Just got a new QX4 last week and added a new headunit. What ya think?

[kingbingy]

So a little story on this head unit. This is a Clarion MAX385. Nothing special, but as I read in this forum, these QX4's CD changers has issues where they break. So instead of getting it fixed, I just bought a new unit. I had to mod a couple things. As Crutchfield does not sell a kit for a Double din headunit. But I bought a single kit head unit install kit and modified it. (pics enclosed) This unit plays dvd's, allows you to use your ipod via the touch screen. Also don't need a separate unit for Sirius. Connects directly to the Headunit via a separate component. Also, had to modify a switch, to mimic the car being parked, as this units does not allow you to watch DVD's in motion. Most radio's, you can just attach that cable to ground and that's that. But With the clarion, you have to put a toggle switch from the ground to this Park Brake cable. I can't explain it. But I know it works. So I showed you the pics too. Either way, I like the outcome. I have the ipod connected in the glove box, so that way I don't even see or or have to touch it. Also bought a special kit that allows you to use the Factory amps. I will in the future change the door speakers. But for now, it sounds very good.

What do you think?

Modified by kingbingy at 11:47 AM 2/23/2009
Modified by kingbingy at 3:47 PM 3/24/2009

[pathfinder9035]

dude thats sick. !!! how much and any needed modification or was it just plug and play.?

[kingbingy]

The radio I got for $239.00 Delivered. Then I had to pay $20.00 for the Ipod cable, about $40 for install kit, (antenna, Dash kit and Harness) and another $40.00 for the sirius. $2.00 for switch. So Around $350.00.

[Qxxx4]

whoaa thats cheaper than my deck! i almost bought your exact deck but with nav 3 months ago for $400 on sonicelectronix

great work man very clean install

[Rex]

Depending on the year of your QX (don't see it noted anywhere nor in your profile), your old HU may be an easy swap/upgrade to some of the Q45 owners. Once you get over 10 (contributing) posts, yon can list if for sale. Assuming it works fine, you may be able to get >$100 shipped for it.

[slickroger]

Nice deck very clean install.

i love clarion. i was about to buy that same model aswell

Does it have navigation, and if yes how are the maps?

Depending on the year of your QX (don't see it noted anywhere nor in your profile), your old HU may be an easy swap/upgrade to some of the Q45 owners. Once you get over 10 (contributing) posts, yon can list if for sale. Assuming it works fine, you may be able to get >$100 shipped for it.

What year unit are you looking for mine is laying around in the garage.

[fueler]

i like it!! How do you load music videos and how is the sound quality with them?

is USB supported?

[kingbingy]

It does not support USB, I buy music video DVD's or just load video's on ipod. But I know some people say, that you should do it all, But I've done lots of systems in the past, and I am very happy. Just adding a base tube next, I want to keep my space. So I have a audiobahn that I installed in an old Bazuka tube I have and it sounds great. It does not have Nav. I was going to get one with Nav, but I already bought a new Nav portable system a few months ago, so I figured for $239 delivered you can't beat it.

As for the Radio, I took it out, because the changer was messed up.

[Infinitidood412]

Looks good man!

[Rex]

What year unit are you looking for mine is laying around in the garage.

I'm not looking for any??

I was just suggesting if someone has a Nis/Inf OEM Bose HU that's the standard double DIN front, some of the 90-96 Q45 guys can make use of them as an upgrade ... listing it for sale in the NICO classifieds may get you a few buck, versus it sitting in your garage or closet.

[Infinitidood412]

hey man i have a question. i have a TV installed in my roof that was their when i bought the car. i have that same stitch on my Qx4 but the TV has never worked....i didnt even know about the switch untuil a month ago. what does it do?

[kingbingy]

Depending on how they did it, it could be the same. You might want to follow the wires to see where they could go.

Hard to tell, as that switch could be for anything.

[coastal6.0]

its probably a switch to turn on an fm modulator so you can listen to the audio from the tv on your factory h/u. try flipping the switch and see if your fm reception gets worse, if so its interupting the antenna signal going into the radio. try putting a dvd in and scan the fm stations till you pick up the same audio from the dvd player. as far as the tv not working, its probably just a blown fuse. check behind the knee panel under the steering wheel close to the ignition harness for some non factory wires w/ a fuse holder inline, thats the easiest place to catch power for aftermarket electronics.

[87lxstang]

I just got an Alpine w205 that I'm about to attempt the same thing with. I can only pray it looks as good as yours!

Did you use the stock ISO brackets to mount it? Mine aren't lining up on the Alpine, and it's been too cold in St. Louis to mess with it much.

Also, how did you fasten the "modified" dash kit to the unit?

[kingbingy]

Yes, the mounts are the stock mount from the changer. Also,the kit just clicks in.

[bigballerhanh]

where did you purchase the hu at for 235.00 and where did you get the sirius package at for 40.00? Crutchfield wants 100.00 for the sirius package.

[kingbingy]

Headunit Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Clarion-...r=8-1

Sirius SCC1 Universal Vehicle Tuner Buy.comhttp://www.buy.com/prod/sirius....html

Clarion CCUIPOD1 iPod Audio Control/Video Playback Interface USB Cable, Bought at Buy.com, but they don't have any more. But here it is at amazon.http://www.amazon.com/Clarion-...7VZ2U

Happy Shopping

[bigballerhanh]

Thanks alot..... one last question, did you have to buy the clarion connect interface translator http://www.buy.com/retail/prod...36939because crutchfield is telling me that I need to buy both the tuner that you have and the clarion interface translator?

[screwinitupagain]

I'm not usually too into audio stuff but this is pretty nice. very clean & simple & I like that. Good job!

[kingbingy]

Thanks.

But no, I did not need that other part. if you want Sirius, just buy my list I gave you and you will be all set.

[Empty V]

Looks god bro, nice work. We have the same wood color scheme and interior, what color is your exterior?

Billy

[kingbingy]

ALL black. Not two tone.

[screwinitupagain]

Hey kingbingy does the iPod hookup allow videos to come through on the headunit as well?

[kingbingy]

yes it does, but it supports the Gen 5 Ipod best. AS my Iphone does not accept charge. My 5th Gen Ipod Video works perfect.

[screwinitupagain]

yes it does, but it supports the Gen 5 Ipod best. AS my Iphone does not accept charge. My 5th Gen Ipod Video works perfect.

I have no idea what that is. I have an 80G iPod classic... does that count?

[SixGuns]

lol I got a Wal Mart special tape deck adapter and a 12v to USB so I can charge my 2nd generation 20gig...I've gone the route of dumping 2k into audio systems and I'm just not going to do it this time..saving my money for suspension upgrades and my future 5.6 V8. I figure I can spend that same 2 thousand on the wiring harnesses so everything will work correctly. Besides, Jason Aldean sounds pretty good on the stock speakers anyways...lol

[screwinitupagain]

Besides, Jason Aldean sounds pretty good on the stock speakers anyways...lol

Who?...

[kingbingy]

lol, I used to spend Music, But for under $400 you really can't beat it. Especially with Sirius and Ipod. I mean, I wasn't going to do anything, but my damn Sh!tty CD changer broken, So I decided on spending it on a better radio then repairing this cd changer for it to break again in 6 months.

[SixGuns]

...Not a country guy, huh? Hmm, oh well, I guess we can still get along.....

[screwinitupagain]

...Not a country guy, huh? Hmm, oh well, I guess we can still get along.....

If you're talking about some Hank Sr., some Johnny Cash, a good bit of Wayland Jennings, a little bit of Conway Twitty & even some Hank Jr. (can't go wrong with Whiskey bent & Hell Bound). But no I am more of a Between the Burried & Me, Kinves Exchanging Hands, As I Lay Dieing, Lamb of God, Godforbid kind of guy...