My LGT wagon install: Part 4 (iPod and CleanSweep controls)

Before we begin with part 4, here's a finished shot of the door installation with the grille now powdercoated black and finished.

http://img35.echo.cx/img35/1931/08lgtfinisheddoor7nq.th.jpg

Now, for part four of the LGT install, showing the work done in the interior to integrate the iPod, CleanSweep volume control and source switch.

http://img118.echo.cx/img118/3967/01ipodcables2af.th.jpg

The shot above shows the iPod power and line output cables I used (they are from a company called SiK and they are top quality.) These cables are nice because they split off the audio connection and the power connection allowing you to route them as needed. I connected the iPod power to my console outlet so that I can choose whether to charge or not charge the iPod (you need to deplete the battery occasionally to avoid damaging it). These cables sit under the trim plates shown in the next photos.

http://img118.echo.cx/img118/5281/02sourceswitch29hy.th.jpg

The picture above shows the custom source switching box that Gary Martin fabricated to allow me to toggle between my XM commander and the iPod. He used a DACT audio rotary audio switch (stupid-expensive, but reliable).

http://img118.echo.cx/img118/13/03ipodtrimplates2dv.th.jpg

This picture shows the trim-plates Bill Hamze fabricated to fit the iPod into the center console cup-holder location. The thin, upper trim panel is made of ABS, the lower one is MDF and has an angled receiver to slightly tilt the iPod back to make it easier to see the display while driving. He covered both pieces in black UltraSuede. They simply pressure fit into the cup holder area.

http://img118.echo.cx/img118/1482/04ipodtrimplates27rb.th.jpg

Here are the trim plates put together so you can see how they fit together.

http://img118.echo.cx/img118/7712/05lgtconsoleclosed0gi.th.jpg

Here is the finished console in "stealth" mode. The CleanSweep volume knob is on the left and the source selector knob is on the right. This volume knob is light-years more comfortable to use than the stock volume knob... it falls right to hand. Remember, I'm in Florida so I don't need no stinkin' seat heaters.

More in next post....

http://img49.echo.cx/img49/2672/06lgtconsoleopen5up.th.jpg

Here is the console in "iPod operating mode"... very nice of Subaru to provide such a wonderful iPod mounting location with a nice cover, to boot!

http://img49.echo.cx/img49/9394/xmincubby6zs.th.jpg

Also nice of Subaru to provide such a perfect perch for my XM Commander.

http://img49.echo.cx/img49/9800/07lgtinteriorwide5hd.th.jpg

Above is a wide shot of the interior showing the driver's door and the console area... looks stock to the casual observer.

That's all for now... more to come!

Manville Smith

JL Audio, Inc.

Of course, that's just too cool.

Tell you what - I'll trade my car for yours. You won't even have to pay me anything extra. We'll just trade straight across. Sound good?

msmith- What are those square silver Legacy emblems right under the door handles on the inside of your doors? Where did you get them? or do those come with the Limited?

Here's your answer: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11345

So jealous...

Jonny... those were custom fabricated by our machine shop.They weren't part of the original plan, but were added to cover a spot on the upper door panel where an unsightly gap in the vinyl would have been visible... rather than recover the upper door panel, Bill decided to create that feature... turned out pretty nice.

Best regards,

Manville Smith

JL Audio, Inc.

Patagonian, hope you can hold your breath for a couple of months... I just have a temporary subwoofer system in there right now (see part 5)... We will probably build a "Stealthbox-style" enclosure with a single 10W6v2 or maybe a 12W6v2.

Best regards,

Manville Smith

JL Audio, Inc.

Manville - Well, I had hoped to get some pointers from you, but looks like I will have to start my sub install without your lead (I was waiting for better weather to be able to do glass work in the garage). Unless, you mean that you are the guinea pig for a production stealth box. I will gladly sell my 10W3's and PPI PRO-10 to finance a W6 Stealthbox.

-Dan

Manville - If you do come up with a black stealthbox for one (preferably) or two 10W6s, I would gladly commit to paying $300 or less for a stealthbox. I don't know if it will be easier to crank out another when you make yours, but it's just a thought.

Have a great weekend!

-bill

Bill - A W6 Stealthbox would be much more expensive than that, probably closer (if not over) $500 than $300. The W6 driver is between $200 and $300, depending on size, and then you have R&D and time/materials for hand-laid fiberglass.

If you think about it - $500 isn't so bad, considering a custom built square MDF enclosure would run you between $100-175 at most shops.

That is incredible!! Beautiful install!

Awesome. Simply awesome.

Bill - A W6 Stealthbox would be much more expensive than that, probably closer (if not over) $500 than $300. The W6 driver is between $200 and $300, depending on size, and then you have R&D and time/materials for hand-laid fiberglass.

 

If you think about it - $500 isn't so bad, considering a custom built square MDF enclosure would run you between $100-175 at most shops.

Definitely. I wasn't clear... I was thinking around $300 for just the box. $500+ for the whole setup wouldn't be bad, at all.

The WRX/STi custom boxes (http://www.sbxi.net/wrx_sti.php) that I found on another thread are $239, so I would expect a JL version, if it happens, to be a bit more.

I realize there's probably not enough of a market for Subies to warrant a full product line, but if a mold is made and Manville feels like cranking out a few extra, I would be happy to take one off his hands.