Opinions on possible iPad 2 in-dash conversion?

[vixen_w202]

So I see this YouTube video about how it's possible to use an iPad as a stereo replacement and a cheaper alternative for a video player and dedicated navi unit. I know this would require some extensive modification to the stock dash, and hopefully the climate controls would relocate to that recessed tray, but I just happen to own a 2nd gen iPad 16GB wifi model.

I'm willing to do this and I have the cash to lay down to have a local stereo shop hack everything to put it in and make it look factory, but I wanted to do this thread as a feeler to get opinions from others before I pulled the trigger. This option is especially tempting to me because rather than buying a 600-1,000+ dollar double din headinit, I could reincarnate a hardly used iPad in my car as a more cost effective option for video and nav. To make it able to access data for Internet radio, I could get a wifi hotspot box or similar through my cell phone provider and set it up in the car. For nav, I could purchase a quality nav app and have turn by turn nav. I am unsure how I would take calls through it though. Ideas on that?

Yes? No? Opinions?

[8=Anonymous=8]

Mcm.....
Wouldn't do that to a merc, Usually only ever consider doing it to a car with a stock Double Din unit.

It would be cool (I hate apple products though), why not try an android that's smaller and easier to fit?

[Christopher]

this is what i did
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/Chrisromero/c36/IMAG1200.jpg

[Mike51809]

I think it would be pretty sweet, idk how it will look being an older designed car with older style electonics though may look out of place but if you like it do it! Youd be the only 202 with an ipad in the dash lol

[jc1kz]

Hmmm, you live in Cali? and you want to make this a fixed item on the dash? I sense breakin/theft/damage/heartache/and no insurance will pay for replacement......just saying.....
at least Christopher's Mac is removeable....
I went with a simpler mod that Aquinob first did, and it looks good...

832

[buzzk1ll]

Saw the same video from Mighty Car Mods too. I would go and do it but have a way o remove the tablet.

[MikeD]

Mehhh, looks kinda cheap. I bought my pioneer head unit for around 300 and it has an integrated system for BT calling and a TON of customization for optimizing the sound quality within the car. It improved the sound of my OEM Bose system tenfold! Just something to consider.

[c230]

Move your AC controls to the coin tray and you have enough space for a 7" tablet. I did one as a project for a friend, but he sold the car now. Go to the junk yard and find an extra two din panel, cut the center and mold the tablet. Use an external amp for sound.

[Logic]

As a 20 plus year installer I would say leave the dash alone, put in a indash unit with motorized screen or do the double din mod to it. Yea the cool factor is there but in the long run when it gets out dated you will be spending more money to mod something else. No one will give you more money for it if you decide to sell or trade it . But hey if you wanna spend the money find some one who has he experience . You don't want some 17 year old best buy noob or some mom and pop shop to do it. Ask for pictures of installs and ask a lot of questions and references .

[c230]

As a 20 plus year installer I would say leave the dash alone, put in a indash unit with motorized screen or do the double din mod to it. Yea the cool factor is there but in the long run when it gets out dated you will be spending more money to mod something else. No one will give you more money for it if you decide to sell or trade it . But hey if you wanna spend the money find some one who has he experience . You don't want some 17 year old best buy noob or some mom and pop shop to do it. Ask for pictures of installs and ask a lot of questions and references .

You make it sound impossible, but an ipad mini would fit right into the dash. A little bit of fiberglass, fleece, and resin would do the trick. I don't get what's so hard about putting a small tablet on a w202?