My iPad2 Install
 

Hi,
I wanted to share some pictures of my 1981 Corvette iPad2 Install. It went well though I took my time with it, I ended up spending 100 hours or so of my spare time. Total cost was around $2000.00
This is one of the most amazing mods I think I could do to my car. And the sound quality is superb, I used a iStreamer with a Three.2 and it really sounds incredible.
With bluetooth phone and facetime/email/web browsing/maps, and all my music just a touch away... I would highly recommend this mod for the hardcore custom guys.

Before
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/9775/92252890.jpg

Cut Giant hole in dash with Sawsall made wood template, test fit..
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/7715/54676531.jpg

Removed material sanded off padding and glue, removed all staples, built dog house, shaped and sanded for days...
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/6290/79865713.jpg

And days...
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/9416/27346010.jpg
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/1681/31968211.jpg

Went down to my buddies fab shop with a nice fat piece aluminum and he helped me make the face plate. Ever use a wooden router bit on a piece of half inch plate? Not a good time!
http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/3864/97628867.jpg

6 hours later...
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/4197/62983912.jpg

Dash Pad and console frame re-wrapped
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9877/31915986.jpg
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/9297/51828067.jpg

Progress..
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/4157/43583382.jpg

And almost finished. Carpet and windshield go back in tomorrow night! Made a new console and shifter surround for my TKO 600. Used the center cutout from my iPad frame, more routing half inch plate.... OMG!...
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/2563/28657513.jpg
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/791/58980797.jpg

Can't wait to drive it!! :D :rock:
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/1174/76483801.jpg

Awesome work, Mate.:cool:
I'm tossing around the idea of sunvisor mounted dvd screens :hide:
I have a dvd/mp3/usb headunit ready to install (when I get the time).
Keep up the great work & keep us informed.
Cheers from Downunder,
Gav

Very cool!

:rock:

Very Impressive Craftsmanship!
 

You obviously know what you are doing. When the iPad3 comes out with phone capabilities you will be all set. Slightly off topic - I love the whiteface gauges, can you tell me what brand and where you bought them? I want to replace my 43 year old tach, speedo and gauge cluster with a fresh/clean look like you have there.:cheers:

Absolutely incredible! Fine workmanship there! :thumbs:

Thats cool...I would have went with a Galaxy Tab, or Blackberry Playbook. Something that is 7 inches and narrower, then it might have fit without having a hump in your dashboard.

I still love the idea...I think about doing something similar all the time

Wow... just...Wow

Thank you for the kind words,

Lupigiato Those are Phantom 2 gauges, I bought them from Jegs in 2002, not sure if they still sell them. They work great though.
Dose, I considered something smaller but I have no problem with the hump, I could have kept it lower and put the Three.2 somewhere else but, it matches the speedo hump height, and I like the large screen. Besides I really like the Ipad2.
Gavel, I say go for it. You will not regret having a MP3 player in the car, and nothing better then watching a movie while you wait in the parking lot for your better half to shop.
:thumbs::D

Wow, man you have some serious skills in the "mod" department. I would love to change my dashboard gauges.

Woo Hoo Coral Springs... :rock: CSHS class '80
(Nice work too.)

Mewn, amazing work. Ever since I was tasked to support these at our company, I have planned to put it in the vette at some point. Can you tell me about your Dash.......even before you started? I like it very much!

again, very, very nice! You should make molds. I would be in line, have to replace my dash anyways, so that's getting upgraded at some point!

Ylose,
Thanks, it is 95% MDF wood (Strong but no splinters and fire resistant), all seperate pieces I built and covered with padding and GM vinyl. The entire car has new wiring, hand made not a painless kit and I spent a long time just deciding on a design, I had extra space and ergonomics as a priority as I am 6'4 300 pounds. I got lots of extra leg room out of this setup and it really is comfortable. I am not opposed to creating molds but someone would have to make it very very much worth my while to tear it all back apart... :D
5K labor and 5k in materials and I would custom build this for someone else. Figure your car in my garage for at the very least a few months.. This is including the rear deck and speakers.. Not including seats or door panels.
But I doubt anyone wants to drop 10k on their interior right about now lol...
:lol::cheers:

Very nice!!! Well done

:eek:

Too cool. Very nice work

:cool: :thumbs:

holy crap... that sweet...

20 hours later, everything is coming together great. Windshield should be back in tonight. I am taking this beast to the beach tomorrow. Even if I have to call a flat bed! :D:rofl:
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/1329/dashm.jpg

Looks good...Love how you have that pic up on the ipad

Your toy was featured on the start up page of this sight. You sure have it going on!!! :cool: :cool: :cool: :rock:

saaweeet
 

thats AWESOME.