mount!
DIY: Custom IPod install
Goal: To create a seamless integration of an Apple IPod into our 7th generation civics while keeping a tight budget.
Est. Cost for build materials: $40
Est. Time to Complete: 15-20 hours
Okay, this is my first DIY ever. Doing this project was also the first thing I’ve ever done like it. This was even my first time using fiberglass. I didn’t want to spend much money on this, which is why I decided to do it myself. I had the rest of my stereo installed at a shop that overcharged me, so I decided to give this project a go myself.
Here’s a list of materials I used for this project:
Small Fiberglass kit (resin, fiberglass, hardener)
Medium container of Bondo
Medium sized block of Styrofoam
Bondo Glazing putty
Semi-gloss paint & Primer
Adhesive Spray
Vinyl
List of tools used:
Phillips and Standard Screwdrivers
Dremel tool with various attachments (essential)
Sandpaper (80 grit to 1500 grit wet/dry)
Razor blade
Step 1:
Placement and positioning of the IPod
There were many things I wanted to do with the iPod but many were simply not feasible or too hard to do in my garage. I wanted to make a “docking station” of sorts and have a permanent plug firm-mounted. This would be far too hard to accomplish with the cable I have to connect the iPod to my CD player.
I eventually decided to do a rather simple design: To flush mount the iPod next to the e-brake handle. I decided to have the iPod cable be something that could be pulled out and moved. This way I can hold the iPod if I need to and still have it connected, but when it’s “docked” you would never see it.
Step 2:
Starting the Project.
Using Forum Bot’s guide (http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/sh...center+console,) I removed the center console tray and headed into the garage. I taped it up
After this was done I applied the fiberglass. I simply followed the instructions on the back of the can and it was incredibly easy. Sticky, but easy. After applying the fiberglass (I used 2 layers but 1 would probably work,) I allowed it to harden by setting it next to a heater (its too cold here in Montana for it to dry on its own)
I popped the fiberglass mold out and inspected my work. It looked pretty good So I used the dremel and trimmed the excess. I then grabbed my block of Styrofoam and cut it into a block that barely fit in the fiberglass mold. I then trimmed it to match the contours of the mold and placed it in the mold to decide where I wanted my iPod.
I couldn’t put it in the center because the e-brake would get in the way, and I couldn’t put it too far on the left or it wouldn’t have enough support, so I picked a place kind of in the middle and used a sanding tool with the dremel to groove out the spot for my iPod, making it bigger than the actual size.
Next I had to decide where I wanted to put my cord. It had to clear the plastic behind the trim piece, which, it of course didn’t. Since this was the only place to put it I had to cut the black pieces of excess plastic on the back of the trim. Next I cut a hole in the trim “cup” (the place where we’re putting the iPod, I’ll call it this from now on.) After cutting the back of the cup for my cable, I cut through the fiberglass and Styrofoam to match it. I now had a way to run my cable underneath everything. The next step was to start filling in the fiberglass mold with bondo. I removed the Styrofoam mold and set it aside. I mixed up a medium sized batch of bondo and applied a layer to the bottom of the fiberglass mold. I then placed the Styrofoam back over it and filled in the sides and top with more bondo.
After drying I sanded the bondo and used the dremel to groove out the spot for the iPod more carefully. I added more layers of bondo until it filled in completely with a smooth top. As you’re doing this keep checking the clearance of your cable. You want to make sure its fitting before you connect the fiberglass mold to the trim piece cup. When you are satisfied with your progress, place a layer of bondo in the bottom of the cup, and place the fiberglass mold in it. Apply bondo throughout the sides of the mold making sure it fills in. After it cures begin sanding. This is another good time to use the dremel because you’ll want to knock off all the large pieces before you hand-sand. Begin sanding with 80 grit to get the basic mold. For mine I wanted a slight arch in the design to keep with the look of the rest of the trim. You’ll be doing this a lot because as you sand you’ll notice air bubbles that you’ll want to fill in. Keep doing so until the layer is smooth. You’ll also want the seams where the bondo ends and the trim starts to be smooth. Use glazing putty if needed to fill in any hairline cracks. You want to be able to run your hand and fingernails over the seam and not feel anything. That way when you paint it will appear like one continuous piece. For the iPod groove, make sure it’s a little bigger than the size of the iPod, because after we lay vinyl inside of it, it will become tighter. If you’re a master of the dremel and you can make the groove smooth enough, you may be able to get away with strictly paint, although I wouldn’t recommend it. I’d definitely put some material in there to cushion the iPod and to give you more room for error.
When you are COMPLETELY SATISFIED with the look and feel of your piece, it’s time to apply primer. If you don’t know how to paint properly, keep reading, if you know go to B
A) I was a first-time painter myself once and I made plenty of mistakes because I never took the time to learn properly. This is just a very brief explanation of what you want to do when painting. First, you need to concentrate on the area you’re going to be painting in. It should be well ventilated, free from dust and debris and give you plenty of room to work without worrying about getting paint on everything. My garage was the best thing for me. It’s a good idea to wet the floor with some water to attract dust to it and keep it from flying up while painting. Now, to paint your trim piece, make sure it is clean and free from dust and bondo powder. Place it on a piece of cardboard, on a table that you can work around. Shake your can of primer or paint well and stand back a decent distance. Start your “stroke” BEFORE the piece begins and continue until AFTER you’re dong painting the piece (I hope that makes sense) If you don’t do this paint will build up on either side of your trim and it will look bad. The second key to a good paint job is to apply in thin layers. You’re not going to coat the whole thing in one application. Give it one little mist, wait until it dries and add another. Repeat this until you reach plenty of coats. (No joke— I added 5 coats of primer and about 20 of paint)
B) After painting sand with 1500 grit sandpaper and then wetsand to ensure a perfectly smooth material. I won’t be using a clear coat for this because I don’t want the interior to be shiny and glossy, I want it flat. However, If you either want the shiny look or you’re worried about keeping your trim protected some clear coat will do the job.
I also painted the shifter trim to make it match everything. I’m very OCD about things so having one even slightly off would bug me. To remove it remove the entire center console, turn it upside down and unscrew the trim piece. EASY!
To apply the vinyl, wait until your paint has COMPLETELY DRIED (Don’t you DARE touch the surface of it until it is completely 100% perfectly dry or I will come to your house and kill you!! Trust me, you don’t want to leave your fingerprints on it. Been there, done that) and get to work. Make a little paper or cardboard template with the iPod shape cut out of it and apply it over the trim piece. Spray the Adhesive into the grooves of the piece and on the back of the vinyl. Allow to dry about a minute until they become tacky. Place the vinyl over the trim and heat with a hair dryer. Get it pretty hot and press the iPod into the vinyl to fill the groove. Keep applying heat and pull on the ends of the vinyl to remove as many wrinkles as possible. Allow the adhesive to dry with the iPod still in the vinyl and trim the excess with a very shape razor blade. Cut a small slit in the back for the cord to go through. At this point you should be able to put the piece back in your car, hook it up and marvel your work. Pat yourself on the back! You turned a $400+ install job (I got quoted $450 minimum, and he even said I probably wouldn’t like how it turned out) into a $50 job and gained tons of experience!
Final Results:
It turned out pretty well for my first real project like this. I’m pleased with the paint sheen. It gives it the look of a stock piece. If you’re wondering about the cable I used to hook up my iPod, it’s a peripheral cable that hooks up to my CD player’s CD Changer plug. This way I get quality sound from it. An FM transmitter would work, but would sound… terrible! I’m an audiophile so the $100 cable was worth it to me. It may look like It would be hard to see the screen or access the click wheel, but its not. My hand rests comfortably on the ebrake with plenty of room to touch the click screen and because of the angle I can see the screen fine. its the perfect location!
Now, since this was my first DIY I’d be more than happy to hear suggestions on how to make it better or easier to understand. If you have any questions about this or anything else, feel free to PM me or post it here.
Goal: To create a seamless integration of an Apple IPod into our 7th generation civics while keeping a tight budget.
Est. Cost for build materials: $40
Est. Time to Complete: 15-20 hours
Okay, this is my first DIY ever. Doing this project was also the first thing I’ve ever done like it. This was even my first time using fiberglass. I didn’t want to spend much money on this, which is why I decided to do it myself. I had the rest of my stereo installed at a shop that overcharged me, so I decided to give this project a go myself.
Here’s a list of materials I used for this project:
Small Fiberglass kit (resin, fiberglass, hardener)
Medium container of Bondo
Medium sized block of Styrofoam
Bondo Glazing putty
Semi-gloss paint & Primer
Adhesive Spray
Vinyl
List of tools used:
Phillips and Standard Screwdrivers
Dremel tool with various attachments (essential)
Sandpaper (80 grit to 1500 grit wet/dry)
Razor blade
Step 1:
Placement and positioning of the IPod
There were many things I wanted to do with the iPod but many were simply not feasible or too hard to do in my garage. I wanted to make a “docking station” of sorts and have a permanent plug firm-mounted. This would be far too hard to accomplish with the cable I have to connect the iPod to my CD player.
I eventually decided to do a rather simple design: To flush mount the iPod next to the e-brake handle. I decided to have the iPod cable be something that could be pulled out and moved. This way I can hold the iPod if I need to and still have it connected, but when it’s “docked” you would never see it.
Step 2:
Starting the Project.
Using Forum Bot’s guide (http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/sh...center+console,) I removed the center console tray and headed into the garage. I taped it up
After this was done I applied the fiberglass. I simply followed the instructions on the back of the can and it was incredibly easy. Sticky, but easy. After applying the fiberglass (I used 2 layers but 1 would probably work,) I allowed it to harden by setting it next to a heater (its too cold here in Montana for it to dry on its own)
I popped the fiberglass mold out and inspected my work. It looked pretty good So I used the dremel and trimmed the excess. I then grabbed my block of Styrofoam and cut it into a block that barely fit in the fiberglass mold. I then trimmed it to match the contours of the mold and placed it in the mold to decide where I wanted my iPod.
I couldn’t put it in the center because the e-brake would get in the way, and I couldn’t put it too far on the left or it wouldn’t have enough support, so I picked a place kind of in the middle and used a sanding tool with the dremel to groove out the spot for my iPod, making it bigger than the actual size.
Next I had to decide where I wanted to put my cord. It had to clear the plastic behind the trim piece, which, it of course didn’t. Since this was the only place to put it I had to cut the black pieces of excess plastic on the back of the trim. Next I cut a hole in the trim “cup” (the place where we’re putting the iPod, I’ll call it this from now on.) After cutting the back of the cup for my cable, I cut through the fiberglass and Styrofoam to match it. I now had a way to run my cable underneath everything. The next step was to start filling in the fiberglass mold with bondo. I removed the Styrofoam mold and set it aside. I mixed up a medium sized batch of bondo and applied a layer to the bottom of the fiberglass mold. I then placed the Styrofoam back over it and filled in the sides and top with more bondo.
After drying I sanded the bondo and used the dremel to groove out the spot for the iPod more carefully. I added more layers of bondo until it filled in completely with a smooth top. As you’re doing this keep checking the clearance of your cable. You want to make sure its fitting before you connect the fiberglass mold to the trim piece cup. When you are satisfied with your progress, place a layer of bondo in the bottom of the cup, and place the fiberglass mold in it. Apply bondo throughout the sides of the mold making sure it fills in. After it cures begin sanding. This is another good time to use the dremel because you’ll want to knock off all the large pieces before you hand-sand. Begin sanding with 80 grit to get the basic mold. For mine I wanted a slight arch in the design to keep with the look of the rest of the trim. You’ll be doing this a lot because as you sand you’ll notice air bubbles that you’ll want to fill in. Keep doing so until the layer is smooth. You’ll also want the seams where the bondo ends and the trim starts to be smooth. Use glazing putty if needed to fill in any hairline cracks. You want to be able to run your hand and fingernails over the seam and not feel anything. That way when you paint it will appear like one continuous piece. For the iPod groove, make sure it’s a little bigger than the size of the iPod, because after we lay vinyl inside of it, it will become tighter. If you’re a master of the dremel and you can make the groove smooth enough, you may be able to get away with strictly paint, although I wouldn’t recommend it. I’d definitely put some material in there to cushion the iPod and to give you more room for error.
When you are COMPLETELY SATISFIED with the look and feel of your piece, it’s time to apply primer. If you don’t know how to paint properly, keep reading, if you know go to B
A) I was a first-time painter myself once and I made plenty of mistakes because I never took the time to learn properly. This is just a very brief explanation of what you want to do when painting. First, you need to concentrate on the area you’re going to be painting in. It should be well ventilated, free from dust and debris and give you plenty of room to work without worrying about getting paint on everything. My garage was the best thing for me. It’s a good idea to wet the floor with some water to attract dust to it and keep it from flying up while painting. Now, to paint your trim piece, make sure it is clean and free from dust and bondo powder. Place it on a piece of cardboard, on a table that you can work around. Shake your can of primer or paint well and stand back a decent distance. Start your “stroke” BEFORE the piece begins and continue until AFTER you’re dong painting the piece (I hope that makes sense) If you don’t do this paint will build up on either side of your trim and it will look bad. The second key to a good paint job is to apply in thin layers. You’re not going to coat the whole thing in one application. Give it one little mist, wait until it dries and add another. Repeat this until you reach plenty of coats. (No joke— I added 5 coats of primer and about 20 of paint)
B) After painting sand with 1500 grit sandpaper and then wetsand to ensure a perfectly smooth material. I won’t be using a clear coat for this because I don’t want the interior to be shiny and glossy, I want it flat. However, If you either want the shiny look or you’re worried about keeping your trim protected some clear coat will do the job.
I also painted the shifter trim to make it match everything. I’m very OCD about things so having one even slightly off would bug me. To remove it remove the entire center console, turn it upside down and unscrew the trim piece. EASY!
To apply the vinyl, wait until your paint has COMPLETELY DRIED (Don’t you DARE touch the surface of it until it is completely 100% perfectly dry or I will come to your house and kill you!! Trust me, you don’t want to leave your fingerprints on it. Been there, done that) and get to work. Make a little paper or cardboard template with the iPod shape cut out of it and apply it over the trim piece. Spray the Adhesive into the grooves of the piece and on the back of the vinyl. Allow to dry about a minute until they become tacky. Place the vinyl over the trim and heat with a hair dryer. Get it pretty hot and press the iPod into the vinyl to fill the groove. Keep applying heat and pull on the ends of the vinyl to remove as many wrinkles as possible. Allow the adhesive to dry with the iPod still in the vinyl and trim the excess with a very shape razor blade. Cut a small slit in the back for the cord to go through. At this point you should be able to put the piece back in your car, hook it up and marvel your work. Pat yourself on the back! You turned a $400+ install job (I got quoted $450 minimum, and he even said I probably wouldn’t like how it turned out) into a $50 job and gained tons of experience!
Final Results:
It turned out pretty well for my first real project like this. I’m pleased with the paint sheen. It gives it the look of a stock piece. If you’re wondering about the cable I used to hook up my iPod, it’s a peripheral cable that hooks up to my CD player’s CD Changer plug. This way I get quality sound from it. An FM transmitter would work, but would sound… terrible! I’m an audiophile so the $100 cable was worth it to me. It may look like It would be hard to see the screen or access the click wheel, but its not. My hand rests comfortably on the ebrake with plenty of room to touch the click screen and because of the angle I can see the screen fine. its the perfect location!
Now, since this was my first DIY I’d be more than happy to hear suggestions on how to make it better or easier to understand. If you have any questions about this or anything else, feel free to PM me or post it here.
I just burnt my tongue
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damn i have like a gallon of bondo (evercoat baby!)...well not much left anyways but i got all that stuff except fiber glass...i needa get some but i dont have a center console with that...i got an arm rest so im gotta see where i can put it
I just burnt my tongue
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Rep Power: 321 after closer inspection of your pics where u didnt sand the bondo down and put more on top...if u have air bubles between bondo layers you can get cracks when it gets hot because the air expands but it has no where to go...so becareful not to let that area be directly exposed to sunlight
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yea its removable you can see the part where you can slip your finger in.....seems like this is only good for certain models cause my 04 ex has the armrest right there so its impossible
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Originally Posted by DDragon7
Does the ipod connect to your car audio system? Cuz I dont see any wires for it. Unless it sits there and look nice without doing any thing.
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That's something I'm trying to figure out for my iPod-mounting project. I have an Alpine CDA-9856 with the Hi-Speed iPod cable connector. I have everything figured out, in regards to placement and whatnot, but my main problem has been recharging the iPod. I'll have to try to find an adaptor, to hook up the iPod to the HU at the same time it's being charged by the 12V socket. Unfortunately, the HU doesn't charge the iPod when it's connected, so it makes for a very interesting scenario to resolve...
Originally Posted by TransformedBG
Im hoping it connects, cause if not how you going to charge that on a long distance drive lol.
Last edited by Scott Civic; Mar 13, 2006 at 04:00 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
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Rep Power: 476 you can get something that charges your ipod while its plugged into the HU and while your listening to it http://www.cardomain.com/item/USSPA11HON you can get it for aftermarket or stock headunits, this is what i have tho(doesnt charge) and how its setup...works great for me and was only like $50...ipod sits in the holder on the driver side ac vent
Last edited by RHCP0801; Mar 13, 2006 at 04:14 PM.
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Originally Posted by RHCP0801
you can get something that charges your ipod while its plugged into the HU and while your listening to it http://www.cardomain.com/item/USSPA11HON you can get it for aftermarket or stock headunits, this is what i have tho(doesnt charge) and how its setup...works great for me and was only like $50...ipod sits in the holder on the driver side ac vent
Last edited by Scott Civic; Mar 14, 2006 at 06:41 AM.
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Originally Posted by Scott Civic
Yeah, but the problem is that I'm trying to preserve the HU functionality for the iPod, while getting the iPod to take a charge. Sure, your way works, but will it still allow me to use my Alpine to use the iPod through the HU's display and controls?
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Originally Posted by TransformedBG
You mean your alpine deck doesnt charger your ipod as you play? That sucks. I got that Alipine Ipod adapter for my 9885? *modle number not to sure* but hooked it up for 99 bucks works perfectly and charges. I put my ipod in the little box, *but havent made a mount like this thread* Figured i might do something with plexi glass instead*
http://www.alpine-usa.com/en/search/...d=ipod%20cable
WooHoo! Now, I read and reread the owner's manual for the 9856 and there was nothing there stating that the 422i cable was capable of charging the iPod when in use, so, I assumed that it was only a connection device, not a connection/charging device. My only question, for both my future application and this mod, is whether or not it will continue charging once the car is turned off or if its charging ability is there only when the car or radio is on? Personally, I'm presuming that the KCE-422i's charging abilities are tied into the staus of the HU, i.e. HU's on, the 422i's charging, the HU's off, the 422i's off. If THAT'S the correct scenario, then that should also mean that the iPod would go into sleep mode when the vehicle is turned off, just like it does when there are no headphones plugged in. Any ideals?
did u use a stock radio? What wire did u use if u did?
what wire do I have to get for it to attach to my ipod?
Originally Posted by RHCP0801
you can get something that charges your ipod while its plugged into the HU and while your listening to it http://www.cardomain.com/item/USSPA11HON you can get it for aftermarket or stock headunits, this is what i have tho(doesnt charge) and how its setup...works great for me and was only like $50...ipod sits in the holder on the driver side ac vent
what wire do I have to get for it to attach to my ipod?
Last edited by Civicman1988; Mar 16, 2006 at 07:48 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
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Originally Posted by Civicman1988
did u use a stock radio? What wire did u use if u did?
Originally Posted by RHCP0801
you can get something that charges your ipod while its plugged into the HU and while your listening to it http://www.cardomain.com/item/USSPA11HON you can get it for aftermarket or stock headunits, this is what i have tho(doesnt charge) and how its setup...works great for me and was only like $50...ipod sits in the holder on the driver side ac vent
Originally Posted by TransformedBG
I got that Alipine Ipod adapter for my 9885? *modle number not to sure* but hooked it up for 99 bucks works perfectly and charges...
Last edited by Scott Civic; Mar 15, 2006 at 06:40 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Originally Posted by Civicman1988
did u use a stock radio? What wire did u use if u did?
Who's that question aimed at?
did u use a stock radio? What wire did u use if u did?
Who's that question aimed at?
this question was aimed at u?
can any help i have a stock radio can i hook my ipod up with a wire?
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Rep Power: 476 yes you can, i hooked mine up to my stock radio using this
it plugs into the cd changer port on the stock HU, it took me about 10 mins to install and its cd quality sound, you cant control it through the HU tho, the one that does that cost over $100, this cost around $40
it plugs into the cd changer port on the stock HU, it took me about 10 mins to install and its cd quality sound, you cant control it through the HU tho, the one that does that cost over $100, this cost around $40
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Originally Posted by RHCP0801
yes you can, i hooked mine up to my stock radio using this
it plugs into the cd changer port on the stock HU, it took me about 10 mins to install and its cd quality sound, you cant control it through the HU tho, the one that does that cost over $100, this cost around $40
it plugs into the cd changer port on the stock HU, it took me about 10 mins to install and its cd quality sound, you cant control it through the HU tho, the one that does that cost over $100, this cost around $40
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Originally Posted by Civicman1988
does teh black wire come with this? Can i put it where Cram has his? What do u mean i can not control it from the HU?
