Infiniti G35 Install
Here it is finally... Unfortunately, I'm still using an FM Transmitter, but once Blitzsafe comes out with their AUX kit, I'll wire it directly into the SAT input.
http://garagehost.com/g35/ipod/hero.jpg
The plate is actually just cut out of a plastic 3-ring binder. It's pretty thick and sturdy, but I'd love to have it more rigid. I just don't have anything at home that can cut anything thicker!
http://garagehost.com/g35/ipod/open.jpg
My favorite part of this install is that I can easilly close the "door" and hide it away.
http://garagehost.com/g35/ipod/closed.jpg
The Apple dock unfortunately is not at a good viewing angle when it's placed in the car so I had to mount it on a bracket in order to "lay it down" a bit.
http://garagehost.com/g35/ipod/dock-side.jpg
Here's a pic of how the dock is screwed onto the brackets. I had to remove the weight that was inside the dock, but that should be no big deal since (as far as I can tell) it's just a weight, and I've got the whole contraption bolted down in the cupholder.
http://garagehost.com/g35/ipod/dock-guts.jpg
And here's a shot of the compartment without the plate. I can't wait to get rid of that FM transmitter!
http://garagehost.com/g35/ipod/dock-mounted.jpg
And finally, a wide shot of the whole interior:
http://garagehost.com/g35/ipod/wide.jpg
[1454 byte] By [
kloh] at [2007-11-9 13:59:03]

# 1 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
very impressed! by far one of the most ingenius and clean installs!
# 2 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
That is sooooo sweet!
very nice!
# 3 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Thanks for the comments guys. I was inspired by a lot of the posts here to do something simple and integrated. Love the plug and play aspect. I just can't wait to get rid of the FM Transmitter.
Regards,
-Ken
kloh at 2007-11-15 16:01:03 >

# 4 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Very clean installation, Ken. Where are you drawing power from, or are you using the iPod battery?
Rads at 2007-11-15 16:01:58 >

# 5 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
I'm using the Belkin Auto Charger for power. There is an extra outlet in the storage area under my armrest. I ran the wires inside the center console to keep the wires hidden.
kloh at 2007-11-15 16:03:08 >

# 6 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Nice, clean install. Looks like it's in somewhat of an awkward position though, no? Do you find it difficult to navigate through your menus and playlists without removing the iPod from the dock?
I'm still trying to figure out the best way to mount mine ('03 VW GTI 1.8T); the Panavise dash-mount puts the iPod in a very convenient location, but ruins the lines of the interior. Your hidden install looks great and has got me thinking about something similar...
Dave
dmc at 2007-11-15 16:04:07 >

# 7 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Dave, you are correct. The position is slightly awkward, but that's exactly why I created the angled mount for the dock. Laying the iPod down a little definitely helps. Navigating menus is fairly easy, but could definitely be better. The fact that the dial is slightly covered only hampers long scrolls -- which I don't really do when driving. I pretty much just hit the FFW button or set song ratings. If I need to do any more, I'll pull the iPod out of the dock.
I was more interested in retaining the clean look of the interior than mounting the iPod in an easilly accessible location. I don't plan on selling the car any time soon, but when I do, I'd rather not have any visible signs of the install. Of course, there are holes now, but they can be hidden easilly. Those are pretty much the reasons that motivated me to put it where I did...
The other option I was considering was to mount it high, near the vents for better visibility -- and I almost went with an Arkon mount to do it. I just couldn't get myself to "alter" the look of the beautiful titanium interior! :) I'm very pleased with Infiniti/Nissan's design team on this car.
kloh at 2007-11-15 16:05:00 >

# 8 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
1st, great clean install, the dock seems like the way to go. I am a bit confused though...
Kloh:
<< Unfortunately, I'm still using an FM Transmitter, but once Blitzsafe comes out with their AUX kit, I'll wire it directly into the SAT input. >>
Blitzsafe AUX kit?? Is this specific for each vehicle make? I was under assumption that this is a generic thing for any stereo.
I want to pursue the "Dock" route as I think I have a place below my radio in my car (2004 BMW 325Ci), just unsure what else is needed. So far I'm only clear on this:
> iPod
> Belkin Car kit
> confused as hell as to what adapter and/or blitzsafe thing is needed to connect to the inputs in my stock Harmod Kardon stereo (option is avail for cd changer, so I'm assuming I can do this)
I am also concerned about this "buzz" that people say occur with the Dock install. I've seen the VW install with the ground wires, but is this necessary, and who wanst to drill holes or see ugly wires??
Lastly, does anyone know of a reputable car audio professional in the NYC area. I am really trying to NOT do this install myself as I do not want to butcher my car. It seems fairly simple for a person who know what he's doing, just a little creativity on the Dock mount.
Again, any and all comments greatly appreciated. I don't know how much more of that friggin FM transmitter I can stomach. And avoiding the bridges and airports is killing the mileage on my lease.. ;)
# 9 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Originally posted by bobkornz
Blitzsafe AUX kit?? Is this specific for each vehicle make? I was under assumption that this is a generic thing for any stereo.
Blitzsafe produces specific kits for specific vehicles. The way I understand it, they will typically make a kit that utilizes whatever extra harness is available in the trunk of the car. Most of the time, it converts the input for an external CD changer to an RCA input, but since every car manufacturer has different equipment, they often need to make specific adapters for specific vehicles. In my case, I have an in-dash changer and my "external" input is a satellite harness. They have not confirmed that the SAT is what they will be utilizing, but my best guess is that they will.
I want to pursue the "Dock" route as I think I have a place below my radio in my car (2004 BMW 325Ci), just unsure what else is needed. confused as hell as to what adapter and/or blitzsafe thing is needed to connect to the inputs in my stock Harmod Kardon stereo (option is avail for cd changer, so I'm assuming I can do this)
Check out http://blitzsafe.com and browse their catalog. I'm sure they have several BMW kits as well. More than likely, the kit for your car will utilize whatever option they have for the CD changer.
I don't know how much more of that friggin FM transmitter I can stomach.
Completely agree. It's driving me crazy too. Blitzsafe can't make the AUX adapter for my car soon enough.
Regards,
-Ken
kloh at 2007-11-15 16:07:12 >

# 10 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Why are you guys going mad over the FM transmitter?
Nim at 2007-11-15 16:08:03 >

# 11 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Hey.. you made front page of ipodlounge :D congrats hehe.
And thats the best install ive seen so far btw, well done.
M@rK at 2007-11-15 16:09:12 >

# 12 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Is there a Blitzsafe kit for the G35 Coupe on the way? We got burnt on the XM option for my wife's coupe. It's available now (finally) but she may prefer this option.
Gromit at 2007-11-15 16:10:11 >

# 13 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Great job on the install, i just got my 15gig ipod, i have it installed it in my car by means of un-plugging the rca plugs in my cd stacker and running a cord from the boot (its a 1990 SAAB) to the front of the car and i just plug the head phone jack into the ipod remote and i have it working, its not as glam as yours but hey it works!!
cheers
al
# 14 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Wow! Great job will have to consider this one for my G35 coupe.
Thanks for Sharing.
Brian
# 15 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
I thought Blitzsafe was coming out with an AUX kit that would allow the control of the ipod through the head unit... For my ford escape, I know i can use one of their aux kits, but I was waiting for this new capability...anyone know updates on it? is it only for 3G ipods? I'll try to find link from before..
UPDATE:
here's that link:
http://www.ipodlounge.com/ipodnews_comments.php?id=P730_0_7_0_C
# 16 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Originally posted by M@rK
Hey.. you made front page of ipodlounge :D congrats hehe.
Whoa! That's pretty cool. Guess that explains the added "interest" this thread has generated.
Originally posted by Nim
Why are you guys going mad over the FM transmitter?
The sound is awful and the signal is almost never clear.
Originally posted by Gromit
Is there a Blitzsafe kit for the G35 Coupe on the way?
They say they're "working on it" but haven't given an ETA yet. I've heard anything from "soon" to "sometime in December." Needless to say, I'm very eager. Anyone else with a G35 should contact them (phones, email, their message board, ANYTHING) and let them know we want it!!! Perhaps that will speed things up.
Originally posted by Gromit
We got burnt on the XM option for my wife's coupe. It's available now (finally) but she may prefer this option.
Check your trunk to see if you have a white harness (underneath the plastic plate on the left side of the spare tire). If you do, you're good to go. But if you took delivery of the car early (before March, I think) it's possible that you do not have the harness -- which would mean a much more complicated install that's probably best left to the professionals.
And for the rest of you who replied, thanks for the kudos! I appreciate it.
-Ken
kloh at 2007-11-15 16:14:10 >

# 17 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Originally posted by huggies
I thought Blitzsafe was coming out with an AUX kit that would allow the control of the ipod through the head unit... For my ford escape, I know i can use one of their aux kits, but I was waiting for this new capability...anyone know updates on it? is it only for 3G ipods? I'll try to find link from before..
I heard they were creating an iPod kit for BMW... hadn't heard about other manufacturers yet though. I'll see what I can dig up.
kloh at 2007-11-15 16:15:18 >

# 18 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Originally posted by kloh
Check your trunk to see if you have a white harness (underneath the plastic plate on the left side of the spare tire). If you do, you're good to go. But if you took delivery of the car early (before March, I think) it's possible that you do not have the harness -- which would mean a much more complicated install that's probably best left to the professionals.
-Ken
No white harness (purchased in January). The last time I checked, there is now an option for those of us without the harness though. But it would require a professional install. By the time I order the kit and pay for the install, I could buy another iPod and try to emulate your setup.
Great job!
Gromit at 2007-11-15 16:16:13 >

# 19 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Full marks for a clever installation.
Bob at 2007-11-15 16:17:22 >

# 20 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
I sent my wife a link to this thread and she came home wanting an iPod. She's worried that someone will scratch up the interior installing the XM option and thinks she'd like the iPod better anyway. :)
kloh, did you make that mounting bracket?
Gromit at 2007-11-15 16:18:23 >

# 21 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Originally posted by Gromit
I sent my wife a link to this thread and she came home wanting an iPod.
heh heh... sorry!
Yes, I made the bracket. It was quite simple. Just took 2 L-shaped brackets and bent them to the appropriate angle. I could have probably gone with just 1 bracket, but the 2 gave me better flexibility for mounting positions on the bottom of the dock. I'd also recommend finding brackets with long gaps down the middle so you're not locked into specific positions and can adjust the height of the dock.
Note, the Apple dock has a weight attached to it that I had to remove since I could not snap the cover back on once I mounted it. The bolts are placed directly underneath where the weight goes and the extra 1/32" (or so) was enough to not make the weight seat properly.
Here's another pic of the bracket:
kloh at 2007-11-15 16:19:20 >

# 22 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
First, great car. I love the G35.
Second, great install in a great car. I love how you preserved the sleekness of the interior.
Question: I'm using the same belkin cigarette adaptor. I notice the green light stays on even after the car is off (engine off, everything). Do you think this has an appreciable drain on the car battery? I don't think it does, but I'm just looking for an opinion.
swong at 2007-11-15 16:20:18 >

# 23 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Scroll down to dmc's post in this thread ( http://ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7627). He got some good info directly from Belkin regardin the actual load it takes.
Net net is, it shouldn't be a big deal.
kloh at 2007-11-15 16:21:19 >

# 24 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Doh!Bandwidth Limit Exceeded
The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to the site owner reaching his/her bandwidth limit. Please try again later. Can't wait to see those pics :D
Rich at 2007-11-15 16:22:19 >

# 25 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
oops. I just gave myself more bandwidth. It should work now.
kloh at 2007-11-15 16:23:24 >

# 26 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
kloh, this is by far the cleanest installs i've seen. I had a few questions about the plate - you said that you used a 3-ring binder to make it. Which kind did you use? Most of the ones I have seen have some type of vinyl covering cardboard but from your pics, it looks like it might be a different material? Second, how did you make the cuts so perfect? The cuts around the hinges are excellent and the cutout for the dock access is clean. Let me know when you get a chance, I've been working on an install for my car and wanted to get some advice.
Thanks!
Sam
sams at 2007-11-15 16:24:25 >

# 27 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Thank you, sams. I'm not exactly sure where the binder came from since I just grabbed it off my shelf (I've had it for years). It's one that is just plastic with no cardboard inside. Come to think of it, you might have more luck looking for binders (or folders) that are not 3-ring. I know there are a lot of "report folders" that are made of a very similar material. Sometimes they have clear covers and black backs. The back is what I would use. My guess is you should be able to find a bunch of different options in most stationery stores. It's literally, just a thin piece of plastic. Mine is very smooth on one side and slightly textured on the other. I like the texture -- which makes it look more "vinyl" so I used that for the top side.
If you saw the piece in person you might not think it's so clean after all. ;) I basically just used an X-acto knife to cut it out. Measured all the areas out one by one and marked the lines with a pencil. Then I cut the straight lines using a ruler and free-handed the curves. If you've ever cut airbrush frisket, it's the same type of thing -- just thicker. And actually, I think the thicker the plastic the better. So long as you can still cut it.
Good luck with your install. Post pics when you're done.
-Ken
kloh at 2007-11-15 16:25:20 >

# 28 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Hey- you don't need to wait for Blitzsafe. I bought an adapter for a 98 for Taurus with trunk monted CD changer upgrade. I didn't have the changer, just the empty slot on the trunk mounted amp. I bought this connector for like $85 bucks that gave me 2 RCA inputs into the amp. Ran a 3 meter Monster cord ($30 bucks at Circuit City) with male RCA inputs on both ends up through the cab, under the drivers seat, and then through the armrest (some fancy drilling and cable pulling where necessary to preserve the look of the interior, as I too wanted to keep the lines and limit exposed wires). On my iPod I simply plugged a small cable with a headphone jack on one end and 2 female RCA on the other into the RCA male ends from the trunk cable. Nice and clean! from my factory head unit, I choose CD, then use the volume on the head unit. I set the iPod at about 50% and it sounds fantastic! Next step is to fabricate a bracket into the armrest to pop it in and out of site. That's next weekend hopefully. I'll post pics when I'm done. Hope this helps! Here's the place I bought my wire harness from. Just send them an email with your car info and your sound system so they can recommend a harness for you. email@autotoys.com And here's the link to my particular part (click see more like this to see some different ones for Ford. I think they'll have one for most cars.)
http://store.autotoys.com/cgi-bin/wfp53024.storefront/EN/Product/FORDMP3AUX
# 29 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Dtilton,
thanks for the tip. I'll check it out.
kloh at 2007-11-15 16:27:32 >

# 30 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Hey you made it onto the Cnet website!
# 31 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
slystad810 -
Can you please elaborate? Or post a link to where you saw it?
-Ken
kloh at 2007-11-15 16:29:24 >

# 32 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
bump
# 33 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
nice install...
shoulda gone with the manual though ;p
# 34 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
heh heh... I hear that all the time. But with California commuter traffic, the AT is the way to go. And you don't lose much in the power department. The VQ engine is amazing!
-Ken
kloh at 2007-11-15 16:32:34 >

# 35 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
Nim
BORKA BORKA
Why are you guys going mad over the FM transmitter?
because they are horrible... to much god #### noise. id pay the extra money for an aux set up anyday
by the way awesome install... very mcgiever. haha
jpel85 at 2007-11-15 16:33:29 >

# 36 Re: Infiniti G35 Install
I finally got around to creating a DIY site for my install. For those of you with G35's, I've included a template for the faceplate cutout you can download.
Check it out: G35iPod.com ( http://g35ipod.com/home.php?src=ipl-orig)
Hope it proves useful.
-Ken
kloh at 2007-11-15 16:34:30 >
