I just installed my Ipod and Escort 8500 X50. Here is a brief description of how I did it.

Ipod:

I used the aux. port in the arm rest. That connects to a Belkin Ipod dock adapter. The Ipod dock adapter plugs into the back of the Dice Cradle. The Dice Cradle is mounted to a PanaVise Custom In Dash Mount. I slide the Ipod into the cradle and hit play. The sound is great! When I start the car it powers up the Ipod in pause mode. Turn off the car and is pauses the Ipod and then turns it off.

Escort 8500 X50:

I used the suction cup mount that came with the Escort. I took the suction cups off and used 3M tape. The mount is stuck directly to the windshield. I used this same process on my 04 TL. I mounted the mute/power control in the bottom center compartment. That way I can hit it by closing the door.

Total Cost:

Ipod

Belkin Ipod Dock $12 on ebay
PanaVise Mount $21
Dice Cradle $49.95
Aux Cable $9.95

Total $92.90

Excort

3M tape $4

 

Sorry Typo...

I mounted the mute/power control in the bottom center compartment. That way I can hide it by closing the door.

 

what aux cable did you use and is it run to the aux in in the center console?

 

I used a Monster Cable mini to mini headphone cable. The aux. cable is plugged into the port in the center arm rest. The other end of the cable plugs into the Belkin Dock Adapter. I set the volume on the Belkin Dock adapter. It sounds better than just plugging the mini headphone directly into the Ipod, plus it charges the Ipod and turns it on and off automatically.

 

bigger pictures tell 1000 words.

 

how did you hide the power cable for the escort all the way do to the consol,and where is the power coming from for that...

 

As far as the ipod goes is that hard wired or are you using an FM modulator? If it is hard wired what year is your car? what are you plugging into? If it is a factory input is it nav only. I have an 04 non nav and the dealership says there is no way to make it work and some local stereo shops don't know what to think, so I have no idea. ANY IDEAS? I need my ipod back in my car with some quality sound.

 

^ Check out The 3G TL Audio & Electronics FAQ for iPod integration modules. They will work for cars with and without navigation.

 

NIce job!! I've been looking for a mount for my RX-65 (same as your Escort) and overlooked the simple but effective approach that you've taken. Thanks for posting.

 

Levelpar, I have the same Escort and it's hard to see from your picture where the cable that goes to Escort is. I have a 07 also and im using the same belkin as you from the center console but where is the wire going to the ipod dock, again its hard to see in that picture. The Ipod wire isnt a big deal because you just run it from the center console up to the top console and then there is a small indentation where you can run the wire out of that. Is this what you are doing to get it to the dock(ipod mount)? With the escort i always have to move the wire when i get in the car, i would love to see how you did this or post more information on it. thanks!

 

nice IPOD setup. How did you run your wires for the escort?

 

Sorry for the delay on answering your questions. I ran the Escort wire under the headliner and down the piller on the drivers side. The fuse box in on the drivers side so it was a very was install.

When I removed the metal trim piece to install the Panavise mount, I tucked the Ipod wire under top of the of the trim piece then under the center console. If fit without and cutting. You can hardly see the wire. The Belkin Ipod adapter plugs into the back of the Dice Cradle.

I will take more detailed pictures.

 

i've been lokoing everywhere for this thread. I'm trying to install my x50 exactly like this but I'm not sure how to wire the smartcord mute button into the lower tray. Can you post a picture of the lower tray upclose and how you wired the mute button in.

I would assume you had to drill sometype of hole in the tray and that I was I am trying to avoid. Please advice on the best way to get the mute button into the bottom tray. The rest of the install is straight forward.


Also - is it OK to use 3M directly onto that (for lack of knowledge of what it is) black dotted area behind the rearview. Will it ruin that area if I ever take the 3M tape off?

Thanks

 

Great writeup. I have the same detector, however, my smartcord is located where the vsa switch used to be (just moved the VSA to the empty slot) Can you give me some more details on how you were able to get that compartment out in order to put the switch inside the door. Thanks!