I have the iPod-capable stereo with the connector in the bottom section of the armrest console. The problem is that if I put my iPod in there, I don't want to put anything else in there, a) because it might damage the iPod and b) I usually take the iPod out daily, and throwing things in that space makes it a real pain. SO, I decided the top storage space was a better place for it. The easiest way to do this is to drill through the bottom of the center piece and run the wire through. Here's what I did:

Here's the three-piece center console:


here's the old placement of the iPod, notice all the wasted space now:


Use a Dremel high-speed drill and a cutting bit, fold back the felt cover and drill a hole in the back right of the middle console piece. NOTE: Be VERY careful! This bit cuts through this material like warm butter, and it's very easy to slip and cut a gaping hole in your console! I advise cleaning out everything from your storage area and closing all the covers of the plugs, as this creates alot of debris.

This is the bit:


Drilling the hole, notice in the photos below how I'm using the side of the seatback as a brace to keep my hand steady in cutting the hole.:




Make the hole just big enough to fit the connection that fits into the iPod.

Once you do that, clean off the edge of the cut with a soft nail file or something similar. Then vacuum up, this makes a mess!
By doing this you're able to put the iPod in the upper storage area, but you still have to plug the wire in the lower area. To get the wire out of the way so I could use this area for storage, I found these wire tiebacks at Office Max and placed them in the corner:


After doing all that, I am now able to run the wire through the hole and store the iPod in the upper console area, allowing me easy access to the iPod while freeing up the bottom area for CD cases, sunglasses, etc.


If you want, find a piece of thick foam window insulation and secure it to the inside top of the cover, which would secure the iPod when closed so that it doesn't bounce around when accessing the lower compartment. Alternately, I found this cheap rigid sunglass case that fits the iPod perfectly, and allows me to disconnect and zip up for easy travel, and secures it nicely while connected:


So there you go, a much better place to put your iPod!

 

nice...i leave mine in the little cell phone thingy....open invitation for someone to steal my car. meh

 

pics don't work. :o

I mounted mine in the armrest.

 

I found Karnie's pictures at the end of the slideshow at http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...y=-tedrcn&Ux=0.

 

So is this an upgrade option through the dealer? I'm going through an aftermarket mod shop to put in an AUX input. I want to put mine in the cutout space under the a/c controls. I have a charger/cradle for my iPod mini with line-out in the base.

 

Moved to ICE...

Looks nice though. Mine is in the cupholder b/c I don't have an 06.

 

Wow, some nice photos in there! Well thought out photos that
show details as if you were there in person looking yourself!

 

damn! Sorry, the pics worked on my computer... but yeah, you could see them at the end of the slideshow that ohmarni posted.

yes, this was an '06 accessory, compete with the iPod capable HU and special iPod Plug Outlet. Even came with the cable to connect to the iPod.

 

yeah I wish mine had been able to connect so easily, but I used the Alpine iPod adapter so mine took some extra work. I'll have to get some pics of my install sometime, but I've been lazy

 

Not to sound mean, but couldn't you just of bought an iSkin or another kind of case for your iPod? That's what I did. I have cds in my Center Console, so the iPod just sits on top of those to hide it. (I mean cds I just purchased and haven't downloaded yet to the iPod. Plus, I'm lazy and it takes me about 3 weeks before I download. ) I too use the cell phone holder for my iPod. The non-slip skin is perfect and keeps my iPod well-protected. Good job on your project!

"I purchased a book on Procastination 3 years ago....and I STILL HAVEN"T READ IT" -me