neit

I have an 03 ES300 that I want to put in a new head unit. I've spent a lot of time reading and now it's time for doing. Before I start opening up everything I wanted to make sure I have everything in order.

New headunit:
New Dash kit:
Stock amp adapter:

Tools: dash removal kit, various metric sockets

Can you guys please let me know if that's all that I need to swap out the stock radio for the new HU? My understanding for the steps is as follows:

disconnect neg battery cable
using dash tool remove the console around shifter
using dash tool remove AC controls
using a socket remove 4 screws to pull forward stock radio

meanwhile: attach the new HU to dash kit and connect the adapter to the end of it

then pull out the stock radio, attach cables in the only way they will
route mic to somewhere by steering wheel
route usb extension somewhere convenient (out the extra din, glove box? open to suggestions)

I think that's it, please let me know if I'm planning on failure with this plan!

Megafast13

Looks good to me.

Just make sure you have a 10mm Socket wrench with an extension on it to tackle the bolts on the AC unit, and the deep ones on the old stereo. Also, be careful removing and sliding around components. The stereos edges are sharp and it's rather easy to scratch/cut the interior dash pieces. Might want to tape them and lay towels down. Just take your time!

neit

I did this project over the weekend (nice, hot St. Louis summer saturday!)

It was a lot easier than I expected, but I read a lot reading up to it. I soldered the wires inside, only like 4 connections to make so I could take my time. The dash came off with just my hands.

The hardest part was breaking the 10mm bolts, they really got tight over the years. Plus the wires were a little tight and hard to work with, but eventually they all came off. I used the dash tool mostly to help remove the hazard and clock trimming from the original dash.

I placed the bluetooth mic just an inch or two off the top left corner of the new dash and is taped to the dashboard pointing at my face. It seems to work well but I haven't used it too much yet. I'll try to get a picture up later today.

h00di3

Hey that looks really well done! I'm about to start this project in the next week with a double din. If you remember the wiring it would be a great help! But the main reason I'm writing is wondering what you did as far as the controls on the steering wheel, did you connect them somehow or leave that out?

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

That is probably the cheapest and ugliest radio I've ever seen in a Lexus. Looks like it fits horrible and the contours don't even match the dash kit.