Ipod/Stereo...help me fellas???

My new VS has no stereo whatsoever...I would like to keep the original look, and remember reading somewhere about a guy who said to use one of the new 30+ Gig Ipods with FM (I don't think XM is available yet) with 2 speakers and an amp...the Ipod could simply pug in and act as the head unit??? Is this feasible? What is the best bang for my buck? I like the thought of not getting a stereo and utilizing the latest technolgy with Ipod etc. then I can be mobile with my music...any thoughts? help...

I took a Jeep to a Best Buy once; the kids in the tech/install section will amaze you. Fold an extra $25 into the deal, and they'll do their level best to impress you with removable/detachable hardware that's hidden when it's not in use. They did an admirable job for me.
It doesn't cost Crutchfield money, either -- especially if you bought your stuff from wherever the installers work.

Yeah, I hear you Cory. I shop at Crutchfield, and then usually buy somewhere else. Still, sometimes they have good deals like 2 pair for 1 price speakers and free shipping. Bought my bluetooth/xm enabled stereo w/xm kit from Abes of Maine for a lot less than Crutchfield wanted for the radio alone($400!), but bought 4 speakers from the Crutch. If anyone has a bluetooth enabled music-phone, a bluetooth stereo is a viable option for portable music. I do think an amp, speakers, and the Ipod you already probably had would be the stealthiest and the best deal, though.

this is exactly what i will be doing.

1) ebay.com - motorcycle amplifiers ( http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=motorcycle+amplifiers&category0= )
2) 2 hidden speakers under dash
3) 1 ipod
4) wires and install

this is never going to be a car built for audiophiles, i just want some tunes to cruise to. :)

and if you REALLY want to be cool, get one of the newer GPS systems (I have a Tom Tom 720, but the Numas and others are pretty good, too), plug your IPOD into the GPS, plug the GPS audio output into your amp(s) and then enable the GPS AND your blue tooth phone.

Hands free phone calling, stellar navigation, terrific sound from the IPOD with a direct-cable set-up, AND the GPS mutes the music when giving directions or whenever you have an incoming call.

Wicked cool!

gn

You don't need to get too fancy, especially with these cars. Amplifier, meet Ipod (or your cell phone or GPS or whatever):

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2453587&cp=&pg=2&sr=1&origkw=rca+mini&kwCatId=2032058&kw=rca+mini&parentPage=search

You can get these anywhere.

Hot topic of late as I've posted two others in the last week about my TomTom 910/iPod/cell phone hookup... You are on the right track! I have a 60Gb iPod with 7,000 .mp3's at very high quality and room for more. RadioShack cable to plug directly into an amp (hide it under a seat) and wire out to 2 or 4 speakers and you are good to go! The only time I'd turn on a radio is if I like see a mushroom cloud on the horizon or something so don't mind that my unit isn't FM capable. You can wire in a Satellite unit if you prefer, but I like my collection.

Pick up a nice used amp off ebay and speakers at a good price and your set. I've accumulated two pairs of MBQuart speakers sitting in my closet and a JL Audio 4x amp that I'm saving to do exactly that when I get my car next year. I've done all my own custom stereo installs for years and I get everything off eBay at a good price. Lots of last years model stuff or slightly used. For the most part if it turns on when you get it then it will keep working for years.

My approach is going toward a suitcase with the amp and a pair of top speakers. Quick connect on the power and ground. Ipod on my lap with a Target cord to the amp. I need to work it out, but it would be simple, and if you used a vintage suitcase, cool.

Thanks guys...
I may wait until Christmas...
HERE IS A SHITTY STORY 4 EVERYONE...HOPE THIS MAKES U FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOUR DAY...MINE SUCKS
This morning it was about 55 degrees in Clarksburg, WV...so I put my top up and slid my side curtain windows in for the morning commute...HOWEVER, Being 5:45am I sluggishly/sleepingly didn't Latch the hood after getting my curtains out...U see where this is going???
Get on the interstate onrap and SPLAT...my hood bounches off my windshield shattering my glass and dinging up my hood!!! It could have been MUCH worse but it made me sick!!! I am trying to be positive and think that everything is for a reason and maybe the 2 minutes I pulled off to check out the speedster kept me from getting killed hitting a deer a mile down the road or something like that...who knows but anyway food for thought.... be safe and happy motoring...Jeff

oh man - sorry to hear. I'm glad you werent seriously injured.

So, did it just break the windshield? Is the hood reusable?

hood has 2 scuff/cracks where the hood hit the wipers (which caused the windshield to shatter... I got on the VS website to see how much the parts would be...the windshield is 395.00 and my cousin owns a body shop and could fix the hood...I guess I need new wipers too...they were 50.00 each from VS!!! That seems very high to me??? Anyway, I am trying to be as positive as posible but I can't focus on anything at work right now...I keep walking outside to look at the poor girl...it is killing me!!!

Jeff - we feel your pain! Hope it all comes back together without causing more grief - Good Luck with your fixes!

Peace - Out!

I have bought a VS Windshield before. Comes in a nice box and is good. It's all achievable. Like you said, could have been worse.

Dang, Jeff. Anything we can help with?

Alan, if Jeff needs it, I'll pass on the windshield frame stuff I asked you to hold onto.

I was gonna order a new windshield from VS in CA...325 + shipping & tax etc...but I know a local windshield guy who said he will order it from his destributor and install it at my house (or his shop) for 400....I really don't think he is making any money on the deal...he is really doing it as a favor for my neighbor who is a new State Farm Agent to get regular referals from him...
It sounds like a good deal to me???...he claims his shipping is 100.00 by itself...any thoughts...ps the frame seems fine, just the shield is damaged...much thanks for all the support...Jeff