DIY Gateway 500 Install in rear CDC compartment

[ChkbookMechanic]

Since there has been a recent string of DIYs listed here, I figured I'd add this one to the list. Beware, it is long because I describe the basics of fabricating a bracket / panel to hold all of the items that are associated with the Gateway 500.

There were basically two options: install in the rear passenger side in the same compartment as the cd changer or install behind the PCM head unit at the front of the car. I decided I really didn’t want to pull out the PCM head unit to install the Gateway so I focused on the rear passenger side compartment with the cd changer is mounted.

Looking around the cubby hole, there was no nice place to mount the Gateway and letting the Gateway and the associated devices flap around in the back didn’t seem like a good idea. So, being an engineer, I made use of my skills. I started by getting some cardboard and marking three holes where the cd changer screws mount the cd changer to the mounting bracket. Doing this allowed me to keep the cd changer in tact if I ever decided to get one and two it was a really damn nice mounting point for everything. After this, I played with arranging the Gateway and its associated components onto the cardboard cutout.



Once I thought the layout was satisfactory, I mounted all of the components onto the cardboard and took it out for a test fitting. I placed the mockup into the Cayenne and I found out I could cut an additional two inches off of the cardboard for a better fit, so I did. With the test fit complete it was time to create the bracket. A quick visit to Home Depot netted me some bolts, washers, nuts and some shiny aluminum. Using the cardboard cutout I drilled holes into the metal and then filed away all the resulting metal spurs and shavings to make it nice and smooth.

The next step was to paint the aluminum, for which I used good old Krylon spray paint. I could have left the aluminum unfinished but felt painting it black would allow it to retain a stock look. Once the spray paint dried, I began transferred the Gateway 500 and its components onto the new bracket. This went as planned but then I realized I needed some simple cable management. I solved this by fabricating an Adel clamp since I couldn’t find one large enough at any of the auto or home improvement stores. I then attached the Adel clamp to the bracket and bundled the wires up and held them in place with the Adel clamp. At this point the bracket and Gateway 500 were ready to be installed into the car.



Of course, there was a tiny little problem; getting constant unswitched 12V power to the device. Luckily, the cigarette lighter at the back of the car had a constant 12v unswitched wire running to it. After a few minutes of pulling panels, I got to the wiring harness that supplied the correct power to it. I then tapped into the 12v and ground wires and attached the Gateway’s power cables to it. After a quick test confirming the 12v to both the power cable and the lighter, I closed back up the panels and tidied up before finally installing the Gateway into the car.



Installing the Gateway was as simple as using three bolts and lock nuts to secure it to the cd changer bracket and then plugging in the MOST cables and power cables to it. Once it was all wired up, the real test began. Does the car actually start and recognize the device? After a turn of the key, the answer was yes. So I plugged in my iPod touch and my car began to play the music that was on my iPod. Success!

[stealthn]

Good write up, but I'm going to ask the obvious question; can you not run the wiring up to the front for the ipod? I would hate it if I had to put the ipod back there and take it out every time (unless it stays there, i.e. you have more than one)

As a cheaper alternative, I burned my favorite playlist to 5 CD's and put them in the changer, now I have all my music (well my favorites) and I didn't have to touch any of the wiring

[ChkbookMechanic]

Originally Posted by stealthn

Good write up, but I'm going to ask the obvious question; can you not run the wiring up to the front for the ipod? I would hate it if I had to put the ipod back there and take it out every time (unless it stays there, i.e. you have more than one)

As a cheaper alternative, I burned my favorite playlist to 5 CD's and put them in the changer, now I have all my music (well my favorites) and I didn't have to touch any of the wiring

You could run it up to the front. I have two ipods and one basically acts as a CD changer. Also, I place my bags and everything in the trunk area so I don't mind having it all back there.

Wiring isn't that big of deal and when comparing buying a cd changer vs. buying the gateway 500, the gateway 500 was cheaper.