TNT99

Good news!!! I just spoke to a local audio custom shop in Orlando, FL about getting a navigation/dvd player on the top dash of the RX. He says that that would be possible. He would get the Alpine TME-M790 screen which would allow you to have it pop up from the top dash. Then you buy a Navigational system (Alpine NVE-N852A) and place it in the glove box or in the trunk. He quoted me under $4000 for the nav and screen installed! If I can find the Navigational system a little cheaper I will get this done and post pictures for everyone. He says you can add a DVD player also if you want.

slavik

You can find NVE-M790 Display on eBay - the going price is about $1000 (new) or you can get CVA1005 instead for about $700-$800, NVE-M790 is new and CVA was on the market for couple of years.
CVA would support audio as well but it has 6.5 inch LCD alternatively NVE-M790 has 7 inch LCD.

Instead of buying NVE-N852A Navigation system you should consider NVE-N851A which is almost identical. The only difference I could find is Remote Control. NVE-N851A is cheaper so you can get from eBay for about $1250. (Try Yahoo auctions - the prices are lover there – I found mine for $600).

The most difficult part is to put everything together including making a hole in the plastic cover around the shift **** and moving some buttons (seat heat and outlet) to the separate panel. I would do this part myself.
If something goes wrong you can get another plastic cover from irontoad.com for about $54. The part number is 55413-48021.

The only part of this project which should be done by professional is wiring. The following wires should be connected to the system:
foot brake
parking brake
ignition
battery
audio interrupt out (this one I think is to stop audio or something)
ground
The navigation shall be connected to the “Vehicle Speed Pulse Input”


I home this information is going to help.

Best Regards,
Slavik
:)

TNT99

I was going to install the navigation unit on the top dash. See pic below.

slavik

I don't know how you going to do it that because TME-N790 is an in-dash Monitor.

Look at alpine site for more information:

http://ecominet2.alpine-usa.com:7777...in=20&p_more=y

TNT99

Well, I talked to the audio specialist in Orlando and he said that the Alpine monitor is programable to just pop up and down instead of the backwards "L" shape. Normally, one would put this unit where the radio was and the screen would come out then up. He said he has done this for 2 cars already and works great. There would be some custom work to cut a slit on the dash to fit the screen but the face of the screen would not be seen. You would only need to use your remote and the buttons on top of the screen to control. It sounds really cool. I would love to get this done but have to convince the hubby it is worth it.

slavik

Well, let us know if it works, I have already bough the display and navigation, but didn't install them yet. So, go ahead and install them. Please post the pictures when you do. If it works and looks good I would rather put it on top then in-dash myself. I'm just concerned if there is something in the way which would prevent you from putting the system there.

For now I'm going to put it in-dash. But I can change later anyway.


Best Regards,
Slavik

TNT99

The audio guy called Lexus to make sure there is enough room. I am waiting for him to call me back. He is sure that there is enough room b/c it is so big. As soon as he finds out I will let you know. I might not be able to do this until August (that's my birthday).

On another note....how difficult would it be to install a spoiler? I just ordered one from the dealer. Should I have someone do it for me? Or is there instructions somewhere? Sorry, I am very new at this.

Thanks

redtoesblue

Dude, post pics of the installed system ASAP, I was going to do something like that as well. Question I had was, how do you open it? you should have a button next to the cigerrette lighter to make it pop out. Post pics though quick.

THanks

TN3

have your audio specialist take a lot of pictures of the installation process. I'd love to put this in my RX

TNT99

To open the screen, he can trigger the screen to open once the engine is turned on and close the screen once the engine is turned off. I also believe that you can close the screen by the button that is on top of the screen.

redtoesblue

Very Nice, but post pics. I am dying to see it installed. When are you getting it done? Let me know.

slavik

I took my car apart just to make sure there is nothing in the way. There is a wire hub right over there. It is possible to move it but it is attached to the dashboard from beneath. It would require a professional to do that.

redtoesblue

So are you going to go ahead and do the installation? Hurry up and get it done, since i want to know what the final product looks like. Post pics Quick!!!

jmezo

I was able to fit the CVA1005 into the dash and put the brain under the front seat. The DVD was put in the tire well. A metal plate to house the cig lighter and Heater switches had to be made. Works great! I may move this to the top dash if you get that to work out. I called Iron Toad about center console parts. Are you sitting down? The top section with the air vents $449.00 the lower section with the wood $787.00 The radio black part $54.35. I called to see if I could get a new top part to cut a hole for the CVA1005 to move it up so the screen will pop out over the LCD but due to the high cost I will not be doing that.

For pics goto:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View...0286&p=29080973

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View...0286&p=27471418

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View...0286&p=29080974

TN3

Can you post the pictures in the Gallery under the RX300 section please Jmezo. Some how the links aren't working for me, and i'm dieing to see the pics.