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Old 11-03-2013, 04:45 PM   #1 (permalink)
Meulen
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Romeoville, IL
Posts: 1,093
Drives: 2010 370z 40th
Rep Power: 3390
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Default DIY: ipad mini magnetic install into cubby

I wanted a way to mount my mini in the cubby. My main objective was to keep the integrity of my 40ths interior. I didn't want to do any cutting or customizing to the outside of the dash. So I found a way to magnetically attach my mini into the cubby space and be able to put it back to stock quickly and easily like nothing was ever there.

Here is the finished product


Here is what you will need
1. Phillips head screw driver
2. 8 neodymium magnets. I got mine from amazon.
10 Neodymium Magnets 1/2 x 1/8 inch Disc N48
http://amzn.com/B001KV38ES
3. Cheap ipad case. I also got this from amazon
Apple Ipad Mini Rubberized Hard Plastic Snap On Shell Case Cover - Black
http://amzn.com/B009WDNEOK
4. 5 minute epoxy and some mixing cups/sticks



The first thing you need to do is take the dash piece out containing the cubby. This is not hard. If you need help there is a good video from Bigaudiofanatic on YouTube.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...r8QQiWuTbeq6kg

Next you need to flip over the dash piece to epoxy 4 of the magnets to the back with the 5 minute epoxy. A little warning here! Always keep your hands clean of the epoxy and don't get it on the dash. It will be very hard ad/or destructive to remove. Keep some rubbing alcohol near to get it off your hands.

Here is the placement of the magnets on the rear of the cubby


I let this not only dry for 5 minutes but cure overnight so I knew the magnets were on there solid and not coming off or damaging the dash in anyway.

Next I put 2 more magnets on the outside of the cubby to get ready to position them on the ipad with the cheap case installed


I then put the case on the mini and then put a glob of epoxy on the magnets, being very careful not to get them on the cubby felt. Then, carefully drop the mini in place positioning it well before sticking it to the epoxied magnets. Hold it in place for 5 minutes. I waited a little while longer before pulling off the ipad from the din while it cured. I propppe up the dash piece flat while the epoxy hardened. Yes I used a suntan spray can. Lol


Next I removed the mini to get ready for the bottom magnets. These don't line up perfect like the top so you have to do them separate because you can't get them to mate flush on the case while stuck on the dash like the top ones do. It's ok though. It actually makes the ipad easy to get on/off by grabbing the bottom of it and pulling up once installed. The top magnets are strong enough to hold the ipad in place and the bottom seems to be just enough to keep it from flopping around and breaking the hold of the top magnets under all driving conditions that I've tested.

I stuck the magnets to the dash and put a little grease on thetips that would contact the case. Then dropped the case on top of them to make a grease mark for positioning.


Next I took the magnets off and laid them on a table with the side up that needed to be glued face down onto the ipad case. You have to keep them the right way or they repel. I then cleaned the grease off the back of the case and marked the position of the magnet with a pencil while doing so.


Epoxy those bottom magnets in place and let cure. Do them one or two at a time but you have to hold them in place for the 5 minutes because they want to skate away being attracted to things in the ipad.

Let cure for at least an hour and then enjoy your new navigation/email/dash command or whatever other fun ideas you have to use your ipad in your Z!


I hope this works for some of you. I've taken a little flack for not being custom trimmed and the cubby door being open while driving. But this really worked for me as I didn't want to tear into anything and want the stock dash of my 40th to stay in tact.
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Last edited by Meulen; 11-04-2013 at 10:32 AM.
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