I did not want to cut my dash this time around so decided to use an Alpine IDA-305s deck along with an iPad for video input. I'm still working on the iPad bezel but for the radio door I wanted to improve on my last idea a bit.

Principle is simple: Allow view of radio without having to open/close the radio door using smoked plexi

My first design was a bit more simplistic and uses hidden magnets to hold the radio door in place. Looks great but requires you to pry/remove the radio door each time you need access.

My new design involves actually cutting a hold in the stock radio door, then sanding and fiberglassing it to make it smooth. Then I had it professionally painted jet black and we polished a piece of plexi for a perfect view of the radio when powered up.


whatcha think?


Stock door setup:


AP1 black radio door cut and ready to be sanded/fiberglassed:


Cutout is sanded smooth and new plate is painted ready for re-install:

 

this could be cool

 

definitely a cool idea...my only suggestion would be to fill/smooth out the cut edges of the business card holders...it looks kinda cobbled together when viewed thru the plexi...otherwise, nice work!

 

5/27/10:

Still awaiting the black carpet but took the opportunity to test fit the finished plexi radio door. We had to move the radio about 1/2" back for the Alpine knob to clear. Door was painted gloss black so the smoked plexi blends in. When radio is off, it's dark and nothing can be seen. When radio is turned on the display is clearly visible

Open


Closed

 

That looks real nice!

On a side note, how difficult is to go through your radio station presets on that radio?

J

 

did you do that because your door didnt close with that setup? I heard that deck wouldnt allow it to close right.

 

If it's anything like the model before (what I have) it's not too bad... press a button and about 6 presets come up, rotate dial and click...

 

My main purpose for doing this is so I can view the status/song titles without opening the radio door each time. I have the PAC-Alpine unit so most of my controls can be done through the oem interface on left side.

Whether you use the stock radio door or my custom plexi version, you still need to move the radio back. The Alpine knob is too big and if you try to close the door, it jams up against the knob which is no good.

I still miss having my double din sometimes but for now this will do until I add the Apple iPad to the car


rick

 

I have this unit in my 03 and it was close, but it fit behind the closed door. This looks amazing BTW, I think you just created I new trend

 

Wow that does look awesome. I love my x305. I have a 02 and my door shuts no problem. I just pushed the radio as far back as I could without pinching wires and it sits snug.

And also...it's very easy to navigate and I was impressed with all the options.