Slammer1

I am not retaining any of the OE audio system. I have purchased a replacement OE HU assembly and should have it in a day or two. My plan is to remove the cd changer from the bottom, and cut it for the single DIN install. Once it's ready, I will just pull the existing HU assembly, and swap the cd changers. Going to run three sets of interconnects to my Hertz amp, and be done. Not worried about the loss of the steering wheel controls for the factory stereo. Not 100% certain yet, but pretty sure I am going with a Kenwood KDC-X794 HU, and will route the iPod cable to the console.

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

Doesn't the climate control cease working if you don't leave at least part of the original head unit wired in someplace?

350PsDMeuP

iTrader: (1)

yep, i tried taking out the cd changer just to see if everything worked, but it doesn't as a matter of fact, the AC unit connectors connect to the changer......like i said before...its easy to wire up an aftermarket unit but having it work with the changer?????IDK

Slammer1

The OE cd changer will be retained, and tucked in the dash. If you look at the back of the OE head unit, you will see that all of the controls (and plugs) are in the cd changer. The display above is just a panel of lights. I have seen a few installs where the changer was placed in the glove box, but hope to be able to tuck it further back in the dash panel. I got the HU today, and am going to take it to my local shop on Friday to determine the best single DIN kit to use to go in the back. The work on the fabrication aspects over the weekend. I got the changer pulled apart and have removed all of the buttons from it. Just a matter of fabrication and fitment now (easier said than done).

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

Good luck with this. I know it's a lot of work. Post pics of your progress. Even starting now!

350PsDMeuP

iTrader: (1)

So let get this in my little brain......you're going to use the faceplate of the cd changer to add the aftermarket head unit and then fabricate the face plate to fit the aftermarket headunit.....is that correct??

there should be plenty of space in the dash for mounting the cd changer vertically behind the big yellow piece that displays the A/C stuff ...the wiring should be pretty easy if you're keeping the changer although since i sold my nav unit my display reads AUX when playing a cd with the ML player....let me know if you need any help figuring out the wires...im pretty knowledgeable after doing my nav retrofit..Good luck keep us posted....

Slammer1

Will do, and thanks. Going to try to post up pics of the HU that I got off Ebay in a bit. Already pulled it apart, and pics are with cell phone, so quality wont be too good. All fabrication and install pics will be with the digital camera and should be much better. I am carrying the changer assembly and the faceplate to my local pro tomorrow to discuss options. Looking (initially) like a single DIN kit for a Mitsubishi Endeavor should be curved at about the same angle as the cd changer's face plate. Plan is to Dremel out a single DIN opening in the front of the changer's face plate, and then plastic weld the single DIN install kit on the back side. After reinforcing with fiberglass cloth, the front will be filled with body filler before final sanding and painting (color match is going to be a *****, btw). I was looking at it tonight after work, and may entertain the idea of pulling the board out of the metal carriage that houses it, so that I can put the aftermarket HU into the metal cage, thereby being able to use the mounting screws that hold it to the upper portion. Will keep posted with updates, but this is going to take a while to do, so be patient.

Slammer1

Pics of the HU......

Slammer1

Hold up, that didn't work. Stupid Photo Bucket.......

Slammer1

Okay, 2nd try at posting photo bucket pics.....
This is a step by step of the HU that I bought, and the disassembly of it, in preparation for modification for the single DIN kit. Hope I don't post this and the links don't work. If so, I am going to need help posting the pics...... Jeez.

http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/...YIS350/HU1.jpg
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/...YIS350/HU2.jpg
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/...YIS350/HU3.jpg
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/...S350/HU3-1.jpg
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/...YIS350/HU4.jpg
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/...YIS350/HU5.jpg
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/...YIS350/HU6.jpg
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/...YIS350/HU7.jpg

Slammer1

Okay, looks like that worked. The HU assy has four screws on each side, which will allow the cd changer assembly to be removed. it is a snap together attachment to the upper display portion, but I didnt' want to break it. I took quite a lot of wiggling to get the two apart. Once done, the face of the cd changer is held in place by four clips (two on top and two on the bottom). When these are released, the fact comes off. There are 9 screws that hold the circuit board to the face plate, and the removal of these allowed everything else to come apart. I just had to poke out the buttons for FM/ CD/Aux/ etc. and the faceplate is now empty. There are lots of ridges and channels on the back side, which is going to make it tough. Once I have made the cut for the single DIN cut, I will likely have to Dremel out a lot of this bracing on the back side to allow room for the kit that I am going to use. Then I will have room to work with for the bracing...... Like I said, be patient. I am very deliberate and cautious in everything that I do in car audio, and it has to be "right" before it goes in. Still have to order my HU and three sets of interconnects as well.

Slammer1

Got a llittle bit more done, but still not there yet. I have taken the faceplate and cut away a lot of the plastic from the button slots. Then I cut the opening in the center of the faceplate. I am using a dash kit from a Mitsubishi Endeavor, because it's curve was the closest that I could find to the curve of the Lexus faceplate. Stuck now, as I am trying to decide whether I want to do a recessed mount from the front, or to mount the single DIN piece to the rear. If I mount it from the front, I will have a slightly raised piece on each end, but it will be flush in the middle. If I mount it from the rear, it will be flush on the edges, but slightly recessed in the center. I am leaning towards the rear mount, but want to think it over. I am including pics as well, including the grinding of the lumps where the ***** used to be. More to come, hopefully soon....

http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/...0/DSC00720.jpg
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/...0/DSC00721.jpg
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/...0/DSC00722.jpg
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/...0/DSC00723.jpg
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/...0/DSC00718.jpg
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/...0/DSC00719.jpg
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/...0/DSC00729.jpg
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/...0/DSC00728.jpg

suka4thong

iTrader: (9)

off the good start!
now some fiberglassing and bondo and lots of sanding
and more hard part. wiring!
make sure you take lots of pictures for us.
and GOOD LUCK!

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

Looking good.....patience and good luck!

rgarjr

iTrader: (1)

looks like a lot of gutting.