In-dash dvd install...doable??

[jroth142]

Hey guys, I was browsing around cardomain.com the other day at some other max's and saw some pretty sweet in-dash dvd install's. I've done some searching and seen some guys have (what looks like to me) installed the dvd in place of where the tape deck is, with obvious modifications. I've also read some threads saying it might be a real pain using an aftermarket head unit with the bose system. Can anyone shine some real light on this subject for me? With the in-dash dvd's being as expensive as they are, I just wanted to see if the install process would be just as expensive by chance. Thanks.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Do a search for posts by "jsmithsole." He's done some interesting customization with DVD/audio stuff in his 6th gen.

[jsmithsole]

It is possible (see pics) as for running the Bose, they actually sounded OK, but it's always good to upgrade. I went with Bostons all around. You will need a Metra dash kit which only comes in single DIN, it has to be modified. Install is pretty standard, and the D3 I recently got goes for $999...





Let me know if you have any specific ?'s, J

[jroth142]

Thanks for the info man!

[jsmithsole]

Thanks for the info man!

No worries let me know if you need any help with anything...

[jroth142]

I was actually wondering how difficult it is to move the info screen down to the bottom of the console. I've been meaning to stop in at some car audio places and ask them about the install but I haven't had a chance. Also, I was hoping to put the in-dash unit up top where the info screen is, is this possible? I have no idea whats back there so I wasn't sure if it would fit up there or not. And did I hear right that I would need to buy some kind of an adapter/interface to sinc the bose up with the aftermarket deck? Thanks!

[jsmithsole]

I was actually wondering how difficult it is to move the info screen down to the bottom of the console. I've been meaning to stop in at some car audio places and ask them about the install but I haven't had a chance. Also, I was hoping to put the in-dash unit up top where the info screen is, is this possible? I have no idea whats back there so I wasn't sure if it would fit up there or not. And did I hear right that I would need to buy some kind of an adapter/interface to sinc the bose up with the aftermarket deck? Thanks!

It's actually really easy, once you remove the lower pocket/door the screen sits there almost perfectly. I used a piece of wood as a shim to keep it in place. I'd be careful about going to a shop, since most likely they have never worked on a 6th gen they will charge you an arm and a leg. I'm no pro installer and I did my screen swap myself. As far as putting the HU up top there's not enough room behind there to fit it in. And yes you will have to get and adaptor not sure which one off the top of my head....

[jroth142]

That's kinda what I was afraid of as far as putting the HU up top. Forgive all the (dumb) questions but did you install your in-dash unit yourself as well? I just can't imagine that being very easy. So I'm assuming a hole has to be cut in the console to accomodate the unit? (again, sorry for the dumb questions) This is why I was hoping to fit one up top and not have to bother with the tape player and cd changer, plus I thought maybe there was a chance of getting a unit to sinc up with the existing cd changer. On top of that, it would probably be next to impossible to un-install everything if I was to get rid of the car someday I would think. I've been looking at the panasonic CQVD6503U cause I've heard pretty good things about it as a hole and the price is pretty good, just doesn't have nav : ( It would almost be a shame not to go with nav if you go to all the work in the first place though.Sorry for the book but thanks again for all the info!

[jsmithsole]

That's kinda what I was afraid of as far as putting the HU up top. Forgive all the (dumb) questions but did you install your in-dash unit yourself as well? I just can't imagine that being very easy. So I'm assuming a hole has to be cut in the console to accomodate the unit? (again, sorry for the dumb questions) This is why I was hoping to fit one up top and not have to bother with the tape player and cd changer, plus I thought maybe there was a chance of getting a unit to sinc up with the existing cd changer. On top of that, it would probably be next to impossible to un-install everything if I was to get rid of the car someday I would think. I've been looking at the panasonic CQVD6503U cause I've heard pretty good things about it as a hole and the price is pretty good, just doesn't have nav : ( It would almost be a shame not to go with nav if you go to all the work in the first place though.Sorry for the book but thanks again for all the info!

I did not install it myself, the wiring is a bit out of my range! You actually replace the dash piece with a Metra kit. If you go double DIN you will have to cut it, no one makes a 2xDIN kit. So you can keep your stock piece if you ever want to go back. I'd definitely go with NAV, you can get a Pioneer D3 for $600 online...No worries anytime!!J

[jroth142]

Well, I've done some searching and think I may end up going with the D3. I'm assuming I can find this doing a search online, but any idea what interface I need to sinc up with the bose? I may try and do the steering wheel control unit too since I'm so used to using them. One other thing, before you replaced your speakers, did the bose speakers sound better, worse, or about the same as the stock deck? I could see replacing speakers done the road but not right away so I'm curious what I should expect.

Thought about attempting the install myself (done a few regular cd decks) but I want to bypass the whole parking brake thing, any idea where to find how this is done?

Thanks!

[jsmithsole]

Well, I've done some searching and think I may end up going with the D3. I'm assuming I can find this doing a search online, but any idea what interface I need to sinc up with the bose? I may try and do the steering wheel control unit too since I'm so used to using them. One other thing, before you replaced your speakers, did the bose speakers sound better, worse, or about the same as the stock deck? I could see replacing speakers done the road but not right away so I'm curious what I should expect.

Thought about attempting the install myself (done a few regular cd decks) but I want to bypass the whole parking brake thing, any idea where to find how this is done?

Thanks!

To be honest I'm not sure what the sync would be. For the steering wheel controls you will need a PAC SWI-X adaptor.http://store.mp3car.com/SWI_X_...4.htm

It seemed like the Bose sounded better, you can definitely do more adjusting than you can with the stock stereo. I did have subs already added to that that definitely helped out. There's actually a great forum for all AVIC decks, it's http://www.avic411.comHere's the link for the bypass, it's super easy:http://www.avic411.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7998

[jroth142]

Awesome! Thanks again man. Everythings ordered, just waiting for it all to show up!

[jsmithsole]

Awesome! Thanks again man. Everythings ordered, just waiting for it all to show up!

No worries, let me know if you need anything else!!