So I've been throwing around the idea for a few weeks now about how to go about installing an auxillary (iPod) jack in my truck. I thought it would be interesting to figure out a way to install the jack in the factory radio; meaning it would be hooked up to the speakers through the radio.

But, I'm no electronics expert. Any ideas on how to make it possible?

I know that they sell adapters for the tape players, but if this really is possible, I think it would be worth doing. It would certainly make my truck's radio one of a kind.

It would also mean there'd be plenty of on-demand to be done!!

 

I'm not sure it is possible to put it in the radio. However, this is an option:
Best FM transmiter modulator hardwire no static noise auxiliary audio input mp3 jack usb charger aux

 

Maybe I'm not reading it correctly, but I'm a bit confused. This is an FM transmitter, but hard-wired?? Or does that mean that the USB is hardwired TO the transmitter?

If it is an FM transmitter, I appreciate the input, but lack the interest. I don't care for the FM transmitters b/c it doesn't seem to matter what station you tune it to, you always end up getting static and it never stays clear long enough to really enjoy the music.

The point, for me, of installing a jack directly to the radio is to eliminate the need for an FM transmitter.

 

i think you would have to some how run a ipod cord to an input wire or something like that

 

The correct term for an "ipod jack" is a line-in jack. So, we take that and feed it to Google, and get...

About 131,000,000 results (0.31 seconds)

The first one being how to do it on a GM radio, but the Ford radios will be similar as far as the concept itself goes. The wiring of course will be different inside, but the idea is the same.

HOW TO: Installing an mp3 jack in your factory radio - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

Looks like he wired the jack so that the line level input to the audio amp section of the radio can be switched between the FM tuner and the new jack.

 

That depends...

I got the impression that the OP wanted to put in a USB port. Which isn't going to happen easily. A USB jack is digital, while these old radios are analog. A slim possibility might be to install a 3.5mm line-in jack and use some sort of converter (USB to 3.5mm), if they're even available.

Otherwise, the simplest solutions are the FM transmitter, the 3.5mm-to-cassette converter, or the link posted above on how to solder in a 3.5mm jack and use a male-male cable from the headphone jack of your iDevice.

Jason

 

Looks good, but too complicated for me!


What I've always thought about doing would maybe to cut off the face off of the factory and hinge it onto a newer radio with the wanted features (cd, or mp3). It would have to have the same measurements or smaller for it to fit in the existing hole for the radio. If you put a small hinge on the old cover, then while it's flipped up, it looks factory, but you turn in down, and you can access the newer radio.

-Cody

 

This just isn't worth it when there are so many cheap stereos you can buy with that feature already, it makes no sense to me going through all that hassle.

 

That's exactly how I feel. With all the new features these new radios have and how cheap they can be had for, it's pointless to try and add stuff to our old radios.

 

[QUOTE=Encho;13202264]This just isn't worth it when there are so many cheap stereos you can buy with that feature already, it makes no sense to me going through all that hassle.

Kinda like getting married

I prefer the even more user friendly Bluetooth models. But thatʻs my opinion.

 

+100 on that, I am an electronics expert and I wouldn't waste my time with something like this, for under $100 you can have everything mentioned including better FM reception and more power...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-CDX-GT470UM-CD-MP3-WMA-AAC-USB-Input-for-Android-Blackberry-/400488471976?pt=Car_Audio_In_Dash_Receivers&hash=item5d3ef91da8

 

I did this on my GTO's factory Blaupunkt radio. If you search for that then you will get the idea of what you are in for. I like the idea of putting it in line for the factory amp but with the lack of switchable inputs on the older radios its going to be difficult to get something setup without a lot of interference.

The only other hacks I'm coming across involve tappin into the output from the cassette deck and still require you out a tape in.

 

I know that some guys like to keep their trucks stone stock and if you're one of them, just take the radio to any good radio repair shop. They'll install a very discreet headphone-style jack for about 40.00-60.00 bucks. A friend of mine had this done last year and there is NO way it can't be told from factory. Next time I see him I'll get some pix.
Roger

 

It's worth it to the guy who wants to keep his factory radio while enjoying the benefits of using his ipod through his truck speakers.

To clarify- I am looking to install an in-line input jack, not a USB port.

I didn't know how extensive the work would be, which is exactly why I posted about it on here before I attempted to do it myself.

However, for the time being, this seems to be a job beyond my skill set. Roger T. Pipe- thanks for the suggestion about the repair shop; I'll look around for one. In the meantime, I suppose I'm gonna stick with the tape adapter.

 

The only problem I have with newer radios is seemingly all of them are overdone with whiz-bang lights and graphics. Plus, the buttons are made for guys with girly hands and in odd configurations. Give me big, easy-to-use ***** for volume and tuning and then play, forward, reverse buttons in a normal layout, plus a few memory buttons.

Jason