This is my rendition of the iPod install in a WRX. I've seen quite a few but I really wanted to keep a stock look, and don't think its necessary to actually see the iPod since I know my music library and know who's playing...

 

Decided to put it in the console...yes maybe silly location but hides everything from sight...

 

The first thing I did was the tape adapter modification as I like the stock radio and just needed an input...the wire is buried behind the face of the head unit...the mod is listed in Scoobymods.com. This was pretty easy to do.

 

Next I took out the blank switch location in the center console and mounted the iPod remote unit...turns out the remote is the same size as the opening. Did require a bit of dremeling though...

 

Next I installed a single 12v cigarette lighter adapter into the console so I could hook up my Belkin iPod amplifier/charger to go to the radio. I've seen where some people bury the Belkin adaptor in the console somewhere but I wanted to be able to remove it and use it in another car if necessary, and also so I could still adjust the volume ****. I thought this was the cleanest way to do the install.

Took a little Dremeling but the adaptor installed quite nicely. I tapped power from the cigarette lighter and grounded to the metal plate under the console (no alternator hiss so I'm happy ). The adaptor was $6.50 from radio shack...

 

Then I installed everything else. I had an extra dock so decided to use this so the iPod can connect relatively easily to the system. The cord plugged into the top is the iPod remote, mounted in the console.

Again I don't need to see the iPod and think its a bit dangerous to be 'click wheeling' while driving, using the iPod remote is easier and now I can turn the iPod on and off, and switch songs from the console relatively easily while driving. The Belkin adaptor charges the iPod as well which is an added benefit.

To me it wasn't important to see to iPod itself (although quite nice to look at!) but it removed a lot of clutter from the cubby under the ashtray where all the wires used to be. I also don't mind losing the space since I don't have many knick-knacks in the car anyway...

 

Sweet! I was considering doing this, but I found that Alpine has a HU coming out with built-in iPod integration. Better start saving my pennies.

-Mike

 

Yeah I know about the Alpine units and more are sure to follow...just not sure how much they're going to be and it was hard enough justifyling the iPod to the CFO! For now I'm happy, and even if I upgrade to the Alpine later on, I still have a place to mount the iPod and to run the wires from...

I can't wait to see the final version of the Alpine units though...