My Mustang iPad Install on a 2006

YouTube - In-Dash iPad Car Install 2006 Mustang 3G

I'm new to the forums here and mustang ownership in general. I don't like joining forums without contributing anything so here is my ipad install notes and thoughts. I have had my mustang for only a couple of months now but I'm totally in love.

Features: GPS w/live traffic, 3G Internet, Streaming Radio, Onboard Diagnostics, iTunes, App Store, High Resolution Screen, Video, Youtube, Email, Calendar, Contacts, and Much More.

Why I did it: The first thing that came to my mind when I saw the iPad was this is the car system I have been waiting for. The other DVD/GPS systems were ugly, glitchy, slow, and had very low resolution screens. Also I have always dreamed of having internet in my car for traffic updates, restaurant reviews, and everything else. The iPad also gave me a chance to go diskless in my car. We have been diskless at home for a while now so it was only natural to get rid of that dated CD player and FM radio. The last reason was cost. I looked into installing a carputer or a high end dvd/GPS unit but to get all the features I wanted it was going to cost $$$$. With the iPad I could get wifi, GPS, iTunes, Video, Apps, 3G internet, etc... all for $699 or so.

What was needed: At first I was just running the iPad off of an old sony deck that was stuffed behind the unit. This was never meant to be permanent but did workout ok. But in order for me to be happy with the project it couldn't be half assed and I wanted a standalone system. I decided to run the iPad directly from a 4 channel amplifier. I used a headphone splitter and then two headphone to RCA adapters to run to the amp. Then wired the four cabin speakers to the amp. This worked pretty good but it had a couple of draw backs, the biggest being volume control. Because all of the buttons are inaccessible I had to use the ipod app volume slider to control volume for the entire unit. So if I was listening to Pandora and I wanted to change the volume I would have to close the app open the ipod app change the volume and than return to Pandora. This was a pain but manageable. I decided I needed volume control and an equalizer so I got a 3Sixty.2 from Rockford Fosgate. This gave me everything I wanted and more. I also wanted to be able to run diagnostics on the ipad monitoring my boost, engine temp, WHP, etc... So I bought a Plex Kiwi Wifi and the Rev2 App. This is really cool.

Is it Removable: Kind-of.... If I really need to I can remove it in under 3 min. (I did time it). But it was meant to be an in-dash only system. I had only seen two other iPad installs in a car both were removable and both looked cheap. I didn't want to plug and unplug, I just want to get in and drive!

Pros: Awesomeness!!! The iPad was made for the car, GPS works way better than expected and real time traffic and construction updates are amazing! Streaming Radio is also amazing I have yet to loose signal with AT&T Pandora rocks. The screen looks great even in direct sunlight, I do have tinted windows so I think that helps a lot.

Cons: Over heating! On most day's it is not an issue, however on exceptionally hot days if I forget to put up my sun vizor the ipad does over heat. After about 5min with AC on it is fine. Again this can be avoided by just remembering to put up a sun vizor witch is good for your interior anyway. I am worried about theft but I park in a garage most of the time and I have a top of the line security system installed. Like I said before it's no different than having a $700 system in your car.

Must have Apps: If you install an iPad like this you must Jailbreak. Rev2, Pandora, State Farm Insurance App, Full Force (a jail break app that allows full screen iphone apps on ipad), 3G unrestrictor.

Let me know if anyone has any questions!

Koach

Sorry about the video the roads were a little rough .

Being the nerd that I am, and the fact that I'd like a carputer, for no other reason than just to have one, this is f-ing sweet. I give you a big for the clean install, too.

Wow - great idea!

The Shelby already has a Pioneer unit, but I do need something for the F-350.. Unfortunately, I will not support AT&T and their exclusivity with Apple.. the best phones/devices, on the CRAPIEST network..

If the iPad ever goes to Verizon, I would consider this.

Any pictures of the install??

Very, nice install and also very cool!!!

Gotta have this!!!!

First I have to say this is amazing.

Next did you move the buttons above the stereo (hazard, reset, info, etc.) or did you just remove them from use? Also did you put in any mounting brackets in to keep the ipad in place?

Thanks

@gathaway. I moved the buttons to the glove box.

Would love to see photos. I love my 3G ipad with the exception of poor AT&T service.
The price tells you we have been ripped off for years with the cost of factory systems.
My Ford has promise, depends on the cost.

Nice job man. I need one for the under dash of my car now. You will see a lot of people doing this now. Good on you.

That is so cool! Thanks for sharing! I'm sure your youtube is going to get a ton of hits.

For anyone who wants some more ideas on this here is a link to someone else you put a ipad in their car. This is a four part description that goes through everything. While it isn't a mustang it still shows lots of things that can be done.

YouTube - iPad in Car, Pt. 1, First Ever, SoundMan Car Audio

That is freaking AWESOMENESS at it's best.!!

ipad

This is one of the coolest installs I've seen in a long time. Someone should pitch this idea to Ford!!!

Ford is rolling around in the sheets with Microshoft so until they break up or get deevorce"d" I woundnt hold yur breath.
Very cool indeed, but I worry a little about distraction for the driver.

Very good idea indeed. Thought we don't have 3G service anywhere near us so I'd never do it but I give huge props for thinking outside the box.

i've wanted to do this since the ipad came out! its ideal for a double din -ish carputer. Very nice install! wish i had the console space to fit one like that

Great install. I have a question when your parking for the day how do you turn it off? I know you can set it for never or so many minutes but if its set to so many minutes the screen will go off while your driving you would have to push home button again to get picture seems like a hassle.Do you have an off button on it? Thanks

I can't find all of the apps you recommended.

well done