Using an iPod with a 96 Mach 460 Stock Stereo?

Ryan Paymaster · January 11th, 2008, 01:32 PM

I've searched around, but there are so many versions of the Mach 460 that I have no idea what is going on. Obviously, I have a 1996 Cobra w/ the 460 (Cassette and CD Player.) I am going to buy an iPod, but hate the FM transmitter and really don't want to have those awkward cassette adapters running all around my car, I want to find a way to smoothly integrate the iPod if possible. My CD slave drive is out of a 1999, but that doesn't matter, it looks the same as my 1996, etc.

I was browsing around, and the closest solution I've found is this:
USA SPEC DF-FORD20 Adapter Connect a music player to your 1996-up Ford factory radio at Crutchfield.com

However, it says it won't work. On the other hand, the product and reviews make it look like it will.

Does anyone have a solution here? I already looked at swapping head units, but I want to keep all my speakers and amps in the car. (I want to put my money into performance, and I'm happy with the sound I have.) From what I understand, you really can't just swap headunits out without losing the Mach 460 sound.

If there is a very simple (fast, easy) way of doing that with a converter, let me know. I have a nice Pioneer headunit in my 2000 Cougar I could pull out and throw into the Cobra. However, my question still remains this:

How can I do this? Will that product from Crutchfield work?

Thanks.

NMR-2vGT · January 12th, 2008, 02:31 AM

It looks to me like in the overview it says that will work unless i am missing something.

And id think you could take the headunit out of the cobra and wire another headunit into it. You would probably have to wire the wiring harnesses together to keep everything i think. Im by far no electronics expert but i think it could be done. There may even be an easier way.

Ryan Paymaster · January 12th, 2008, 11:00 PM

Yeah, it seems like it SHOULD work.

I really dislike the Mach 460, I mean, I like it and it sounds great, but it complicates the living hell out of doing anything to the stereo.

NMR-2vGT · January 12th, 2008, 11:08 PM

Thats why i have an aftermarked deck in mine.

MustangMatt96GT · January 12th, 2008, 11:12 PM

I used an adapter just like that the other day on my buddies Explorer.

Wht99GTvert · January 12th, 2008, 11:31 PM

You can get a FM modulator from crutchfield for $29. You plug it into the radio antena conection and then the antena into it. Tune to an off station position. You could call crutchfield tech support to see if the other one will work but I don't think it will. The FM modulator works pretty good and you can't beat the price. I've had good & bad luck with the FM transmiter type.

Good luck
Marty

Wht99GTvert · January 12th, 2008, 11:45 PM

This is a link to a mount that bolts up where the raio is then it comes out btween the trim piece. I had one in my truck and it worked good.

Pro.Fit FO-57-94 Vehicle-specific mountFord Mustang 1994-2004 at Crutchfield.com

Ryan Paymaster · January 13th, 2008, 01:16 AM

I used an adapter just like that the other day on my buddies Explorer.

With a Mach 460, and identical to that?

Also, as for the transmitter, is that just a cleaner way of doing the FM transmitter cigarrette plug adapter thing by Belkin, etc.?

I may call Crutchfield and ask about my original link, if not, I'm going to look at your recommendation Wht99GTvert. I've heard the FM thing is sketchy sometimes, but that's just like one complaint I've seen.

MustangMatt96GT · January 13th, 2008, 11:19 AM

NOt with a 460, but you took one of the connectors and that was all you had to do.

G.T. Rags · January 13th, 2008, 01:55 PM

just get an aftermarket deck.........

the mach 460 is cheese balls IMHO......

Ryan Paymaster · January 14th, 2008, 09:10 AM

Originally Posted by 96GTRagTop

just get an aftermarket deck.........

the mach 460 is cheese balls IMHO......

Short on money, drag struts and shocks cost $$$.

will2045 · December 26th, 2009, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by G.T. Rags

just get an aftermarket deck.........

the mach 460 is cheese balls IMHO......

I was reading this looking for something to help me and this is what i wanna do. I want to put in the aftermarket alpine i have but i dont wanna cut out the 460 sound (keep the amps and original speakers working just the way they are) isnt there a adapter harness tp plug the after market deck into the existing plugs without losing the orginal set up? if so got a link? ive been googling for an hour and cant find one...

97S281 · December 26th, 2009, 08:07 PM

I swapped head units a few years ago and lost all the boom boom pow from the system. One of my amps was toasted and the stereo shop said the easiest fix was a new head unit that had a power output ( the mach 460 power output comes soley from the amps ). That's what i did but while i now have an hd radio reciever that has a direct plug in for my ipod andlook tons better than the stock unit I find I just am not happy with the sound.

I guess the solution would be to pull out all the mach 460 components and install my own amps and better speakers, but all that costs a pretty penny. It's got too many other problems right now to justify spending the money on the stereo system. I will swap it all over eventually and add a custom rear seat delete with amp racks and sub mounts.

In retrospec, i wish i had just replaced the bad amp with one from ebay. I have seen them go for as little as $20 each on there.

Thumbie · December 27th, 2009, 12:43 AM

you say you currently have a cassette player?

Amazon.com: Walkman Car Connecting Pack for MD Walkman and CD Walkman (Model# CPA-9C): Electronics

98FireyGT! · December 27th, 2009, 04:06 AM

Edit: I took out all the extra stuff you didn't need. One day I might make a good write up for working with the Mach 460 components and using aftermarket head units/subwoofers. It's probably one of the only things I actually know how to do on my car

Now, in answer to your question, you CAN use an aftermarket deck with all of the Mach 460 goodies, what you need to get is this.Scosche FDK9B / FDK9 Wiring Harnesses Car Stereo Installation & Accessories Car Audio/Video Installation & Accessories Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix That wiring harness will let you use your Mach system with all the amps and everything just like stock. Then you can plug your iPod into the aftermarket deck and enjoy.

Ethan79 · December 27th, 2009, 10:23 AM

i put the cassette adapter in and then popped the shifter bezel up and cupholders and ran the wire through there and my ipod sits fine in the cup holder. works great and you can barely see it

97S281 · December 27th, 2009, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by 98FireyGT

Edit: I took out all the extra stuff you didn't need. One day I might make a good write up for working with the Mach 460 components and using aftermarket head units/subwoofers. It's probably one of the only things I actually know how to do on my car

Now, in answer to your question, you CAN use an aftermarket deck with all of the Mach 460 goodies, what you need to get is this.Scosche FDK9B / FDK9 Wiring Harnesses Car Stereo Installation & Accessories Car Audio/Video Installation & Accessories Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix That wiring harness will let you use your Mach system with all the amps and everything just like stock. Then you can plug your iPod into the aftermarket deck and enjoy.

I just ordered one for myself.
Damn good information.

+rep for you.

98FireyGT! · December 27th, 2009, 11:30 PM

Lol thanks! The stereo is pretty much the only thing on my car I know anything about, Visteon did some really funky stuff when they designed the Mach 460 but I was determined to get what I wanted.

will2045 · December 28th, 2009, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by 98FireyGT

Edit: I took out all the extra stuff you didn't need. One day I might make a good write up for working with the Mach 460 components and using aftermarket head units/subwoofers. It's probably one of the only things I actually know how to do on my car

Now, in answer to your question, you CAN use an aftermarket deck with all of the Mach 460 goodies, what you need to get is this.Scosche FDK9B / FDK9 Wiring Harnesses Car Stereo Installation & Accessories Car Audio/Video Installation & Accessories Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix That wiring harness will let you use your Mach system with all the amps and everything just like stock. Then you can plug your iPod into the aftermarket deck and enjoy.

thanks a ton dude! now if i can get the rear amps to turn back on it will be all good lol.

will2045 · January 3rd, 2010, 01:34 PM

well if anyone needs one. i read this post wrong or something and apprently this adapter does not work with the mach 460 so i now own one i cant use so if anyone needs one let me know...

January 11th, 2008, 01:32 PM	#1
Ryan Paymaster Enthusiast 1996 Ford SVT Cobra 13.36@102 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Plainfield, IL USA Posts: 661 iTrader: 0 reviews	Using an iPod with a 96 Mach 460 Stock Stereo? I've searched around, but there are so many versions of the Mach 460 that I have no idea what is going on. Obviously, I have a 1996 Cobra w/ the 460 (Cassette and CD Player.) I am going to buy an iPod, but hate the FM transmitter and really don't want to have those awkward cassette adapters running all around my car, I want to find a way to smoothly integrate the iPod if possible. My CD slave drive is out of a 1999, but that doesn't matter, it looks the same as my 1996, etc. I was browsing around, and the closest solution I've found is this: USA SPEC DF-FORD20 Adapter Connect a music player to your 1996-up Ford factory radio at Crutchfield.com However, it says it won't work. On the other hand, the product and reviews make it look like it will. Does anyone have a solution here? I already looked at swapping head units, but I want to keep all my speakers and amps in the car. (I want to put my money into performance, and I'm happy with the sound I have.) From what I understand, you really can't just swap headunits out without losing the Mach 460 sound. If there is a very simple (fast, easy) way of doing that with a converter, let me know. I have a nice Pioneer headunit in my 2000 Cougar I could pull out and throw into the Cobra. However, my question still remains this: How can I do this? Will that product from Crutchfield work? Thanks.

January 12th, 2008, 02:31 AM	#2
NMR-2vGT Hardcore Enthusiast 1996 GT Too Slow.... Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: California/Nebraska Posts: 2,181 iTrader: 0 reviews	It looks to me like in the overview it says that will work unless i am missing something. And id think you could take the headunit out of the cobra and wire another headunit into it. You would probably have to wire the wiring harnesses together to keep everything i think. Im by far no electronics expert but i think it could be done. There may even be an easier way. __________________ 1996 Mustang GT, Full PI Swap, MGW Shifter, Magnaflow Cat-back, K&N Filter MM Unite For Bubba

January 12th, 2008, 11:08 PM	#4
NMR-2vGT Hardcore Enthusiast 1996 GT Too Slow.... Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: California/Nebraska Posts: 2,181 iTrader: 0 reviews	Thats why i have an aftermarked deck in mine. __________________ 1996 Mustang GT, Full PI Swap, MGW Shifter, Magnaflow Cat-back, K&N Filter MM Unite For Bubba

January 12th, 2008, 11:12 PM	#5
MustangMatt96GT Proud American 1996 Mustang GT Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lakewood, CO Posts: 10,689 iTrader: 3 reviews	I used an adapter just like that the other day on my buddies Explorer. __________________ RIP Travis Billings Special Thanks to: Andrews Racing Transmissions Baseline Suspensions 25.3 SFI Chassis Build Never Lift Racecars

January 13th, 2008, 11:19 AM	#9
MustangMatt96GT Proud American 1996 Mustang GT Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lakewood, CO Posts: 10,689 iTrader: 3 reviews	NOt with a 460, but you took one of the connectors and that was all you had to do. __________________ RIP Travis Billings Special Thanks to: Andrews Racing Transmissions Baseline Suspensions 25.3 SFI Chassis Build Never Lift Racecars

January 12th, 2008, 11:00 PM	#3
Ryan Paymaster Enthusiast 1996 Ford SVT Cobra 13.36@102 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Plainfield, IL USA Posts: 661 iTrader: 0 reviews	Yeah, it seems like it SHOULD work. I really dislike the Mach 460, I mean, I like it and it sounds great, but it complicates the living hell out of doing anything to the stereo.

January 12th, 2008, 11:31 PM	#6
Wht99GTvert Regular 1999 Mustang GT Convert Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Spanaway, Wa Posts: 127 iTrader: 0 reviews	You can get a FM modulator from crutchfield for $29. You plug it into the radio antena conection and then the antena into it. Tune to an off station position. You could call crutchfield tech support to see if the other one will work but I don't think it will. The FM modulator works pretty good and you can't beat the price. I've had good & bad luck with the FM transmiter type. Good luck Marty

January 12th, 2008, 11:45 PM	#7
Wht99GTvert Regular 1999 Mustang GT Convert Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Spanaway, Wa Posts: 127 iTrader: 0 reviews	This is a link to a mount that bolts up where the raio is then it comes out btween the trim piece. I had one in my truck and it worked good. Pro.Fit FO-57-94 Vehicle-specific mountFord Mustang 1994-2004 at Crutchfield.com

December 26th, 2009, 08:07 PM	#13
97S281 Rollin' 18/ pushin' 2 1997 Saleen S281 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The lost highway Posts: 6,673 iTrader: 13 reviews	I swapped head units a few years ago and lost all the boom boom pow from the system. One of my amps was toasted and the stereo shop said the easiest fix was a new head unit that had a power output ( the mach 460 power output comes soley from the amps ). That's what i did but while i now have an hd radio reciever that has a direct plug in for my ipod andlook tons better than the stock unit I find I just am not happy with the sound. I guess the solution would be to pull out all the mach 460 components and install my own amps and better speakers, but all that costs a pretty penny. It's got too many other problems right now to justify spending the money on the stereo system. I will swap it all over eventually and add a custom rear seat delete with amp racks and sub mounts. In retrospec, i wish i had just replaced the bad amp with one from ebay. I have seen them go for as little as $20 each on there. __________________ MODS IN GARAGE NCMM ORIGINAL BLOWN 96-98 CREW MEMBER # 1

December 27th, 2009, 04:06 AM	#15
98FireyGT! Hardon Enflooziast '94 GT Vert Havn't tried... Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Spokane Posts: 3,460 iTrader: 0 reviews	Edit: I took out all the extra stuff you didn't need. One day I might make a good write up for working with the Mach 460 components and using aftermarket head units/subwoofers. It's probably one of the only things I actually know how to do on my car Now, in answer to your question, you CAN use an aftermarket deck with all of the Mach 460 goodies, what you need to get is this.Scosche FDK9B / FDK9 Wiring Harnesses Car Stereo Installation & Accessories Car Audio/Video Installation & Accessories Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix That wiring harness will let you use your Mach system with all the amps and everything just like stock. Then you can plug your iPod into the aftermarket deck and enjoy. __________________ Bridget: 98 Mustang GT - PI Swapped, J-Mod and B&M Shifter...wrapped it around a tree sparing a deer - RIP Sephie: 94 Mustang GT Vert - Full 03 cobra suspension and brakes, Magnaflow catback, K&N drop in filter, timed at 12, SS brake lines, Last edited by 98FireyGT!; December 27th, 2009 at 04:08 AM.*

December 27th, 2009, 10:23 AM	#16
Ethan79 Regular 1994 Mustang GT Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Statesboro, GA Posts: 450 iTrader: 0 reviews	i put the cassette adapter in and then popped the shifter bezel up and cupholders and ran the wire through there and my ipod sits fine in the cup holder. works great and you can barely see it

December 27th, 2009, 11:30 PM	#18
98FireyGT! Hardon Enflooziast '94 GT Vert Havn't tried... Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Spokane Posts: 3,460 iTrader: 0 reviews	Lol thanks! The stereo is pretty much the only thing on my car I know anything about, Visteon did some really funky stuff when they designed the Mach 460 but I was determined to get what I wanted. __________________ Bridget: 98 Mustang GT - PI Swapped, J-Mod and B&M Shifter...wrapped it around a tree sparing a deer - RIP Sephie: 94 Mustang GT Vert - Full 03 cobra suspension and brakes, Magnaflow catback, K&N drop in filter, timed at 12*, SS brake lines,

January 3rd, 2010, 01:34 PM	#20
will2045 Enthusiast 2000 Mustang GT 13.3 @107 2.1 on street tires Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: MSU, Mi Posts: 951 iTrader: 1 reviews	well if anyone needs one. i read this post wrong or something and apprently this adapter does not work with the mach 460 so i now own one i cant use so if anyone needs one let me know... __________________ BUY MY CAR!!! http://www.moddedmustangs.com/forums...0-mustang.html

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Using an iPod with a 96 Mach 460 Stock Stereo?

Using an iPod with a 96 Mach 460 Stock Stereo?

suggestion

thanks