Hi, I'm planning on installing a tablet into my dashboard as a replacement for my stock Blaupunkt MP3 Radio. I cannot post a picture because this is my first post, but my car is: 2008 Fiat Panda 4x4 with double din Blaupunkt MP3.

I'm thinking to install a Nexus 7 as they have all the right ports and are rather cheap at the moment. I thought the best way to install one would be to purchase a mechless single din radio with bluetooth functionalities and recess it into the back of the radio.

I'm at a bit of a standstill as this will be my first time attempting something like this so need some help, I don't know what wiring harness I will need, there are so many, I don't know the best way to mount the mechless single din stereo. I don't know how to maintain my steering wheel controls and how to reprogram them to provide different functions. Any support would be greatly appreciated.

Another though I had was to purchase a replacement blaupunkt radio and removing the very front panel and cutting a hole the size of the Nexus 7. This would be a rather lengthly task, but I feel it would look the best.

Cheers, Leo.

look .. or better SEARCH ... for this info on the forum,
the I.C.E. section would be a good starting point..

or punto mk2 and GP
biggest mod threads,

Charlie

Welcome to the forum

What you're talking about doing involves very few off-the-shelf components, and could end up being more expensive than you are hoping/planning with all of the custom parts you'd need.

What might be a better option would be to buy something like this which would do everything I think it sounds like you would want it to. You'd then just need to get a fascia adaptor and wiring harness.

Eklipze3k said:

What you're talking about doing involves very few off-the-shelf components, and could end up being more expensive than you are hoping/planning with all of the custom parts you'd need.

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I've contacted a fabricator who specialises in Nexus 7 Dash installs, but I'm stuggling to create a template of the stock radio for him to fit it. Do you know of any online resources with precise dimensions of panda parts? I've purchased a second radio for £20 which I can mess around with and afford to break which I'm planning on sending to him. I feel like those chinese andoid satnavs are useful, but I've seen pictures of them installed in pandas and they just don't look flush, and quite ugly. So I've decided to go down the custom dash install route.

Thanks for the welcome!

For the sake of £8, why not just buy the fascia adaptor? Your man can then use that either just as a template and you can send it back, or sell it in the classifieds on here, or he could use it as a pre-fab frame for the tablet

Just realised that... oops. Thanks for reminding me of my stupidity, oh well, at least I'll have a spare radio! Cheers.

ive looked into this too, done on the cheap and the use of your grey matter an ipad mini will fit in a double din housing.
you can buy a very expensive cutom made housing that lets you remove the ipad and it's also from USA.
youtube is a help if you want to fit a tablet but it aint that straight forward.

this one is australian and shows how to fit one on the cheap

I've had a good look at those videos, I'm buying a kit similar to the SoundMan one, but custom built to my housing gap in the UK. I think I'm just going to connect it to a bluetooth stereo behind it. I'll make a guide on here when it's finished!

SpaceyPanda said:

I've had a good look at those videos, I'm buying a kit similar to the SoundMan one, but custom built to my housing gap in the UK. I think I'm just going to connect it to a bluetooth stereo behind it. I'll make a guide on here when it's finished!

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what kit u getting?
ive gone on ebay and nothing !!!:bang:

Check this website out: rtafabrications dot co dot uk (Cant link)

I've also started modelling my own kit in Google Sketchup to be 3d printed in ABS for about £120. I'm still working out which one I'm going to do.

What ever you fit make sure it's firmly fitted.


The forces involved if you are unlucky enough to have an accident are huge


As an example I was hit from behind on a motorway.


My seat back snapped. The camera in the glove box stopped working and the watch on my wrist stopped.


I don't want to be a kill joy but especially if you carry 3 across the back its something to consider.

SpaceyPanda said:

Check this website out: rtafabrications dot co dot uk (Cant link)

I've also started modelling my own kit in Google Sketchup to be 3d printed in ABS for about £120. I'm still working out which one I'm going to do.

Click to expand...

this is the same as the US version but less than half the price this one £99
https://rtafabrication.co.uk/collections/tablet-installation/products/ipad-mini-wired-dash-panel