Ford radio, Ipod control....help

[b50bsa]

Good day. I would like to hook up to, and control my iPod touch from a factory radio/CD unit. The unit in my truck, 1998 B4000, can not control a remote CD changer. From what I've been able to get from the net, this function is necessary if I want to use one of the iPod to Ford radio interfaces.

So, some questions, or perhaps an explanation first. I'm 60 years old and don't need all the wiz-bang power and controls, or the wonderful displays, that the current crop of aftermarket stereo/CD/ mp3 units offer. I know the aftermarket may be cheaper in the long run, but I like the factory look.

I know some of you live and breath audio, and I'm hoping the term "factory unit" did not send you running.

The questions; Since I have to buy another unit, are their any "better than others" that any of you would recommend, that will work with the iPod interfaces? Can any of you recommend a good brand of interface? Lastly, do any of you happen to have one of these units that you would like to sell?

Thanks

 

[oldjohnny]

I've had the JVC KD HDR1 for about 3 years now with the iPod adapter and just recently, it has started to give me problems. From time to time, It will quit playing the iPod and I'll have to reconnect it in order to get it to work. I think it may be my old nano, but I'm not ruling out the idea of the stereo being the source of the problem either.

If you really want to add iPod accessibility to your factory stereo, go with a Peripheral iPod adapter. We have one on a 97 GMC suburban and it works great. I would completely recommend it. The only bad part is the price.

 

[4x4fun]

the easy way would to be replace your factory HU. after that its just a cable. most company's make a model what, will integrate your ipod, IE control it, charge it ect.

how ever you would rather not do that.

http://www.pac-audio.com/Products.aspx?CategoryId=22

^^^^^this is were you wanna be^^^^^^

some of there kits are annoyingly hard to install, but cheeper in the long run.

 

[4x4fun]

i think this is you, but i dont know all the options you got, upgraded sound systemm ect.

http://www.pac-audio.com/productDetails.aspx?ProductId=345&CategoryID=36

 

[b50bsa]

Thanks for the answer. The interface you link to requires a head unit that will control an external changer, mine won't.

I'll try to link to a lookalike of my radio.

http://www.oem-auto-accessory.com/cgi-bin/image/templates/F7FF-18C815-AB.jpg

 

[oldjohnny]

the easy way would to be replace your factory HU. after that its just a cable. most company's make a model what, will integrate your ipod, IE control it, charge it ect.

how ever you would rather not do that.

http://www.pac-audio.com/Products.aspx?CategoryId=22

^^^^^this is were you wanna be^^^^^^

some of there kits are annoyingly hard to install, but cheeper in the long run.

Annoyingly hard would be an understatement. Some of those kits are super annoying to install, especially if your HU has Sat Radio, Radio Controls, DVD unit, etc. I tried to install one on a Suburban that had a flip down DVD, Sat Radio, 6 CD changer, and OnStar. In the end, I was mighty pissed, I broke a couple of dash pieces, and had to drive back to Fry's and return it. By the time I had removed all of the parts and reached the Radio, I found out that I had to disconnect my Sat. Radio or OnStar in order to hook up the iPod adapter.

 

[b50bsa]

Annoyingly hard would be an understatement. Some of those kits are super annoying to install, especially if your HU has Sat Radio, Radio Controls, DVD unit, etc. I tried to install one on a Suburban that had a flip down DVD, Sat Radio, 6 CD changer, and OnStar. In the end, I was mighty pissed, I broke a couple of dash pieces, and had to drive back to Fry's and return it. By the time I had removed all of the parts and reached the Radio, I found out that I had to disconnect my Sat. Radio or OnStar in order to hook up the iPod adapter.

This is the reason they adapt to a HU with external disk changer control. They say you have to disconnect the changer. I'm alright with that, I don't have a changer and doubt I ever will. So I will have to find a factory HU with the controls for a changer.