Ipad Mini Dash Install Mod

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

ness

ness

Joined
Apr 26, 2011
Threads
17
Messages
53
Location
Victoria, Canada
Yo guys. Just wanted to show some pics of the dash mod I did in my RHD 81.
Bluetooth stereo sits behind in the double din slot, so I can control the sony head unit via app remote and still use external GPS etc.
Install inspired by work of soundman car audio guys in Cali and their installs. They do amazing work for sure.

Fibreglass pan now has cut-out for the stereo (no pic yet), which sits behind the ipad. The ipad is held in pace by magnets along the top edge.

Pretty happy with the install. Looks fairly stock and allows me to run music, nav and other functions via the removal ipad.

Still have to make the bottom switch bezel for 12v lighter and internal LED light switches and USB port.

Let me know your feedback. Thx

Fraser

IMG_3805.jpg


IMG_3800.jpg


IMG_3767.jpg


IMG_3791.jpg


IMG_3779.jpg
 
Very nice work. Looks like it rolled off the line ready to drop the iPad right in.
 
Same magnetic strip that's in the smart cover, made by apple for the ipad....so I figure it's all good. I cut apart the smartcover and epoxied the magnetic strip into the fibreglass pan, then sanded and finished.

Works perfect. No probs.....I thought that could mess up the functionality too, but apparently apple have it figured out.
 
Very well done! What did you use to re-coat that dash piece? It has a very nice OEM looking dark color to it.
 
ness said:
Same magnetic strip that's in the smart cover, made by apple for the ipad....so I figure it's all good. I cut apart the smartcover and epoxied the magnetic strip into the fibreglass pan, then sanded and finished.

Works perfect. No probs.....I thought that could mess up the functionality too, but apparently apple have it figured out.
Click to expand...

Cool and that install looks super clean.

I'm guessing the ipad pops in and out very easily then.



Hmmmm this has got me thinking for down the line

Actually when the mini first came out I said the only reason I can see for someone buying one over the regular Ipad is a carputer install.
 
Last edited:
Thanks guys. Dash repainted with flat-black paint over many coats of primer.
When I installed all with switches and screwed it all in place, the ipad is rubbing on one side, so I'll have to hand-sand and fine tune that spot and it'll be perfect.
Basically, there's a bit of room behind the bottom edge of the mini and you push on the bottom to release the magnets and then pop out the ipad.
I'll take a pic and post.
 
I guess you could have it bluetoothed to the car data sending unit like torque for the android. Do they have a good one for apple products?
 
The WCDMA 3G would only work on AT&T and T-Mobile in the US. Think I would rather wait for a model that supports LTE.
 
Atoyot1031 said:
That's nice work! I'm an android guy though, and thinking about one of these ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/Double-Din-..._Dash_Units_w_GPS&hash=item27d37fec56&vxp=mtr ). A fraction of the cost and effort, native GPS, power, Toyota boot screen, any MP3, AVI, or ripped/burned music or video I desire, SD Card, plus DVDs/discs of any variety. My .02
Click to expand...

Don't mean to high jack the thread but I think this is by far the best option in a car stereo. The fact that you have android apps available makes the possibilities endless. There is one out there that is actually a tablet that can be removed from the front of the stereo. I'm sure the tablet isn't anywhere close to the latest Nexus or Ipad, etc... but it's a nice feature for not much over the other models. I plan on trying this unit out soon...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/19086131022...l?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=190861310222&_rdc=1

I do think the Ipad is super cool and the UI of apple touch products is second to none. (These android car stereos are all resistive touch, don't support multi-touch) But the price to do a proper install with the Ipad to get quality sound out of the speakers of your car is too expensive. For those interested in attempting this check out Soundman on youtube. Has a ton of content related to installing ipads into vehicle dash.
 
I didn't like the looks of the removeable tablet one, and I've read issues with the fact that the head unit is running separate OS for the tablet and stereo. Better to do one thing well IMO. You can still use a Bluetooth dongle from ebay on the OBDII port and get live data from your LC. I can use the hotspot on my phone to create a local WIFI network for the head unit to have internet access without having to pay for service for a 3G dongle. I also have built in headrest DVD players with zip closures for the kiddos in the backseat. We call them the sanity machines. Makes road trips to Moab a breeze...
 
I was just thinkin about doing something like this. I'm curius about the bluetooth stereo, and how it works with music and stuff.
 
NIce install, I actually picked up a second dash bezel with the intention of fitting a 10" ipad into it but there just isn't enough room without moving the HVAC controls. When the mini came out the first thing that came to mind was exactly this project, just on a LHD 97 dash. I like the way you used the magnetic strip to hold it in, very clever, any more pics of that? I think figuring out a secure way to hold while keeping it removable is the biggest challange, well done:cheers:

Currently i just BT my iphone directly to an amp, no head unit:hillbilly:
 
Atoyot1031 said:
That's nice work! I'm an android guy though, and thinking about one of these ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/Double-Din-..._Dash_Units_w_GPS&hash=item27d37fec56&vxp=mtr ). A fraction of the cost and effort, native GPS, power, Toyota boot screen, any MP3, AVI, or ripped/burned music or video I desire, SD Card, plus DVDs/discs of any variety. My .02
Click to expand...

That looks nice but I would hesitate (Me) because it's coming from an ebayer in the big C. I'd worry about support or quality issues.
 
bpassmore said:
http://kanor.en.alibaba.com/productgrouplist-219020853/2Din_Universal_Car_DVD_Playe_Series.html

Welcome to capacitive touch screens too....

I will be buying one of these models.

This exporter will send qty1 for $20 bucks more.

Doubledin, 6.2" wifi, 3g, bluetooth, gps, dual sd cards, usb, pre outs, composite in and out, backup camera, hd radio, rds, etc etc, plus capacitive touch, and the total is $290 plus 60 to ship.
Click to expand...

ive got one in the mail to me right now. cant wait till it gets here.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

charlay61
HDJ81 1995 dash Question.
Replies
6
Views
542
veiloctane
veiloctane
Darije
  • Question
HELP. All this dash lights at the same time?
Replies
7
Views
390
Darije
Darije
gomie434
LX450 York OBA Install
Replies
5
Views
848
gomie434
gomie434
WarriorJ
Is there a thread for behind the dash rattle?
Replies
5
Views
431
WarriorJ
WarriorJ

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 1 (members: 0, guests: 1)

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom