Not much of a "build" but thought I'd share my very basic upgrade since I haven't seen anything like it.

I don't need to play video games or watch movies but the factory stereo sounds horrible and there is no easy, clean inexpensive way to add MP3 capability and hands-free calling.

Goals:
• Mount iPhone securely for GPS and Accelerometer functions
• Mount must be easy to hide
• Minimum amount of cables
• Must charge phone
• Listen to music stored on phone via USB or Bluetooth
• Take calls hands-free via Bluetooth over speakers with external mic (auto fade music)
• Stock Double DIN and display color for security

It took a few orders and returns to get the right mount but this one just fits into the cubby which is great b/c I can still close it when not in use and the lid provides some nice shade for the phone screen when in use. I ended up with the miCRADLE 3G attached to the UltiMount S2 from Pro Fit. They were great about the returns and even gave me a 20% coupon code for the trouble of having to reorder.

The CX609 is not much to look at and kind of a pain to setup but once you understand how it works it's not that bad. It actually has enough power to overcome the road noise and make the stock speakers listenable. For short trips it will auto-sync with the phone in your pocket, start playing music and is ready to take phone calls. Audio quality can be a bit iffy with BT so for anything longer I'll plug it in. It's not shown in the pics but I ran the external mic through the a-pillar, tucked into the headliner and mounted to my mirror. Call quality is great and much safer than holding a phone to your ear while driving a MT.

Crutchfield actually had the best price at $249 and there are coupon codes for $20 off that—comes with face plate and wiring harness of course.

 

ey bud where did u buy that ipod mount. simple but sweet.

 

Your iPhone looks right at home mounted like that in the cubby.

...

 

I bought it but im going to install the PLenio nav screen. i paid 41 including shipping, ill ship it out the door for 30 bucks....

Pat

 

350zenophile....how's that clarion sounding?

I've been wanting to get that radio since it's not too flashy and it's got some good options for the price.

could you put up some pics of the radio in the night? I really wanna see how that looks with the entire dash.

 

Still loving it...makes the stock speakers sound so much better.

You can change the color to match the Z perfectly.

 

I like the setup. The iPhone looks great in there, perfect spot for it. And the Clarion is a nice unit. It's nice to see someone go outside of the box in the Z (double DIN screen unit). I bet if you blacked out the "Clarion" on the face, it could be mistaken for an OEM unit. great for theft deterrence.

 

Looks great, I like it too.

 

How does the actual mount, mounts? I assume its not through a sunction cup like it normally is for windows etc. I could use something like that if it mounts anywhere just to hold my phone up.

 

nice setup

 

I have it screwed in. The mount comes with double-sided adhesive, which would work on glass, plastic, etc. but not fuzzy material. Also wanted to make sure it was solid.

Check out there site...the iphone cradle attaches to any of their mounts: http://www.pro-fit-intl.com/shopuniversal

 

could you post one more pic for me?

could I see how it looks at night with the cubby closed, and could you squeeze in the a/c dials in the pic??? por favor?

I just want one more visual for my radio shopping/research. Thanks.

 

Got to hand it to you, that's an incredibly enticing minor upgrade.

How well does the GPS work while inside the cupboard? Is it restricted at all?

 

Sorry missed your post...that's all I've got. Did you end up buying it anyway?

Thanks! Haven't tried out GPS yet...