VVTiBob

For those of you who have asked for photos of the completed project, here you go.

mandyfig

Simply beautiful!

VVTiBob

Thank you ....it was a labor of love. I am very pleased with the result, visually and technologically. Of course it sounds good too!

sebtown

Were you able to keep the wood cover with the new install?

VVTiBob

The door and assembly fits and works perfectly with the new head unit. The width is the standard form factor. So the existing door and it's chassis fits perfectly. The only variable would be the design of the front of which ever radio you decided to use. You'd have to careful with protrusion, i.e. ***** sticking out from the front. In my case there are none on the Pioneer AVH-P4400BH so was not an issue.

Emackny

iTrader: (6)

Very nice man! I'll be upgrading soon myself.

VVTiBob

Some of you have been asking about the Radio factory door and if it still works/fits. Here are two photos. The door works perfectly. Also, notice the alignment of the door to other objects. Looks straight to me. Remember there is a rubber gasket on the bottom of the door where it touches the lower "wood" console.

73446

Bob, it looks like you've gone the "full Monte" here!

My pocket book just can't take it!!!

kjcole

Man, how long can I hold out before doing this? Sweeeet!

Since I'm new to iPhones and Androids, can this system interface with my Motorola Droid Razr and show same functionality and control as for Apple products? I don't have an iPOD, iPhone (nor do I want one).

Kelly

VVTiBob

I can't say with certainty regarding the droid phone. I don't own a smart phone myself. I have an iPad and my wife has an iPhone and they both work fine, menu and all. Nevertheless, you should do you own due diligence with the manufacturer for any device you want to install or which interfaces with other electronics.

VVTiBob

Actually, this was more a minimalist upgrade. I kept everything OEM except the head unit itself. And it wasn't even close to Pioneers' top, or flagship product. I was just over $700, including California taxes and shipping charges for all three new components. Of course I did the labor myself avoiding those costs.

Z3NK1

iTrader: (2)

Thanks a lot for the write-up Bob, I'm going to try this myself.

I ordered the MVA-12L Beat-Sonic kit, iPod cable and parking brake bypass, now I just have to go pick up an AVH-P8400BH locally and I'm set.

The volume issue worries me a little, as I don't like to use the steering wheel controls very much and prefer to have a ****. Also I have the ecru interior, the dash kit and unit are black so it may look funny.

Anyways I'll report back with updates when it's done in a couple weeks.

VVTiBob

Congratulations. Just take your time and it should work out well. Regarding *****...well there aren't any on the 8400BH, just like the 4400BH I installed. They both just have a TTF (thin transistor film) switch/button labeled with plus and minus signs for changing the volume levels, and they are very small. That's one of the reason I've switched (pardon the pun) to the steering wheel pad controls. No looking down to open the DOOR and then find the target button to adjust the volume. It's right there on the wheel. I've also found the "SET" pad button works best a mute switch, but that one really IS a personal preference.
Regarding the kit's side panels... the difference will be instead of simulated stainless steel, (it's actually ABS plastic) silver in color, it will be black, matching your new head unit. The one thing I did was I removed the "Pioneer" logo from the face frame. Now it just plain black across the top. You cannot see it in my photos, but it's their in YouTube video or on Pioneer's website.

talwang

iTrader: (4)

Awesome write up!!!

bacardi

bob
what looks very very nice.