So I had this (not original) idea to use an iPad Mini as a stereo interface (and hopefully a backup camera display someday), and so I got working on modifying a panel to make it work. It worked, but I didn't have access to the original head unit (bouncing around under the dash), and my modifications caused a slight interference that eventually cracked the filler work on the bracket. To the shelf it goes, and a new approach is drafted - a magnetically mounted removable frame. So I spent 5 or 6 days in Blender designing, measuring, redesigning, rethinking... and I finally got there:
The slots top and bottom are for weight and cost reduction. The big cavity on the right side is for the lightning cable, and the "corner" indentations are for magnets. The back is open to allow access to the stock head unit (wife approved). There is a groove at the top for the magnetic strip from a smart cover to help hold it in. Also, reliefs for the buttons so they aren't being inadvertently pushed.
So a week later (today) Shapeways delivered to me the actual frame! It is dead on to my model as well. I could not be happier with it (unless it was already hydrodipped to match the wood grain on the interior).
It is a nylon plastic... very coarse feel to it, but I will do some finishing work on it. I'd like to get it hydrodipped wood grain to match the dash, but finding the right pattern has proved challenging. Maybe a leather wrap to match the interior, but that might look funny on the dash. Either way, it needs UV protection.
I'm stoked to get working on it! I have plans for a smooth contact connection for charging (no cables hanging out) so I bought a replacement panel for the dash (storing the original for resale... its the classic car guy in me I guess) to drill tiny holes in.
The slots top and bottom are for weight and cost reduction. The big cavity on the right side is for the lightning cable, and the "corner" indentations are for magnets. The back is open to allow access to the stock head unit (wife approved). There is a groove at the top for the magnetic strip from a smart cover to help hold it in. Also, reliefs for the buttons so they aren't being inadvertently pushed.
So a week later (today) Shapeways delivered to me the actual frame! It is dead on to my model as well. I could not be happier with it (unless it was already hydrodipped to match the wood grain on the interior).
It is a nylon plastic... very coarse feel to it, but I will do some finishing work on it. I'd like to get it hydrodipped wood grain to match the dash, but finding the right pattern has proved challenging. Maybe a leather wrap to match the interior, but that might look funny on the dash. Either way, it needs UV protection.
I'm stoked to get working on it! I have plans for a smooth contact connection for charging (no cables hanging out) so I bought a replacement panel for the dash (storing the original for resale... its the classic car guy in me I guess) to drill tiny holes in.
