KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

I just discovered this double-din stereo installation kit for SC300/400's while searching for similar options for my mother's LS400.

Interesting. I had thought the Metra kit and do it yourself wiring were the only choices out there.

Anyone have experience with this kit? It's very pricey but it looks to be of some quality. Supposedly the convertor box and breakout cable makes it plug and play with the factory Pioneer sound systems.

http://www.beatsonicusa.com/stereo/s...c-sla-10b.html

Bankswood

That's just rediculous. By the Metra. Any install kit you buy you will need to splice in the wiring adaptor. Not hard to do. Color coded wires makes it simple. As for the adaptor plate I didn't even use it. Pull the oem bracket out measure and drill a couple of new screw holes below the original ones and you are good to install your DD.

Look up your kit on Crutchfield. It is a very inexpensive package.

eknine9

iTrader: (8)

That price is ridiculous and if you look closely, it's still not plug and play as you'll have to splice anyways, the only difference is where you splice. You'll be splicing into different wires but it's still the same work. It would be ludicrous of you to buy that instead of just buying the cheaper metra kit. It won't save you any work.

Biddles

iTrader: (2)

For $330 you can get a new head unit installed by a professional with the metra kit, and everything else you need. That's a ridiculous premium to pay, it should be $49 max, and even then it's too much. Just cut stock brackets and mount the deck yourself, if you're worried about wiring it up, bring it to a pro, it's like $55. Why waste time and money when they do it so cheap?

Ali SC3

iTrader: (10)

Not sure what you guy are looking at but that looks plug and play to me, which is why the cost is so high, it actually says no splicing on the description. I have not used it or seen it before but looks like it uses the line level outs and uses the factory amplifier, so its routing it to the right places on the factory amp. interesting way to do it really but the price is pretty high. I would still just use the metra and run new speaker wires to the trunk that way you get rid of the factory amp.

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Everyone seems to agree the expense doesn't outweigh a simpler installation. It is advertised to be plug and play so that is what I'd expect for $300. Interesting kit, even if it's probably not for most.

turbodremz

iTrader: (18)

That price tag...I would rather take the time and rewire all my audio with superior wiring, better speakers, and a new sub/amp combo, toss in the Metra kit and call it a day. Yes P&P is nice, but the price gouge doesnt seem worth it considering everything else in these cars is old as dirt. The purpose is to upgrade right? So why continue on with old wiring?

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

Do you even need a mounting kit for a double DIN head unit? I found that a single DIN unit mounts flush to the bottom of the HVAC using the factory side rails. I wouldn't be surprised if the holes are all fairly standard and would also match up to a double DIN, leaving just a 1/2" panel to be filled in at the bottom.

miraluna

iTrader: (2)

This was my previous set up with my SC300... 1/2" on the bottom is filled with eclipse equalizer... previously, I think I had modified 1/2 slot with Ford trucks empty slot bin that I stored CDs with... I cant find the picture of it... lol... it looked pretty good...

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

That looks really good. I've thought about doing a solid panel with various toggle switches, but I put them at the back of the pocket below my single DIN and don't really need more... Maybe amp controls if I switch to a different unit at some point. I had looked around for 1/2 DIN pockets but only found snap-in ones that require specific rails. Is that what you used previously? If you recall which model of truck it came out of, that would be a helpful starting point.

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

Miraluna, your old setup with the EQ 1/2-DIN unit looks great! I'd be interested to know what parts you used for that as well.

JPJJPJ

A lot of money for something that will not handle the Nakamichi original.
My 400 is pristine with 52,000 miles

I am torn between replacing the complete system and getting GPS/iPod/ et.al. and
just being happy that my vehicle works just fine and all is original. My problem not
yours but takes pondering.

miraluna

iTrader: (2)

i dont remember where i got it... it was laying around the auto installer shop...he told me that 1/2 DIN empty bin was from ford truck...

I used 1/2 DIN eq with couple of amps... i didnt really need it... but it was easier lower my volum when cops around... plus that blue light looked cool at night...

miraluna

iTrader: (2)

double din navi plus 1/2 either eq or empty bin filled the gap completely.... no mounting kit needed.... 1/2 eq was less than 150 back then in 2006 or so..... maybe cheaper now....