DIY: iPod dock in Factory Radio lots of Pics/Vid
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Issaquah, WA
DIY: iPod dock in Factory Radio lots of Pics/Vid
Welcome to Tape Deck to Ipod Touch Dock DIY.
To start the Concept behind this mod was to have a convenient way to dock and retrieve my Ipod. Here is a Link to the Vid to show everyone what this mod is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43hLT5E7SSA
To start I will tell you how I did this mod and what the results are and what I think you might be able to do to avoid issues so far and a couple of small things that would improve its usability. I will assume that you can remove your radio without instruction and have already installed a iPod interface. This was performed on 04 TL Navi, although not tested on a non-navi I have no reason to believe that it wouldn’t work. I did buy from ebay a radio so that I could perform this mod so that I could have it completed before the disassembly of the car.
Difficulty: High for need of non-everyday tools
Materials Needed:
1/16” abs plastic 4”x 4”
Fuzzy side of velco 2” x 6” (or something similar)
Touch Latch (Sugatsune part# PR-4PK)
Tools needed:
Phillips Screw Driver (#0 #1 #2)
Flat Head Screw Driver
Small File Set
Small Pliers
Tin Snips
Heat Gun
Welder (the smaller the better)
Angle sander/grinder
Time (lots)
Radio and Navi (if equipped) codes to reactivate your equipment
Step One: Tear Down
We need to get the Cassette Tray out of the Radio.
There are four smaller Phillips screws holding the face of the radio on two on the top and two on the bottom, the two on the top are hidden under the fuzzy tape.
After the four screws have been removed the face of the radio will come off. Use the small flat head screw driver to help with this task. Just work your way around the face and it will come off.
There are Four More Screws (#2 Phillips) to remove the front plate
Next the cd play part must be removed. There are five screws (#2 phillips) to remove, One right in the middle on the rear of the radio.
And two on either side.
When removing this part you must disconnect the ribbon cable that connects the cd player to the rest of the radio.
Next removal of the Cassette tray, there are four screws (#1) two on the front
Two at the rear of the tray mount (they are red in this picture)
There is a ribbon cable that will need to be disconnected it is on the left in the picture above.
The removed cassette tray
Step Two: Remove the Tray
Remove the electronics, it is why I believe that I get a “TAPE ERR” from time to time these parts didn’t go back in to the radio. I believe that one might be able to leave them / reinstall them to not get that error code.
Remove the Spring and two “C” clips. The Plastic Slide will then be removed.
The PCB (circuit board) has five screws (#0 Phillips) and two twisted metal retainers and a ribbon cable that will be removed.
In the picture below you can see one of the retainers and the screw on the top side. Take a small pliers and release the retainer (may also use a small flat head to achieve the same result)
This picture shows the straightened retainer and the screw on top. The other two screws are on the bottom of the motor in the picture
Step Three: Fab up you tray
There is a catch on the topside of the cassette tray that was removed. It is on the far side in this picture.
Separate the upper and lower halves of the tray. Remove the spring clip on the back. Pry gently with the small flat blade screw driver.
Mold an ABS Tray to hold your iPod. I used an old glass cologne bottle with a sharp 90deg edge to mold the tray on. It is a simple but time consuming process. Heat plastic and then fold over the edge. Repeat for the other side. Caution do not over heat the glass it has the ability to crack and takes some time to cool off.
Trim the molded abs to fit inside the cassette tray, using the spring clip to hold it in place.
With the cassette tray apart apply the fuzzy velco to protect the screen of the iPod.
Mount the ipod cable in the rear of the tray. Every cable will be different so every mounting solution will also be different. From the Picture below you can see that I notched the tray and then also notched the cable to slide together.
Make the tray solid. Weld at three points.
Two at the rear, this is a very soft metal and will not take much heat to “glue” together. The area just below the “L” shaped holes is where the welds are on the back. One on either side of the iPod connector.
The side weld will need to be sanded smooth for clearancing with the track it rides in.
Tray is ready for reassembly.
Step Four: mounting Deck Prep
Removed most items to get a bare platform to look like this, Note there are still two rods from the tensioners that need to stay. They help support the track/slide
Filed the plastic teeth to stop the plastic slide from moving. This step here will determine how far in and how far out the tray will slide. I am not showing you were I filed, (I am not 100% happy with its travel) you will have to figure out where to file on your own. It might vary on how you mounted you ipod cable into the tray.
Folded this part up into the area of removed teeth
Reassembly and disassembly might be required to find out exatly where to file the teeth
You might want to mount the front plate and radio face to determine this. Here is an example of reassembly.
After you have filed and reassembled your tray.
Must create the latching system
I used a small screw welded to tray and created a “U” mount for a touch latch.
The top of the “U” was removed to permit the reassembly of the cd player part of the radio.
I routed the ipod cable and zip tied it so that it wouldn’t catch on anything or interfere with the operation of anything.
At this point I would recommend lubing the tray sliding points to make sure a smooth operation
Step Five: Reassembly
At this Point Remount the Modified cassette tray into the radio again.
You will need to drill or file a spot in the rear of the radio to allow the cable to exit.
I cut a notch out of the back of the radio about the whit plug and put a grommet around the wire and hot glued it to the chassis of the radio so that it wouldn’t fall out during reassembly.
Now we need to modify the cd player part. This will be different for everyone and is a trial and error process. Here is what mine looked like just before final reassembly.
Finish reassembly of the radio and you should now have a radio with a tail ready to be installed and hooked up in your Car.
Thank you for reading and Happy Moding, Remember this is just a guide to help and I am not responsible for your own actions, injuries or damage to your or others belongings.
To start the Concept behind this mod was to have a convenient way to dock and retrieve my Ipod. Here is a Link to the Vid to show everyone what this mod is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43hLT5E7SSA
To start I will tell you how I did this mod and what the results are and what I think you might be able to do to avoid issues so far and a couple of small things that would improve its usability. I will assume that you can remove your radio without instruction and have already installed a iPod interface. This was performed on 04 TL Navi, although not tested on a non-navi I have no reason to believe that it wouldn’t work. I did buy from ebay a radio so that I could perform this mod so that I could have it completed before the disassembly of the car.
Difficulty: High for need of non-everyday tools
Materials Needed:
1/16” abs plastic 4”x 4”
Fuzzy side of velco 2” x 6” (or something similar)
Touch Latch (Sugatsune part# PR-4PK)
Tools needed:
Phillips Screw Driver (#0 #1 #2)
Flat Head Screw Driver
Small File Set
Small Pliers
Tin Snips
Heat Gun
Welder (the smaller the better)
Angle sander/grinder
Time (lots)
Radio and Navi (if equipped) codes to reactivate your equipment
Step One: Tear Down
We need to get the Cassette Tray out of the Radio.
There are four smaller Phillips screws holding the face of the radio on two on the top and two on the bottom, the two on the top are hidden under the fuzzy tape.
After the four screws have been removed the face of the radio will come off. Use the small flat head screw driver to help with this task. Just work your way around the face and it will come off.
There are Four More Screws (#2 Phillips) to remove the front plate
Next the cd play part must be removed. There are five screws (#2 phillips) to remove, One right in the middle on the rear of the radio.
And two on either side.
When removing this part you must disconnect the ribbon cable that connects the cd player to the rest of the radio.
Next removal of the Cassette tray, there are four screws (#1) two on the front
Two at the rear of the tray mount (they are red in this picture)
There is a ribbon cable that will need to be disconnected it is on the left in the picture above.
The removed cassette tray
Step Two: Remove the Tray
Remove the electronics, it is why I believe that I get a “TAPE ERR” from time to time these parts didn’t go back in to the radio. I believe that one might be able to leave them / reinstall them to not get that error code.
Remove the Spring and two “C” clips. The Plastic Slide will then be removed.
The PCB (circuit board) has five screws (#0 Phillips) and two twisted metal retainers and a ribbon cable that will be removed.
In the picture below you can see one of the retainers and the screw on the top side. Take a small pliers and release the retainer (may also use a small flat head to achieve the same result)
This picture shows the straightened retainer and the screw on top. The other two screws are on the bottom of the motor in the picture
Step Three: Fab up you tray
There is a catch on the topside of the cassette tray that was removed. It is on the far side in this picture.
Separate the upper and lower halves of the tray. Remove the spring clip on the back. Pry gently with the small flat blade screw driver.
Mold an ABS Tray to hold your iPod. I used an old glass cologne bottle with a sharp 90deg edge to mold the tray on. It is a simple but time consuming process. Heat plastic and then fold over the edge. Repeat for the other side. Caution do not over heat the glass it has the ability to crack and takes some time to cool off.
Trim the molded abs to fit inside the cassette tray, using the spring clip to hold it in place.
With the cassette tray apart apply the fuzzy velco to protect the screen of the iPod.
Mount the ipod cable in the rear of the tray. Every cable will be different so every mounting solution will also be different. From the Picture below you can see that I notched the tray and then also notched the cable to slide together.
Make the tray solid. Weld at three points.
Two at the rear, this is a very soft metal and will not take much heat to “glue” together. The area just below the “L” shaped holes is where the welds are on the back. One on either side of the iPod connector.
The side weld will need to be sanded smooth for clearancing with the track it rides in.
Tray is ready for reassembly.
Step Four: mounting Deck Prep
Removed most items to get a bare platform to look like this, Note there are still two rods from the tensioners that need to stay. They help support the track/slide
Filed the plastic teeth to stop the plastic slide from moving. This step here will determine how far in and how far out the tray will slide. I am not showing you were I filed, (I am not 100% happy with its travel) you will have to figure out where to file on your own. It might vary on how you mounted you ipod cable into the tray.
Folded this part up into the area of removed teeth
Reassembly and disassembly might be required to find out exatly where to file the teeth
You might want to mount the front plate and radio face to determine this. Here is an example of reassembly.
After you have filed and reassembled your tray.
Must create the latching system
I used a small screw welded to tray and created a “U” mount for a touch latch.
The top of the “U” was removed to permit the reassembly of the cd player part of the radio.
I routed the ipod cable and zip tied it so that it wouldn’t catch on anything or interfere with the operation of anything.
At this point I would recommend lubing the tray sliding points to make sure a smooth operation
Step Five: Reassembly
At this Point Remount the Modified cassette tray into the radio again.
You will need to drill or file a spot in the rear of the radio to allow the cable to exit.
I cut a notch out of the back of the radio about the whit plug and put a grommet around the wire and hot glued it to the chassis of the radio so that it wouldn’t fall out during reassembly.
Now we need to modify the cd player part. This will be different for everyone and is a trial and error process. Here is what mine looked like just before final reassembly.
Finish reassembly of the radio and you should now have a radio with a tail ready to be installed and hooked up in your Car.
Thank you for reading and Happy Moding, Remember this is just a guide to help and I am not responsible for your own actions, injuries or damage to your or others belongings.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Update: Works great no Failures as of this point. the Electronic board that were removed also did the Hands Free stuff. I am going to Rework the radio that came out of my car to try and get Hands Free working again and hopefully to get the "TAPE ERR" to go away. I am fairly certain that this will fix both issuse. I will have some time late this weekend to tray and mod the other radio. Just wanted to Update everyone on these issuse so one knows what i know.
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Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 99
Likes: 1
From: Issaquah, WA
Ok every one this is what you wanted..... If i can get the radio to work right with out errors and the hand free to work right... I might consider preforming this mod if there is enough interest. Let me know if you are and what year make and model car you want this done on and with what device..........
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 99
Likes: 1
From: Issaquah, WA
Note I will be open to madding other makes and models of cars, just might take more time to do than the 3G TL.
I Should be able to do a nano 5g and iphone 3g and 4g how ever i don't have a 4g iphone that i can use as a mold..
I Should be able to do a nano 5g and iphone 3g and 4g how ever i don't have a 4g iphone that i can use as a mold..
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 99
Likes: 1
From: Issaquah, WA
Thank you for the Support. Here is the Plan. I will be fixing the issues that i have with my radio and then testing it for about a month then we will see how that goes..... If all good then i will open it up for modding your radios if you want.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 403
Likes: 32
From: Scarborough
1. H.Wood - 07 tl-s with a 32gig ipod touch
2. hoolagen1 - 08 tl with nav 32gb ipod touch
3. VGT - 08TL w/Nav - 32GB iPod touch 4th gen.
4. Ch33sE1 - 08TLS with Nav, Iphone 4 (it fits in the tape deck so it should work, also need my HFL so I hope that issue gets fixed)
2. hoolagen1 - 08 tl with nav 32gb ipod touch
3. VGT - 08TL w/Nav - 32GB iPod touch 4th gen.
4. Ch33sE1 - 08TLS with Nav, Iphone 4 (it fits in the tape deck so it should work, also need my HFL so I hope that issue gets fixed)
1. H.Wood - 07 tl-s with a 32gig ipod touch
2. hoolagen1 - 08 tl with nav 32gb ipod touch
3. VGT - 08TL w/Nav - 32GB iPod touch 4th gen.
4. Ch33sE1 - 08TLS with Nav, Iphone 4 (it fits in the tape deck so it should work, also need my HFL so I hope that issue gets fixed
5. Stepien20 - 04 Tl w/o navi - In pending price?
2. hoolagen1 - 08 tl with nav 32gb ipod touch
3. VGT - 08TL w/Nav - 32GB iPod touch 4th gen.
4. Ch33sE1 - 08TLS with Nav, Iphone 4 (it fits in the tape deck so it should work, also need my HFL so I hope that issue gets fixed
5. Stepien20 - 04 Tl w/o navi - In pending price?
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 399
Likes: 54
From: Victoria, BC
Is there any difference in doing this for Canadian TL Navis? Got an 06 with a 4G iPhone. Definitely worth the drive down for me from Victoria to get this done. Let me know when you get it perfected and for how much.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 99
Likes: 1
From: Issaquah, WA
I could imagine that the radio would be any different.
Update for all, I have decided to buy a cnc machine to help with the reproduction of parts needed please bare with me while i get every thing set up. once it is up and running turn time should be less than 3days. I am getting many requests for Iphone 4s i am trying to find one for testing and fitment for development. I am sorry to push it back some more but i should be ready in about a month to start excepting shipment of radios.
Testing is going well no "tape err" in three or four weeks now. that is looking good and no issues with the HPL as of yet.
Update for all, I have decided to buy a cnc machine to help with the reproduction of parts needed please bare with me while i get every thing set up. once it is up and running turn time should be less than 3days. I am getting many requests for Iphone 4s i am trying to find one for testing and fitment for development. I am sorry to push it back some more but i should be ready in about a month to start excepting shipment of radios.
Testing is going well no "tape err" in three or four weeks now. that is looking good and no issues with the HPL as of yet.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 399
Likes: 54
From: Victoria, BC
I could imagine that the radio would be any different.
Update for all, I have decided to buy a cnc machine to help with the reproduction of parts needed please bare with me while i get every thing set up. once it is up and running turn time should be less than 3days. I am getting many requests for Iphone 4s i am trying to find one for testing and fitment for development. I am sorry to push it back some more but i should be ready in about a month to start excepting shipment of radios.
Testing is going well no "tape err" in three or four weeks now. that is looking good and no issues with the HPL as of yet.
Update for all, I have decided to buy a cnc machine to help with the reproduction of parts needed please bare with me while i get every thing set up. once it is up and running turn time should be less than 3days. I am getting many requests for Iphone 4s i am trying to find one for testing and fitment for development. I am sorry to push it back some more but i should be ready in about a month to start excepting shipment of radios.
Testing is going well no "tape err" in three or four weeks now. that is looking good and no issues with the HPL as of yet.
carologist, PM sent.
9th Gear
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: NY
This is fantastic!!! Awesome mod dude . 
Its defiantly out of my skill level, But if your open to modding my own i would be so down .. Please keep me in the loop as i would love to have this in my TL!! Its so clean i hate dealing with the aux wire..
BTW : I have a couple questions.
1- Does it charge the iphone/ipod?
2- Does it display on navi screen what songs are playing , playlist ect?
Again awesome post keep up the good work!
Its defiantly out of my skill level, But if your open to modding my own i would be so down .. Please keep me in the loop as i would love to have this in my TL!! Its so clean i hate dealing with the aux wire..
BTW : I have a couple questions.
1- Does it charge the iphone/ipod?
2- Does it display on navi screen what songs are playing , playlist ect?
Again awesome post keep up the good work!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 99
Likes: 1
From: Issaquah, WA
Thank You for all the Support. Please help me with a name to this modification.
Question One and Two.
it depends on the ipod interface adapter that you have. if your adapter supports charging then yes.
I install a pass threw cable so that you can chose what ever interfacing adapter that you chose to use.
This is fantastic!!! Awesome mod dude .
Its defiantly out of my skill level, But if your open to modding my own i would be so down .. Please keep me in the loop as i would love to have this in my TL!! Its so clean i hate dealing with the aux wire..
BTW : I have a couple questions.
1- Does it charge the iphone/ipod?
2- Does it display on navi screen what songs are playing , playlist ect?
Again awesome post keep up the good work!
Its defiantly out of my skill level, But if your open to modding my own i would be so down .. Please keep me in the loop as i would love to have this in my TL!! Its so clean i hate dealing with the aux wire..
BTW : I have a couple questions.
1- Does it charge the iphone/ipod?
2- Does it display on navi screen what songs are playing , playlist ect?
Again awesome post keep up the good work!
it depends on the ipod interface adapter that you have. if your adapter supports charging then yes.
I install a pass threw cable so that you can chose what ever interfacing adapter that you chose to use.
Last edited by carologist; Apr 20, 2011 at 11:02 PM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 399
Likes: 54
From: Victoria, BC
Thank You for all the Support. Please help me with a name to this modification.
Question One and Two.
it depends on the ipod interface adapter that you have. if your adapter supports charging then yes.
I install a pass threw cable so that you can chose what ever interfacing adapter that you chose to use.
Question One and Two.
it depends on the ipod interface adapter that you have. if your adapter supports charging then yes.
I install a pass threw cable so that you can chose what ever interfacing adapter that you chose to use.
