8th Generation Honda Civic Forum - View Single Post - DIY: Permanent integrated iPod Dock (cheap mod!)

Ryan T · 10-04-2007, 08:22 AM

Okay, on to task #2, Mounting the Dock!

You need to be very precise where you mount the dock, because you want the iPod to be easy to pull in and out of the slot and you don’t want to put stress on the dock connector.

You’ll have to use the flat-head screwdriver to pry the white cover off the dock (leaving it on makes the iPod go too deep into the slot).

You can see here that I super-glued some Perfboard to the Dock's circuit board. This was to make a flush platform to contact the plastic of the dash piece, and the holes are great because they increase the surface area of the epoxy’s bond.

Now you’ll want to test-fit the iPod and the dock to the bin:

If your iPod doesn’t have any play, then that is the place where you need to mount the dock.

With the iPod still in there, flip this over, and mark TIGHTLY around the edges with either a scoring tool (X-Acto knife) or a Sharpie. I used Sharpie because I figured I could see it better with the epoxy on there (I was right).

To stick it on there, I used Loctite Quick Set Epoxy. I didn't think CA (super) glue would give me the strength I needed for inserting the pod day in and day out.

So, be careful with this stuff. It is PERMANENT. It comes in a double syringe. Squeeze an equal amount of both onto a paper plate, and mix it with a plastic spoon. Mix it for about a minute until it's thoroughly blended. Then apply a thin layer to both the console well and to the dock.

Place it, lining it up to the outline you had drawn before. You’ll have to hold it in that exact position with light pressure for about 5-10 minutes. During that time it will be VERY MOBILE. It’s imperative that the dock not move during this time. A QuickClamp might be helpful here, but it’s best if you just suck it up get the arm cramps.

After 10 minutes, the epoxy should be a little stiffer, and you can let it dry without any pressure. You'll need to rig something to support the piece so that the dock is flat and level as the epoxy sets. I used a couple of books and a roll of duct tape.

Give it another 10 minutes and then carefully inspect your slot, being mindful that the dock doesn’t move around. If you got any epoxy on it, you can wipe it off with alcohol. Then leave it to dry for another hour or two.

Okay, now that’s done. . . .

10-04-2007, 08:22 AM	#6 (permalink)
Ryan T Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: South Florida Age: 28 Posts: 303 Ryan Trevisol	Okay, on to task #2, Mounting the Dock! You need to be very precise where you mount the dock, because you want the iPod to be easy to pull in and out of the slot and you don’t want to put stress on the dock connector. You’ll have to use the flat-head screwdriver to pry the white cover off the dock (leaving it on makes the iPod go too deep into the slot). You can see here that I super-glued some Perfboard to the Dock's circuit board. This was to make a flush platform to contact the plastic of the dash piece, and the holes are great because they increase the surface area of the epoxy’s bond. Now you’ll want to test-fit the iPod and the dock to the bin: If your iPod doesn’t have any play, then that is the place where you need to mount the dock. With the iPod still in there, flip this over, and mark TIGHTLY around the edges with either a scoring tool (X-Acto knife) or a Sharpie. I used Sharpie because I figured I could see it better with the epoxy on there (I was right). To stick it on there, I used Loctite Quick Set Epoxy. I didn't think CA (super) glue would give me the strength I needed for inserting the pod day in and day out. So, be careful with this stuff. It is PERMANENT. It comes in a double syringe. Squeeze an equal amount of both onto a paper plate, and mix it with a plastic spoon. Mix it for about a minute until it's thoroughly blended. Then apply a thin layer to both the console well and to the dock. Place it, lining it up to the outline you had drawn before. You’ll have to hold it in that exact position with light pressure for about 5-10 minutes. During that time it will be VERY MOBILE. It’s imperative that the dock not move during this time. A QuickClamp might be helpful here, but it’s best if you just suck it up get the arm cramps. After 10 minutes, the epoxy should be a little stiffer, and you can let it dry without any pressure. You'll need to rig something to support the piece so that the dock is flat and level as the epoxy sets. I used a couple of books and a roll of duct tape. Give it another 10 minutes and then carefully inspect your slot, being mindful that the dock doesn’t move around. If you got any epoxy on it, you can wipe it off with alcohol. Then leave it to dry for another hour or two. Okay, now that’s done. . . . Last edited by Ryan T; 10-05-2007 at 12:45 PM.