No fabrication Ipad Mini Install
09-07-2013, 08:48 AM
#11
Junior Member
Someone asked about if the controls could be re-located in the front of the center console. Here's a picture of it on top, sorry for the bad picture. Basically it is larger than the pocket in there. It has been done, but I think the console would have to be heavily modded.
For me, the re-route of the wiring harness was just a little short to put the controls in the glovebox, but looking at the wire bundle, it could have been done if I removed some of the wire loom. I can hook up the controls temporarily in the glovebox if i do need to change something. I just didn't use the controls much before. Setting radio/sirius stations and the sound menu are the only thing that I can't do from the steering wheel.
For me, the re-route of the wiring harness was just a little short to put the controls in the glovebox, but looking at the wire bundle, it could have been done if I removed some of the wire loom. I can hook up the controls temporarily in the glovebox if i do need to change something. I just didn't use the controls much before. Setting radio/sirius stations and the sound menu are the only thing that I can't do from the steering wheel.
Any idea how you're going to do this?
I have one of the original iPad's laying around and this whole idea has merit to out it back to use.
09-07-2013, 09:02 AM
#12
No, I don't have mine there, they were just asking how it would be done. The full size iPads are a different story, for that you need to move the traction control button, flip the radio behind the ipad down and have a truly custom dash kit. If you're looking to do that folks like TKO have done awesome kits. Just search them and there is tons of pictures.
09-07-2013, 11:35 PM
#14
mortarman120
How is the fit I just ordered the kit on eBay and I am excited to do this install. Can you post some more pics of it so maybe some close ups to see the fit thx in advance
09-08-2013, 01:36 AM
#15
F150 Greenhorn
Looks great! Is the USB 2 enough to power/charge the iPad? I have a mini that my 3 year old has decided is his. 
09-08-2013, 01:47 AM
#16
No, the sync is not enough to charge more than it consumes but keeping it plugged in makes it drain slower. I seem to loose about 3-5% per hour of use. Haven't tried extended trips with the nav apps open yet. A lot of people use bluetooth and add a 12V tap so it stays charged. I don't have a problem plugging it in every once in a while. I have the connection in the glove box.
09-08-2013, 01:49 AM
#17
I'll see if I can snap some tomorrow. I can't tell any difference on the fit between stock and the metra kit. It looks like an exact replica.
The following users liked this post:
mortarman120 (09-08-2013)
09-08-2013, 02:33 AM
#18
Beer Gut Extraordinaire
Yeah, we have more iDevices than I care to admit. My two and four year old have been using them since before they could walk. I've had to put YouTube time limits on them....ugh.
No, the sync is not enough to charge more than it consumes but keeping it plugged in makes it drain slower. I seem to loose about 3-5% per hour of use. Haven't tried extended trips with the nav apps open yet. A lot of people use bluetooth and add a 12V tap so it stays charged. I don't have a problem plugging it in every once in a while. I have the connection in the glove box.
09-13-2013, 12:11 AM
#19
Sorry, I didn't get this earlier. Here's a close up of the fit. Besides the slight difference in finish, it looks stock. Equal gaps between panels, no creaking or rattling. There was a small paint defect in the inside of the cutout, which I saw on another picture of someone's kit on the forum. So I'm wondering if that's a manufacturing flaw, but it normally is covered by the double din radio. A dab of gloss black paint covered it up just fine.
Last edited by dpc131; 09-13-2013 at 12:17 AM.
09-13-2013, 12:16 AM
#20
Here's a close up of the ipad mini and how it fits the cutout. You can see the front facing camera. Also, you can see the thickness of the 3m tape if you look hard, but Its not noticeable at all. Just make sure no tape goes over the edge or it will be visible from the front. The home button is about the same distance from the edge on the other side as the camera. Biggest issue was the lightning cable strain relief was trimmed a little 1/8" so it didn't get caught up.