I have an Alpine head unit in my 03 F150. Its installed using the mounting kit that gives you a storage pocket above the radio. I just purchased the cable from Alpine that links my IPOD directly to the HU. I've read most guys are running the cable to their glove box. I'm thinking about drilling a hole in the back or side of the of the new storage pocket and running the cable thru there. The end of the cable that connects to the IPOD is rectagular, so it could never accidently fall back behind the radio. The IPOD itself would be stored in that new pocket.

I take my IPOD where I go allot, so unplugging it and grabbing it is that much easier.

Anyone else out there done this before????

Thanks.

 

Yeah, me and a buddy bought the same setup for our F-150's. I just ran mine into the glove box. He said the same as you, he takes his ipod everywhere and wanted to just be able to grab it and go without fooling with the glove box. The only prob he had was the hole had to be pretty big, if you are using the full speed ipod setup and not just the aux in. The plug that goes to the radio is pretty wide. He drilled his hole into the side of the storage tray so it wasnt seen from plain view with the ipod removed. That looked like a great setup/idea...

Go for it!

 

I have this setup in my 05, except I mounted the radio on top and the pocket on the bottom. I also skipped using Alpine's module and just bought a straight Ipod to AI-Net cable that also has a power lead on it so I can charge it while listening. You get the same high quality sound, but unless you have an 06 or newer Alpine deck with the highspeed Ipod adapter, it's easier to control the thing directly instead of through the headunit.

To keep the cable from slipping back into the dash when unplugged, I first drilled a hole about the same size as the width of the connector, then used my dremel to cut a rectangle opening just large enough to fit it through. Once I had it in place and tested it to make sure it worked, I glued the piece I cut out back, and used some black sealant to cover the gaps. It's not as nice as stock, but it doesn't look ghetto either and to my eyes looks a lot better then routing it between the dash and the radio bezel like some people do. Good luck with yours.

 

I have done many iPod and radio installations. Dont put it above even if it is easier. Put it in the Glovebox. Its safer in case you get in an accident. And if go into a store and leave it visible its a walking TAKE ME PICK ME!!! I have dealt with some pissed off customers because of this.