so ive embarked on the ever elusive iPad install.
The problem i have run into is that i need to relocate my hvac controls. I was planning on taking out the bottom two pockets and installing there. The only problem i see is that our stock hvac controls are very large. Has anyone else ever successfully relocated the hvac controls.
for those who are curious i will include my progress below.
i will being with saying i have no experience in custom dashes, fiberglass work, or any body work.
my idea was i wanted a an iPad mini mount that would allow me to remove the iPad. I have seen the iPad mini float mount but at 250$ it was $50 more expensive than the iPad mini itself. I continued searching and found fifield fabrications they have 9 different mounts or the mini. I Went with the the MINI-m kit and 58$ the price was right.
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
this is the only picture i have of the mount before tearing it to bits.
next thing i found was a used non navi information screen. went on ebay and found one with a busted screen for $30. Win. I then started cutting away. My first thought was to skip the mount and just cut a hole for the iPad. but it looked bad you could see how unsteady my hand was at cutting hole for the iPad. and two i could not be able to remove it.
so i began cutting the mount
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
i kept cutting until i made the frame as small as possible while still retaining its shape.
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
then i had to enlarge the whole in the center console to fit the mount. i chose to keep the extra hvac buttons in place as to provide rigidity to the frame. it felt flimsy without and i was about to have away all the supports. so far i think it was the right choice to make.
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
i then started melting the mount to the frame as i saw james fifield do in an install video of his. the only word of caution i will make is if you attempt this do not melt the top and bottom to the frame as it seems to warp the original frame. i only ended up doing the sides after catching my mistake. i also used the plastic leftovers which i had cut off to fill the edges the borders that did not touch the frame.
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
after that i sanded down the whole thing with 100 grit sandpaper which is the coarsest i had at the moment. but body shop buffs can step in say what would be more appropriate to use. after sanding i applied my first layer of body filler.
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
after drying and sanding i applied another coat of body filler
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
i let dry sanded and have applied primer .
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
i will continue with another layer of filler. i think what i have to do to make the install clean is fill the top border and then cut the channel in again. i just don't have a steady hand and am dreading it. if you guys have any suggestions on how to make this better please let me know.
thanks
Daniel
The problem i have run into is that i need to relocate my hvac controls. I was planning on taking out the bottom two pockets and installing there. The only problem i see is that our stock hvac controls are very large. Has anyone else ever successfully relocated the hvac controls.
for those who are curious i will include my progress below.
i will being with saying i have no experience in custom dashes, fiberglass work, or any body work.
my idea was i wanted a an iPad mini mount that would allow me to remove the iPad. I have seen the iPad mini float mount but at 250$ it was $50 more expensive than the iPad mini itself. I continued searching and found fifield fabrications they have 9 different mounts or the mini. I Went with the the MINI-m kit and 58$ the price was right.
this is the only picture i have of the mount before tearing it to bits.
next thing i found was a used non navi information screen. went on ebay and found one with a busted screen for $30. Win. I then started cutting away. My first thought was to skip the mount and just cut a hole for the iPad. but it looked bad you could see how unsteady my hand was at cutting hole for the iPad. and two i could not be able to remove it.
so i began cutting the mount
i kept cutting until i made the frame as small as possible while still retaining its shape.
then i had to enlarge the whole in the center console to fit the mount. i chose to keep the extra hvac buttons in place as to provide rigidity to the frame. it felt flimsy without and i was about to have away all the supports. so far i think it was the right choice to make.
i then started melting the mount to the frame as i saw james fifield do in an install video of his. the only word of caution i will make is if you attempt this do not melt the top and bottom to the frame as it seems to warp the original frame. i only ended up doing the sides after catching my mistake. i also used the plastic leftovers which i had cut off to fill the edges the borders that did not touch the frame.
after that i sanded down the whole thing with 100 grit sandpaper which is the coarsest i had at the moment. but body shop buffs can step in say what would be more appropriate to use. after sanding i applied my first layer of body filler.
after drying and sanding i applied another coat of body filler
i let dry sanded and have applied primer .
i will continue with another layer of filler. i think what i have to do to make the install clean is fill the top border and then cut the channel in again. i just don't have a steady hand and am dreading it. if you guys have any suggestions on how to make this better please let me know.
thanks
Daniel