Well I had been contemplating getting either a new stereo and ipod hook up or just a gm radio Ipod hook up and my friend convinced me to just get the one for the stock radio. He convinced me by saying I should be spending my money on go fast parts and plus there would be less of a chance that my car would get broken into if they saw a stock radio. I ended up getting the USASpec PA11-GM45 unit which allows me to use the radio controls and steering wheel controls to control the Ipod. So far it looks like it has 2 modes, one where you can have it play from the playlists and another where you can use the ipod controls to pick an artist/genre/playlist/whatever and then use the radio controls to skip tracks. (supposedly just the first 5 playlists work in playlist mode but the description on the website sounded like that was the limit only because the factory gm radio comes with a 6 disc changer - the first of which is set to cycle through all of the songs on the ipod. Seeing as how my TA came with a 12 disc changer though I'm thinking that it could support 11 or maybe even more playlists). Its just a rough setup right now as it sits and I may end up making some custom parts for it in the near future.

I Decided to set it up in the ash tray. I removed the tray and the light bulb assembly thats in there. The ipod slides in smooth and sits flush with the edges of the ash tray. Currently my Ipod has one of those pda screen protectors on it but I'm going to have to get a bigger one that I can wrap around the Ipod so that the sides dont get scuffed up from inserting/removing the ipod from its new bay. When I change tracks the Ipod lights up and shows me the song info on the screen for a few seconds before the backlight turns back off. Its nice because I can just prop the ash tray lid open and see the ipod screen perfectly from where I sit. Some of you taller folks might have to lean forward to see the bottom of the screen, but I guess being short pays off in this respect lol. When the lid is open it doesnt get in the way of my shifting arm too much. Normally when I'm shifting my arm is up and off of the console so this isnt a problem but while cruising and resting my hand on the shifter, my arm comes in contact with the open lid, again no big deal. Another nice thing about this is that when I leave the car, I just close the lid and voila, everything looks stock. Here are some pics. Comments and criticism welcome but keep in mind, its just a rough install. I plan on making some parts to make it look more like a factory install.

 

pretty cool, i'd like ot hook mine up as well. I thought you have to hook it up to the cig lighter or something?

 

the cig lighter ones are fm modulators. those send signals which your antenna picks up. Thing with those is that the sound quality can only be as good as a radio station, at best. This usaspec unit is hard wired. My ipod basically replaces my cd changer, plugs into the same plug and the sound quality is great.

 

^^^ same thing I did gm9 aux or something

 

I went with the alpine head unit and ipod controller. but honestly I like your set up better. Only thing is I wouldnt be able to do it since I am an auto and the ashtray is different, that and my speakers run off of amps so I need the pre-outs. I really miss my steering wheel controls. I should get that aftermarket thing. anyway...

great install!

 

Wow dude, that looks really good. Perhaps a write up, or some further pictures.

 

it was so simple I didnt think a write up was needed. I just routed the wires down through the center console, pulled out the ash tray and the lighting assembly, plug in the ipod and slid it in. It seems to want to sit like that naturally and doesnt want to move, like it was made for it. I'm going to have to do somthing about the wire though. Either put in some kind of retracting device or a cradle that slides in and out allowing me to use the controls on the ipod. Had a bit of trouble getting the ipod and all the wire back in while driving after changing genres last night. Still, not bad though.

 

good job bro. looks nice!

 

You can buy that inline adapter thing that plugs into your Ipod and the CD deck, and you can control your Pod from the Head Unit...perhaps something like that might be good?

But it does look good, good job.

 

Not sure we're on the same page here SLPHawk300, I think what I just installed is what you're talking about. My ipod is hooked up to the radio using a hardwired converter. its just hidden.

 

looks nice.

what did you do with the light bulb assembly?

 

Nice job...if I had an iPod, I'd definitely have to find some way to hook it up...I don't like using aftermarket HUs though. I like the stock look/feel.

 

I was just telling a coworker how cool that would be today, then I just came across your thread. My wife and I never use our ipod, I figure I might as well do something like this and put it to good work. It is an older, white (3rd gen?) ipod though, your's looks like the new black one. I wonder if mine would still fit.

Also, I was thinking it would be cool if you could fab something that made it pop up a little (pimp my ride style). Then you wouldnt have to take it out to change anything, but if it works through your steering wheel controls thats bad *** too.

 

Another question... Where did you put the PA11GM45 unit?

 

Thanks for the props guys. The PA11GM45 unit is currently sitting a few inches in front of the shifter. Basically straight down from the radio/hvac units. The wires are long enough really that you could put it up further if you wanted. As for the cig light bulb assembly, I just pulled the bulb out and hid the wire. The rounded plastic cover that goes around the bulb comes off completely and is stashed in the glove box for now This unit is nice but its not without its downfalls. If I made something that would raise/lower it like medwar11 suggests that would solve my complaints though. The prob I have with it is that if I decide to change genre or artist I have to use the ipod controls. After I pull the ipod out and change to whatever I want it gets a lil tricky putting it back in since I pull it out far enough to comfortably view its screen. Putting the foot or so of wire back in before the ipod, with only one hand takes skill lol. One idea that I've been messing around with and need to put more serious thought into is making an assembly that would allow the ipod to slide up and the ash tray lid to slide further down. This way when the ipod slides up it wont be at such a radical angle. Not sure if my fabrication skills are up for this challenge though. We'll see when I get some free time.

My ipods one of the newer video ipods. I believe the converter works with a number of generations of ipods. Cant remember for sure which. You can search for it on google easily though. I had no trouble finding info on it.

 

Your older 3rd gen is actually going to be a tad bit narower side to side if I remember correctly. Plus it's definitely, thicker front to back.

 

Will you do a write up?? I have a Kenwood aftermarket radio in, and its ipod ready.. what can i do to mine?

 

so what do I have to get to hook my ipod up to the gm radio.. I dont care about controls.. I can do that manually, what's the easiest way to get music from the ipod to the gm radio without the plug in lighter one..