iPod Install into Armrest - HowTo

[mac2]

So it's the season for finals here at University so I am terribly bored of studying and my mind starts to wander. I start thinking how great it would be to integrate an iPod into my armrest. So anyway, if you want to partake in this mod as I have done you will need the following items:

- An armrest (yeah)
- An iPod (I used a 5g video 30gb because thats the one I don't use except in the car and it was the right size)
- A hard case of some sort (mine cost 3 bucks on clearance :-) )
- A PocketDock Line-out USB Website (A brilliant thing as it has USB which is needed for sync and charge and audio out from the same dongle)
- An exacto, straightedge, superglue, pen, etc.

1. Take the back plate off the seat. In this case my car is a 1984 190d with manual controls. Use a phillips screwdriver on the two screws on the bottom of the panel which will allow for its removal.

2. Taking off the panel will reveal the armrest bolt, which when undone, allows the removal of the armrest which can now be taken inside.

3. The second photo shows the hard case which I used for a template. Take a pencil and mark around the edges onto the rest.

4. Using an exacto or razor knife, puncture the corners and then cut diagonal lines (shown in the third photo)

5. Set the exacto blade to about the same depth as the iPod and cut the rectangle edge in the foam below and cut the "X" to the proper depth. The foam will then be easy to tear out and will do so fairly levelly. (4th photo)

6. Excavate and area for the mini-dock under the vinyl.