Ipod hookup option - custom drive and play install: '03 M45

[stroked347]

Hey all,

I know this is a topic that has been previously addressed as I did search the forum, however, w/ new products always coming out, I thought I would resurrect this topic...any opinions, thoughts are greatly appreciated!

I am going to be doing a custom install w/ a Harmon Kardon Drive + Play 2 (based off of Bag302's install w/ Drive + Play 1- zerothread/230835)

Since there is no auxillary input in the 03 M45's, I was planning on going 1 of 2 ways: (assuming there isn't a better idea out there)

1. Use a tape cassette adaptor (I currently use one for the ipod and sound quality is ok at best)2. Use a FM adapter (plug-in) designed for the drive + play. No wireless transmission...

So, if anyone has opinions on either of these options, know of a better way, I would greatly appreciate it since I'm game for anything that will get me the best sound!

Of course, once I commence install I will take pictures and post the process for anyone interested. Many thanks to Bag302 for the detailed process and pics that will help me greatly with the installation.

Thanks!

[lfj2025]

I've tried both the FM adapter worked better.

[DRIPS]

I have the tape adapter. I bought the best one at Best Buy. I keep the tape in the tape deck all the time and never take it out. I routed the wire under the wood dash and had it come up in the cup holder. THis is perfectly hidden. ALl you really see is about 1/8 of an inch of wire going immediately behind the dash. this works very well. I get a full week out of my ipod using it all the time in the car and at work. plus i can completely hide the ipod in the cup holder when not using it. Sound quality is great. Total cost is less than 25 bucks.

[Bag302]

Tell me more about your plans for the drive + play 2. (I'm always looking for better solutions).

I'm now considering a Griffin Tunecenter dock buried in the center console, using the TV out to my aftermarket nav.

They are blowing out the the tunedocks on Griffin's website for <$40

[TransporterM45]

I Had a Sirius Portable radio installed by bestbuy last Christmas. i believe this model is the stiletto 100, it has a few interesting features, i can play my mp3's and record what i like. The only downfall is that i payed a lil over 500 about a year ago. i could of done the install my self but it was only 50 bucks. This model is 120 right now so it will probably cost about 250 with the dock and the antenna.Here are some pictures

[stroked347]

As for the Drive and play 2, I'm planning on an install much like yours. I had heard that the dp2 still charges the ipod when the car is turned off (if I hardwire it) so i'm planning on putting a power switch in the cigarette lighter location.

From reviews I've read, it seems the fm plug-in gets slightly better sound quality than the cassette adaptor (i'm currently using the cassette) so i'm gonna give it a shot and see which i like better.

I hadn't gotten that far into plans since I won't have the DP2 in hand til tomorrow so everything could change once i get it. I still need to manage to fit it into the ashtray area. I just had seen your install and it looked clean, then i found a good price on the dp2 and figured i'd give it a shot.

HOWEVER,

All that's gonna have to wait a few weeks now - got rearended last night so the car will be in the shop a week or so....damage wasn't terribly extensive as the quarters and taillights were untouched - but i'll need a new trunk lid and rear bumper for sure...

[stroked347]

the sirius hookup is really nice and that's a pretty clean install. I believe the dp2 also has a sirius radio hookup but I'll have to check that out. If infiniti had made an aux input it would make all of this a lot easier...

[Bag302]

Sorry to hear about your accident. Let me know if the DP2 screen fits in the ashtray. I believe it's bigger than the DP1.

Alpine makes a similar one called the EX-10. Saw it in CRutchfield $199: has bluetooth also and a smaller color screen.

[lfj2025]

I have the Pro.Fit VSM bracket for 2003-2004 M45. I believe it cost $30-$35 will ship it for $20. You can go to http://www.pro-fit-intl.com/Adobe/IF-51-02.pdf and see the install.

[stroked347]

Thanks. I know the dp2 has a 3.5" screen while the dp1 was smaller - however, the housing for the dp2 screen looked narrower than the dp1's housing so I'm hoping the larger screen and narrower case will cancel each out.

I've also looked at the mounting brackets for sirius radios and such and while they are sturdy, I just can't get past the 'aftermarket' look. The install in the ashtray is such a clean look w/ no wires, housing, etc. and it all just folds in when you get out of the car.

I'll let you know once I start doing mock up for the install as to how well the dp2's screen will fit - i might have to 'alter' the ashtray if it doesn't fit outright

[Bag302]

I hope it fits because I would like to upgrade to the DP2. Have you seen them both side by side? Or measure it when you get it and I'll compare it to the DP1.

I did not want to cut up the ashtray, so I had to take the back of the DP off to make it fit.

[stroked347]

I was unable to find a local store that had them in stock so I haven't seen them side by side yet. It should get delivered today so I'll measure it once it arrives and let you know.

I'd hate to have to cut up the ashtray so I had been planning on taking off the back of the display like your install. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will fit.

[Bag302]

Yeah, I'm not sure what would be worse ruining the ashtray or the DP2. Any deals on those things or are they $399 everywhere?

[stroked347]

I'll just have to wait and see what alterations will be required...I'm going to size it up this evening so I'll let you know the DP2 specs and whether it looks like it will fit or not.

I picked up the DP2 for $280.00 off the following websitehttp://www.sonicelectronix.com

I've been watching for the lowest price for a while and that was the best I've seen since it came out. I picked up the FM adapter plug in for $30.00 so hopefully I'll be able to complete the install for under $350.00.

[stroked347]

Just got the DP2. The display measures 4.375" wide by 2.75" tall by .625" deep (back is bowl shaped).

From some initial estimating, it looks like some ashtray modification will be needed to make the DP2 fit. Because of the DP2 case design, I don't think it is possible to remove the rear panel to free up space.

I hate to cut up the ashtray (especially since they cost upwards of $400 new) but i don't see any other solution...unless someone has an extra ashtray sitting around that they're willing to sell for cheap...

[stroked347]

So, after a month of waiting for a new DP2 - here's an update on my progress and plans...

Thanks to Bag302's satellite radio install instruction, ashtray removal was a breeze and took 5 mins to pull. After disassembling the ashtray, It looks like the DP2 will probably not fit (even if I cut up the ashtray internals) so new plan:

I'm making a custom panel to fit in place of the ashtray unit - I've ordered 'ash burl' veneer from a wood company which matches the interior trim so after lots of cutting/sanding/staining it should be a factory match and look original. Everything should be here by this weekend so I'll post in progress and final pics of the project.

As for the radio hookup (did I mention it sucks that there isn't an aux in?) - I'm going to look into rewiring the tape deck to convert it to an aux in...I've seen it done, just never by me so we'll see how that plays out.

If all else fails, cassette deck adapter it is, but it should be a good weekend project nonetheless.

I'll be back w/ pics upon completion....

[Bag302]

Good to hear you are continuing on with the project. I'm interested in a home-made hard wire, so please post any info you find.

In the meantime, I've found these ipod settings are required when using the cassette adaptor. ipod: 1) set the volume at about 50%2) set the EQ to 'treble booster'

stereo:1) bass 50%2) treble 80%3) Fade 2 clicks toward the back

This sound is acceptable. However, the factory system really blows. I'm gonna add an Infinity Basslink soon and see if that helps.

[stroked347]

Bag,

Thanks for the info regarding the cassette deck settings. I've found some hardwire solutions but haven't tried any yet - will post my findings once I find a successful one.

I decided to make a mold of the ashtray using latex so that actually took the whole weekend (many coats and waiting to dry inbetween) but I now have an accurate mold (brackets included) for the ashtray fascia. Will post pics of the process if anyone is interested.

[Bag302]

Bag,

Thanks for the info regarding the cassette deck settings. I've found some hardwire solutions but haven't tried any yet - will post my findings once I find a successful one.

I decided to make a mold of the ashtray using latex so that actually took the whole weekend (many coats and waiting to dry inbetween) but I now have an accurate mold (brackets included) for the ashtray fascia. Will post pics of the process if anyone is interested.

Defintely interested! Let's see them pics!

[stroked347]

Finally an update...

Been totally slacking on this project but finally got some time to work on it. As promised, some photos of the mold and the cut out trim plate for the drive and play.

I should have enough time to get the veneer applied, stained, and clear coated this week.

Enjoy the pics

[Bag302]

Awesome! make sure you take photos all the way through.

What kind of equipment do you need for this kind of work? I know nothing!

[szh]

Good work! Please keep the pictures coming.

Z

[stroked347]

I've been taking pics of the whole process and will post them all when it's finalized (i'll post more of the major steps as this progresses)

The basic supplies so far are:

-Modeling clay-Mold Builder (Latex)-Casting Resin-Resin Activator-Mold Release

Those take care of the mold making process

I'll also be using the veneer, contact cement to bond the veneer to the resin.