Just install AudioLink iPod adapter
 

1) "invisible bolt" was a total PITA. Easy once I found it's location thought.

2) speaker harness (lower right plug) was damn near impossible to remove from the back of the head unit

3) audiolink sound quality and frequency range seems to surpass audio CD's (I have the bose audio setup). Was pretty disappointed in the speaker setup until I go the audiolink installed.

4) audiolink "control the ipod from the ipod" mode sucks w/ the steering wheel controls. buggy, and has forced a hard reset of the ipod twice now. playlist mode, regardless of the quirkiness of the menu/setup, has been flawless.

5) mounted the audiolink box with zip ties aft of the shifter (6MT). It's tied to the wiring for the heated seat switched. hopefully heat will not be a factor, although who knows. Dock Connector wire is run through the little removeable plastic piece in the cup holder area (cut a hole with a dremel).

6) I was looking for a mount/cradle. I found one that allows you to clip it to the air vents. It's a great design, but the issue is that any place to mount the ipod up there blocks the radio display. Any other suggestions as to a good place to put a cradle?

Almost identical to my install and thoughts of the Audiolink. I too have experienced a small amount of "bugginess". Not unpausing the player after the car is started is my biggest complaint. However, falcontx informed me this is due to Apple's recent firmware updates. Audiolink has already created and released an update chip to overcome this problem. PM him to get yours for free. Couple other small things I noticed that I didn't expect and don't know if the chip will fix...... no audio when a video is being played from Ipod video. Slow song surfing (can't press track skip 4 times and skip 4 songs, you must wait between each press). And I too have had one major Ipod lock up. Couldn't do anything to the Ipod. Turn on or off no matter if the headunit was turned on or off. Even if I unplugged the Ipod from the Audiolink.

#1 Yup.
#2 Yup.
#3 I have the Mazda IPOD kit and the sound is great as well.
#4 Mazda kit can only use radio and sreering wheel controls but has been flawless.
#5 Mazda kit includes all foam pads, two sizes of zip ties and all the other bits and pieces to ensure a rattle free install.
#6 My IPOD is in my glovebox.

iPod mounting ( 007 style)
 

I've been tooling around with the idea of modifying the Ashtray assembaly to house the iPod. It might be possible to fit a full sized I pod inside if you dremel out everything but the frame, leaving the flip down lid in full swing. Of course it would be sitting sideways, but it would still be at your finger tips and well hidden.