iPod adapter cable

[roseforeplay]

I installed an iPod adapter that allows me to control the iPod with my headunit and steering wheel controls. I am at a loss though on how/where to run the cable. Currently I have the cable run under the center console and it comes out through the 'Not an ashtray' door. I removed the rubber on the inside. I thought this would be a good place as I could wrap the wire up and close the lid, but I never do that and I have have an extra rubber tray missing from my car.

I would like this accessory to appear somewhat stock or at least a natural fit in the car. I have thought about drilling a hole in the cubby bin and using a rubber filling, but I don't think this would look stock either.

Where would you guys think would be the best place to run the cable out of to make it look a natural part of the car? I would like the iPod to actually be in the cabin as well, not hidden as I have an iPod Touch and would use other features not controlled by the headunit. Thanks.

[KunalPatel87]

I installed an iPod adapter that allows me to control the iPod with my headunit and steering wheel controls. I am at a loss though on how/where to run the cable. Currently I have the cable run under the center console and it comes out through the 'Not an ashtray' door. I removed the rubber on the inside. I thought this would be a good place as I could wrap the wire up and close the lid, but I never do that and I have have an extra rubber tray missing from my car.

I would like this accessory to appear somewhat stock or at least a natural fit in the car. I have thought about drilling a hole in the cubby bin and using a rubber filling, but I don't think this would look stock either.

Where would you guys think would be the best place to run the cable out of to make it look a natural part of the car? I would like the iPod to actually be in the cabin as well, not hidden as I have an iPod Touch and would use other features not controlled by the headunit. Thanks.

I would personally run it to the glove box but that won't work for you since you want to use the iPod in other ways.

[chanke4252]

I have mine run to the cubby bin, and I have a hole just big enough for the connector to fit through cut near the upper right corner of the cubby. You cannot see the hole unless you look for it. I like this because I can shut the cubby door and hide the wires and ipod. I also did it this way so I didn't have an excess of cable flapping around in my cabin for when I get something to mount the ipod on the dash with.

A lot of other people have run the cable through the center console and have it coming out in the storage bin where that power adapter is in the arm rest. that way they can put it in the storage tray in the armrest, or have it in hand. This will look pretty much stock as well as long as you install it cleanly, though nobody really looks in the lower storage bin anyway so maybe it doesnt matter.

I have the usaspec unit, and i have to mount the main control box too. It is about 2.5x2x2" in size, and I have it mounted on the upper surface of the glovebox, facing down. I just drilled some holes and stuck some bolts and washers in there. I like it there because I can change the mode of the ipod or replace the unit if it fails w/o taking apart my interior.

If I had it to do over again, I might try to run it to the armrest, just to try it out.

[roseforeplay]

Well I was thinking of drilling a hole in the center cubby, but I'm afraid to crack the plastic cause my drill sucks. Also my ends are pretty big so I'd need a good size hole. (the end that plugs to the adapter is a little bigger than an S video adapter for comparison)

I think if I can get my hands on a good drill I'll try this route as it was the first thing I thought of as well. Thanks for the input guys and while I have it open I might try the armrest as well.

[chanke4252]

You really don't need a good drill to get through that plastic. The plastic is not the strongest stuff in the world, it's just cheap plastic, and pretty pliable. I drilled a hole and used a long, round file to shape the hole into the shape that I needed.

[KunalPatel87]

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5399&highlight=ipod+installation+success

Check out post 1 in that thread for some guidance. That link is great!

[roseforeplay]

I was more worried about my crappy drill requiring me to push down a lot for it to work and bending/cracking the plastic that way. but I assume once I get the hole going it wouldn't be too hard.

Good guide in that thread for removing the center console and everything. I used the Honda guides about the MusicLink for mine, but they are the same, just more colorful. Looks like the hole is doable and I'll do that, only I think I'll put it in the top of the cubby.

[mdnky]

I was more worried about my crappy drill requiring me to push down a lot for it to work and bending/cracking the plastic that way..

First off you should never push when drilling (some masonary work excluded)...let the bit do the work. If you have to push hard on the drill to get it to work, chances are its not the drill that's crappy but the drill bit(s) you're using. Go get a good set of bits from Sears and keep them sharp. That's the key to being able to drill things--sharp bits--way more important than the drill itself.

Start with a small bit and work your way up in size. If you want a 1/2" hole, start with a 1/8" bit, then a 1/4" bit, then the 1/2" bit. Doing so will make it less likely that the bit will grab before going through, or grab and crack the plastic.


I'm putting my cable through the cubby. Most likely with a hole on the top or bottom finished with a rubber grommet. Just have to decide on the adapter I'm going to use first.