VT replacement head unit for iPhone conn

[nickbedford]

Given that I have an iPhone and used it as both my GPS nav and my music source in my previous VL bombodore, I have been looking around the net for solutions to both the mounting of the iPhone (windscreen, dash or vents) and also connectivity to the head unit (I used an aux-in on my Sony head unit).

Problem is that the current windscreen mount really only works well on the right of the steering wheel as in the middle of the window its a bit cumbersome. Problem with this is that the charger cable needs to go across the wheel which is messy.

Does anyone have a nice tidy iPhone/iPod touch mount they recommend? Preferrable something that will sit somewhere on the left of the wheel so as to eliminate long power/audio cabling across the wheel.

Also, I've been thinking I might actually just go ahead and get a double DIN unit to replace the stock one to get some iPhone connectivity (whether via bluetooth or aux-in cable) but don't want to spend a lot and want to just hook it up to the existing Berlina speakers, in other words, MINIMAL effort since I hate doing stereo wiring etc.

Any recommendations for a unit that will A) be relatively inexpensive and B) fit without having to get all "hacksaw" on it, i.e. connect to wires, push / screw in.

Is replacing the head unit on a VT berlina a "fun" idea? :P

Thanks for your help.

[GAMBLR]

depends on your idea of fun.
most companies now offer headunits with optional iPod and/or USB inputs, or at the least an AUX input. I have iPod on my DVD player and it is awesome. total control from the head unit, song info, menu browsing etc. The only issue i'd see wiht yours is the iPod cables generally aren't long, so mounting the iPod on the windscreen could be a problem.
I'm don't know about the bluetooth. Headunits are compatible wiht bluetooth audio devices, but the iPhone has a very basic Bluetooth system installed and i dont knwo whether thats compatible with headunits.
as for the headunit, if you buy a well known brand, they generally have plugs that connect the new unit to a factory loom. Your local car audio specialist can point you in the right direction. And as for removal of the headunit, i'm pretty sure its an easy job, but sorry don't know exactly how easy.
Cheers
CC

[HamaTime™]

Replacing headunits could be one of your best life choices or your worst nightmares, depending on what model you get, what you use it for, and how it's installed.

For an iphone, I would reccomend a headunit that has a Direct ipod Control capability, meaning a headunit that has a full speed ipod connection, rather than just an AUX input where the ipod is controlled through the ipod rather than through the headunit as is the case with a direct control headunit.

As for mounting it on the windscreen, standard GPS mounts should do the trick, but I guess its really a case of you shopping around and looking for something that you would like. There are so many options out there. Cables are not a problem, despite that most cables are usually short, there are connector cables that you can get from JB, Dick Smiths, Jaycar or any of those shops so thats no issue!

[Vxdrummaguy]

I ran into a similar problem my solution was run a usb extension cable connected to my ipod cable in the fuse box. Just pull down the fusebox panel under the steering wheel. To avoid the ipod cable hanging down when not in use i threaded it through the interior section of the air vent. Then just work out how much slack to keep and leave the rest of the cable rolled up in the compartment. Shut the fusebox panel(take care not to shut too hard and snap the cables). If you dont have enough slack you can easily slide the cables from either side of the fusebox with ease. Thus far ive never had a problem hope it works for you