looking good

 

i wonder if one can use an iphone instead of an ipod

 

LOL the song is Love shack

hahaha

 

the vaistech unit is only compatible with the 5th gen ipod video for video capabilities so far. i think you'd only be able to play mp3s if an iphone was attached, videos would probably not work.

 

took about 4 hrs to do the install for my car including testing both units after the install while stationary and while in motion. the install was done by someone who has some experience taking out the head unit to install the navhack kit but this also was the first time installing the vaistech ipod unit, which was the trickier part. each car is different. my car was stubborn and the clips on the vent took a while to snap out. the directions from prestigious society state that it takes about 2 hours to install the navhack kit just by itself. the vaistech ipod kit was a little tricker because the wires and plugs were a little bulky and we had trouble sliding the nav unit back in place after install all the plugs. there isn't much room behind the nav unit for all the wires, so everything was pretty tight. the amount of time also depends on where you want to run the wires for your override switch and where you want to mount your ipod. some drilling holes may be required to run the wires through to where you want them.

 

Did you have to drill any holes? And if so, for which device?

 

had to drill out a piece from the bottom of the ashtray to run the ipod docking wire and the nav/tv override switch through to where i had it installed. i would say the section cut out of the bottom of the ashtray is a rectangular piece about 1 inch by 1/2 inch, just large enough to slide the wires through. i believe the nav/tv override switch can be installed in a location right under the steering wheel right by where your right knee would be at without any drilling. since the ipod docking cable is large, i think you'd have to drill somewhere in order to run it through to a place that would be easily accessable to you within reach. i was debating between ashtray area, cupholder, and center console. the ashtray area was the least invasive since there was already a small slit in the under the ashtray area already that is about 3/4 inch by 1/4 inch, so the drilling just expanded upon that slit to make it big enough to run the wires through.

note that in order to play videos, you have to select it directly from your ipod using playlists or selecting them individually. so you physically have to have the ipod within reach if you want to watch videos. i'd recommend installing it somewhere close to your reach. the location of my install has both the override switch and ipod within reach. so the glove compartment is not a good choice of location if you are considering it. mp3s can be played through playlists that can be accessed through your navi screen.

 

Some experience.. huh... j/k...

Don't forget we spent a good amount of time finding the right program to use and set on the Vaistech unit..

Also, set up the automatic "I agree" selection found on IS's prior to 2008.

Great thing is it looks like we didn't move a thing when we were done..
Patience & enough practice makes perfect!!

Plus, this install is 100% reversible with out any hint that these units were ever installed.

Joe Z

P.S. - A/C vent removal is easy in some cars & very hard in others..
Great Design Lexus!!!

 

Joe, what's the "trick" in making the removal of the A/C vents?

Any tips above and beyond what's mentioned in the DIY that would help us out?

 

No trick really.. Once you have done a few it gets easier & easier..

For starters you put blue tape in areas that will become in contact with your tools...
Also, use blue tape on the tools..

The tip to releasing the tabs is to having a pick type tool handy...

Best way to describe the pick, is bascially like a dental pick..

In this car, 3 out of the 4 tabs / clips released quickly..
The other one was just positioned further back than the rest and was a PIA to release.. My theory is that it varies from car to car because the dash board is not EXACTLY the same (in spec) in every car.

Here is a pic of the vent from MY car... 4 tabs circled in red...

 

Are these the picks you are talking about? And if so, which one of the 4 did you use?

 

^^ Those are way too big... in this case the smaller the better.

Try Savon or Walgreens.. $5

I use the one with the white & blue handle since its not flexible.

 

Gotcha...now that I know the tool, how did you use it? Did you invert it like a hockey stick, then push upward into the clip?

 

^^ No.. the pick is only necessary if you have stubborn clips..

These clips are designed to come slightly forward and lock in down position..

Usually a mini flat head screw driver works just fine.
If it doesn't, you use the pick to go over and on top of the clip to pull it foward and downward to lock down..

Once removed, you then release / unlock them upward so that when you re-install the vent it locks into place.

In this pic, those 4 clips need to be locked downward.




Joe Z

 

Ah, I think I get it now...the trick seems to be to use the mini flathead screwdriver, push into the clip, and then downward to get them to unlock.

Sounds about right?