Thread: Removable Nexus 7 install in a 2006 F150

Well after waiting forever for the dock to be released, I can finally update this.

As mentioned in my previous post I am using the Pyle PLMRMP3A and so far this has been a good amp for my needs. It is by no means a high quality amp. The reason I picked it was because of its size and the fact it had a volume control knob. Speaking of which I hate that knob, I need to wire in my own that looks a bit better. You can see the amp temporarily held in place by red zipties in the second pic. When I do the final install I will clean the wires up a bit.

I've been running my mock up for some time now and the only issue I've had is with Pandora and bluetooth tethering. The newer versions of Pandora crashes if you are using BT tether for data on the Nexus 7. I ended up going with an older version and it works fine.

Here is a pic of the Mock-up which uses a window mount.

I wanted a more factory appearance so once I received my 3 Nexus 7 docks (2 for the house) I cut one of them up. My plan is to integrate the dock which will allow the tablet to be removed easily since I use it inside the house or hide it in my vehicle.

I bought an extra bezel on ebay since I didn't want to destroy my bezel, which has the diamond pattern on it. This will also allow me to return the vehicle to stock once I decide to sell or trade it in. I widened the opening on the bezel so the tablet and dock could set slightly recessed in it. The placement took some trial and error to get an angle that I was happy with. Since i knew I would be playing with it I used hot glue to mock it in for now.



My plan next is to fiberglass around the back of the nexus and dock, fusing the dock to the bezel. To secure the tablet more securely I am looking at two options.

1. Magnets behind the bezel with thin metal pieces fused to the inside of the nexus 7 back cover.
2. Cutting and molding an aftermarket hard cover as the back plate of the bezel, this will allow the tablet to "snap" into place.

Front-End & etc:

Currently I'm using Car Widget and HD Widgets on my home screens. I just repeat the same widgets on additional screens to allow for more apps. This doesn't have the integrated feel I had with my nGen RR skin on my Windows setup but it works. I tried other car apps but they just look terrible IMO. I'm also using Talkatone for my "handsfree" dialing. It seems to give the best quality over a 3G connection. At some point I would like to use the tablet as a headset but the only app that came close to that was stopped a long time ago. Worst case I will use a parrot setup which would only be if Talkatone fails to be reliable.

Just a small update. I decided to go with option 2 for securing the tablet to the dock. I tested it today and it never lost connection with the dock once no matter how bumpy it got. I should be able to fiberglass and fill tomorrow. More pics in the next day or so.

Hi !

Great project ! I want to do same in my car : nexus 7 + dock.

You're the only one how integrate dock too.

I can't wait to see more pics !

Any news ?

Still waiting to finish it. I had to drive from Minnesota to Oklahoma and back for family and everything worked without issue.

I know that drive well - family in MN, live in OK...

Too many irons in the fire as they say but had a little of time to work on this today. I filled in the gaps and sanded and primed the panel. Still need to spot putty, sand and repeat a few more times. The recessed area at the top left is the area I cut away to remove the tablet. This area was already trimmed away on the hardshell case for the power and volume buttons. The gap you see to the right of the recessed cut away area is the area of the hardshell case that still snaps and holds the top of the tablet. The gap is there so it can flex as the tablet is inserted and removed. The picture was taken with the camera at an angle facing up, so the gap is really noticeable. When installed in the truck it disappears to the passengers. The rest of the edge was trimmed away and blended to the dash panel so it would fit against the tablet but not lock the tablet in place all around the edge. This was done so the tablet wouldn't require a ton of force to remove.

Another update showing the panel in primer and installed in my truck. See youtube video showing install and removal of tablet.

Looks great. I'm working on my nexus7 install - how did you get the tablet to automatically switch from bluetooth when you take it in and out of the dock? It doesn't look like there's any wires plugged in? What wizardry is this?