Seamless iPod integration was one of the major pluses for an xD when I decided to get it - I even shelled out $400 for the "premium" headunit just for the joy of having a 3-line display. And while all this is nice and dandy I could not understand why do I have to show the entire world that I have a $250 iPod sitting in my car or go through the motion of disconnecting it every time I park in a public place and all this time stare at a short piece of cable sticking out of my console. Did not make sense.

Thus came the "Hide-an-iPod" mod.

Cost: free
Time: 30 minutes
Result: http://zoltiz.com/cars/xD/hideipod/

Actually the cost will be closer to $3 if I opt to buy a filler plug that I took out from the center console next to the parking brake, but it's still bordering on free.

Comments?

 

That's awesome! Are you going to show us how you did it?

 

..or you could have just used this, then no one would steal it! LOL

http://hideapod.com/

 

That was my first choice, but they have issues removing microsoft DRM molecules before shipping the units

 

If you have a low volume issue..................Go to Itunes and raise volume Worked great for me.....

 

So what are the filler plugs supposed to be for that are next to the parking brake? Also won't u have a hole there now?

 

Yes, I have a hole there for the next day or so - until the replacement plug gets here.

I'd guess interior light kit switch can go there, some other accessory switches. Just like in any other car.

 

cool. Didn't even think bout it.

 

How did you do it? We need a write up

 

^So you can make me do it?

 

i agree. details please!

 

exactly

 

i want one!!!

 

1. Pull the radio bezel off
2. Pull the AC controls bezel off (leave it hanging by the harness)
3. "Un-click" the lower glovebox (leave the shock attached)
4. Reach behind the iPod connector and squeeze the sides while pushing it out.
5. Unplug the iPod connector from the harness, remove the connector "lid"
6. Reconnect the iPod connector to the harness.
6. Run the iPod cable from the glovebox area to the area behind the original iPod connector location.
7. Connect the iPod cable to the iPod connector (behind the panels)
8. Move one of the 4 plugs that are located next to the parking brake to the hole where iPod connector used to be (the panel that contains these 4 plugs pops out).
9. Make two small holes in the glovebox right under the left hand side clip and run a twist-tie or a tiny zip-tie through these holes to secure the cable (otherwise it might get pinched by the glovebox).
10. Pull the cable into the glovebox to allow enough slack for comfortable iPod positioning.
11. Tighten the zip-tie/twist-tie.
12. Put everything back together
13. Go to your local dealer and order a replacement for the missing plug.

Getting behind the panel to squeeze the iPod connector is a bit tricky since there is very little room to work and removing that panel might mean taking half of the dash apart, but I was able to reach it with no real problems.

Running the iPod cable behind the center console might be easier if you remove the panel in the pass. footwell - it is attached by 3 clips - same way it was in the tC.

When I was trying to get to the iPod connector I took the console between the front seats out - pretty much everything is on clips, except 4 or so bolts that hide underneath the shiny black trim around the shifter. You probably won't need to get it out, but if you ever want to - that's how to approach it.

Questions?

 

Having never owned a scion before, I just want to make sure I understand one part of this. When you remove parts of the dash held by clips, do you just give it a pull until the clips pop open, or is there a technique to it?

 

Thanks for the write up, cap'n time to get started working on my car! :D

 

Very nice. It's always good to see some stealth type of installs done and keep things clean and clutter free. And obviously simple and inexpensive... haha.

 

Head unit and AC bezels just pop off. HU bezel is pretty easy to get out, AC bezel was very tight. Carefully start on the top of the AC bezel - that might help a bit. It is stubborn, though - that's why I took apart the console between the seats - was worried that there is something else there, but there wasn't.

 

Thanks for the props. I am a big fan of small inexpensive improvements - that's what personalization is about for me - not 3ft high wings and 50lbs chrome wheels

Speaking of another 99 cent mod - I keep my Surefire flashlight and Leatherman tool in the cubby to the left of the steering wheel - they rattled like crazy. Bought a 99c piece of adhesive felt from Hobby Lobby - 10 minutes of scissor work and it's nice and quiet. And you can always use the leftover felt for something else in the car.

 

Hmmm...Not funny?