Mounting Ipod to Center Console Lid

Austexan

Hey Everyone,

I liked the idea of having my ipod out of view but easy to get to. The most logical place was the center console. However I didnt like that it would take up space or have things thrown on top of it while in there so I came up with a way to attach it to the lid of the console. The difficult part was figuring out how to keep the cable out of way of the hinging lid while also having enough slack to not pull when the lid was let down. I attempted with a couple different methods and finally found out one that worked great. I am thrilled with how it turned out. Let me know what you think! BTW i attached it to my kenwood DNX6160 HU.

Z 022.jpg Z 026.jpg Z 020.jpg Z 051.jpg

What you'll need:
>socket wrench and 14mm head (for seat removal)
>Ipod case-(i used the INCASE clip stand and rubber cover as i already had it and the ipod clipped in with a simple sideways turn action so it didnt change the cable length needed after it was attached and ready to be secured to the holder, others should work as well)
>Coax cable holder (to hold cable out of the way as the lid hinges)
Z 023.jpg
>Kenwood A/V cable for ipod (note i have a kenwood DNX6160 HU which has a female USB cable that extends out from the back of the HU and therefore make sure you 1) have a USB connection at the back of your HU and 2) that you have a couple inches of USB cable to work with as it might be a tight reach if it has to attach directly to the back of the HU). The USB allows for the ipod to be charged while the ipod is attached.

Kenwood - A/V Cable for Apple® iPod® and iPhone® - Black - KCA-IP302

>drill and bits along with a philips screwdriver and three small screws
>small rounded files


Step 1: Remove seats- pop off tabs over bolts with thumbs and use 14mm socket wrench. There are two wire connections on the underside of the driver's seat that you need to disconnect. and then two clips holding the wiring to the seat. for the front white one I used needle nose pliers to reach in and hold the male side closed and pulled it through the hole of the acceptor attached to the seat. for the rear one i just found it easier to clip its tie connection and just use another ziptie to reconnect it. remove headrest, fold down, lift out.

Step 2: remove center console. Follow previous DIYs (e-brake up, shifter cover plate, unclip connections, leg rests, screws up front, screws in back, lift up) and take center console to towel covered work area.

Step 3: With console upside down remove the 8 screws holding it it. Then the cubby slides down and back to free it from the console. I then found it easiest to work with by flipping it around back on itself.

Z 001.jpg Z 002.jpg Z 003.jpg

Step 4: remove divider (just pops up-can use a flathead screwdriver) and drill a hole for the cable to run along. I started small and worked up in bit size and then finished using a rounded file. I also drilled a corresponding hole it the lid and notched it over to help hold the cable and as the cable is routed towards the driver's seat

Z 007.jpg Z 008.jpg Z 005.jpg

Step 5: secure the cable to the side of the console. i first held cable in place and made sure the lid had a smooth open and close and then predrilled a small hole prior to securing. note: make sure you have the appropriate cable length before tightening though you can loosen and adjust if needed. I also didnt have thin enough screws for these cable holders as they come with nails so i just widened the hole a bit with the drill.

Z 004.jpg

Step 6: prepare ipod holder. I had to drill around the back until i could pry the swivel mechanism off. I then filed it flat.

Z 009.jpg Z 010.jpg Z 012.jpg

Step 7: attach your ipod and clip and then attach the cable and choose appropriate mounting position while the center divide is back in place (note: i first mounted it without the center divide in place and then had to remount the holder further forward as the cable clip wouldnt allow the center divide to be put back in place as it was mounted too far back)

Step 8: drill holes through holder and lid. I first used a smaller bit and then I used a bigger drill bit just to burr into the clip just a small amount to allow the screws to sit a little more flush. clean off/file off plastic shaving to make smooth and secure with small screws

Step 9: route cable through corner and reattach the cubby to the center console with the 8 screws. route the cable along the drivers side (i also had ran cables for my HU install so i zip tied to those and then under and up to the headunit.

Step 10: Enjoy! :-)

haitech

Very creative diy

TreeSemdyZee

Hmm. Might have to try this myself.
Mine is currently in my glove box, but it's a PIA when it locks up and I need to reset.
Good work.

LennyK

Nice Job

__________________