Bootstrap342

Over the last couple of weeks I completed this project in my 2004 GMC Sierra. I was a bit wary as I've never worked with fiberglass or bondo materials, but I think it turned out pretty cool! The plan eventually is to do this with the Grand Sport as well. The truck was just a less expensive test run.




Preliminary brainstorming.



Cutout a basic Ipad+frame size piece of wood to mock up.



Frame cut out, white Ipad box insert as a test fitment for size. Router the edges for a smooth corner.



Console and frame pieces secured together and wrapped in 100% polyester fleece.



First base coat of fiberglass resin to stiffen the shape.



First layer of fiberglass material to add strength.




Epoxy to secure the lightning cable.



Second coat of fiberglass cloth to provide strength and a smoother finish



Sanded down fiberglass shell and cut out the Ipad dock hole.



Ipad dock placed into shell and secured.



Test fitting the Ipad.



A flexible adhesive added to secure the Ipad dock.



Test fitting the piece before bodywork.



First layer of bondo applied.



AFter first bondo application.



More Bondo/Glazing putty.



Adhesion promoter and high fill primer applied.



Color coat applied. Used a DupliColor Carpet and Vinyl paint. Supposed to stay flexible and provide an OEM like finish.



Finished and installed.



Finished and installed.



Finished and installed.

This project was pretty neat. I had a learning curve working with fiberglass and bondo. I had the piece coated in primer once but it just wouldn't dry after I'd prepped the surface with a prep spray. Evidently I used too much and compromised the adhesion and top of the bondo. It ended up great because I went back and re applied bondo and made the piece even smoother.

The Ipad is able to control my trucks head unit and receives WiFi from my phone as a mobile hot spot. The Ipad is easily removed with one hand and stays charged. I can now utilize it for music, movies, navigation, internet browsing. Anything you can do on your phone/tablet is now availed to me mounted flush into my dash. I have an OBDII reader in the mail and will configure some cool dashboard real time figures to display.

Overall I'd say pretty much anyone can do this with some patience and creativity. I'd encourage you all to try it if you're interested. Just buy an extra piece of whatever trim you plan to modify first!

Chevy Guy

WOW!! Awesome job! That looks really nice.

You could probably sell those as fast as you make them, see if you can get a mold made.

g23crawler

Looks good! I did something similar in my 04, wish I would have never sold that truck.

FAUEE

I have an android double din unit in my truck. Works well, and it's all in one easy to install unit.