Finally got an iPod...

michakaveli · 02-05-09, 08:30

Are there interfaces to be able to connect an iPod to the OEM stereo in a vehicle.

Cars in question for intergration:

'03 Toyota Corolla & '05 Ford Taurus...

The Taurus has a OEM changer in the trunk already.

STownSaint · 02-05-09, 10:01

I know Toyota makes an interface, but i think it's only compatible with the better stereo option. Not sure about the Taurus. Your best bet might be looking at some car forums to see your options.

There are also a few really good FM Transmitters now (older ones were pretty bad). Im using the DLO TransPod for now, and you'd be impressed. Obviously not as good as direct hookup, but its much cheaper and easier. GL

XRL · 02-05-09, 10:05

Just replace the radios. The corolla is pretty easy, and the Taurus isn't too bad but requires you to run extra wiring (included with the Metra kit) from the guts of the radio in the back of the car to the faceplate up front.

You can get a radio that'll control the iPod directly and sound better than your factory radio for like $100 and install it yourself in 1-2 hours if you've got no experience or clue what you're doing. If you order the radio from Crutchfield they'll even send you the stuff you need to do the install and instructions.

michakaveli · 02-05-09, 10:17

Thanks for the responses. My goal is to go the OEM route as I like the stock look (better for prying eyes, etc.. )

The garage queen is for the aftermarket stuff

JohnZ3MC · 02-05-09, 11:03

Probably not what you're looking for, but for prying eyes, you might want to consider an FM transmitter for the Ipod. They plug into the cig. lighter/accessory jack, and the Ipod.
Set the unit for a 'dead' FM setting and tune your radio for that frequency. Result: tunes over your car stereo system.
Park the car and remove the one cable. You're done.
I have an IPhone and use one of these all the time.
They're really cheap on ebay too.
-John C.

Bigpoppa3346 · 02-05-09, 12:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnZ3MC

Probably not what you're looking for, but for prying eyes, you might want to consider an FM transmitter for the Ipod. They plug into the cig. lighter/accessory jack, and the Ipod.
Set the unit for a 'dead' FM setting and tune your radio for that frequency. Result: tunes over your car stereo system.
Park the car and remove the one cable. You're done.
I have an IPhone and use one of these all the time.
They're really cheap on ebay too.
-John C.

I didn't even realize these things existed until I was in a friends car that had this, and the sound quality seemed about the same as it would have if you were playing a CD through the stereo (which isn't saying much, it was a POS old Taurus), so sound quality isn't an issue.

If I were to buy a hook up for a car, I would go this route, and not have to deal with installing some adapter.

tom p. · 02-05-09, 12:13

Chris, I'd check over at Crutchfield to see what specific configs are available for your vehicles.

As John notes, these FM transmitters are pretty common and work OK. Per another discussion on this same topic a few weeks ago, I purchased an $18 unit on eBay that I've been using in our W210 cars. I guess it works as well as can be expected. Some brands are junk, this one brand Accumulator mentioned seems to be slightly better. These devices don't work well when you're in a major metro area.

Also, BIPES for the Benz: Bipes Automotive iPod / Portable MP3 Adapter

michakaveli · 02-05-09, 12:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom p.

Chris, I'd check over at Crutchfield to see what specific configs are available for your vehicles.

As John notes, these FM transmitters are pretty common and work OK. Per another discussion on this same topic a few weeks ago, I purchased an $18 unit on eBay that I've been using in our W210 cars. I guess it works as well as can be expected. Some brands are junk, this one brand Accumulator mentioned seems to be slightly better. These devices don't work well when you're in a major metro area.

Also, BIPES for the Benz: Bipes Automotive iPod / Portable MP3 Adapter

Thanks Tom. That BIPES look decent for the Benz's, too bad I have an aftermarket unit in each. But I like how it will let you input jsut about anything. Curious if it affects sound quality at all as it is a device in between the source unit and stock amp.

tom p. · 02-05-09, 12:24

I don't know much about the BIPES. My car has the 6 disc changer + BOSE and I can use the iPod in that car with the little FM transmitter thing if I want. For the $18 spent, it's worth every penny cuz it keeps the kids quiet - - it's a beatiful thing

Here's one very similar to what I got:

Griffin Technology: iTrip Auto Universal Plus

They have much fancier units costing up to $80. I selected something simple, and without a rechargable battery, so I could evaluate the overall performance without getting in too deep.

I think they've got units that are powered by the iPod itself, but that's gonna have a dramatic impact on battery life.

PrinzII · 02-20-09, 11:41

Congrats on your iPod. I have a 16 GB Nano and enjoy it quite a bit in the "wife-mobile". However, in my case, I plan to change head units because wifey wants nav.

connorb850 · 02-20-09, 01:57

Check here:

Blitzsafe

They make iPod adapters for many applications using the factory radio. I had one in my previous vehicle, worked great.