figured i'd do it since no one else has. if anyone has, then i missed it

Anyways, really easy. what you need:

-New head unit (obviously)
-phillips screwdriver
-8mm socket
-wiring harness
-install kit


the wiring harness and install kit can more than likely be found at wal-mart and i used butt end connectors, but how you make the connections is all you.


First off, i've heard a lot of things on removing the stock head unit, one being that the whole thing just pops out, another being that the whole bezel pops out, and the last being that you need to take off the lower dash panels to get underneath it. we're gonna go with the last one cause that seems the easiest and the least damaging for those of you who aren't good with trim clips other than myself.


so my head unit of choice is the sony cdx-gt820ip:


i went with this particular head unit cause i was looking for something with ipod direct control.



my method of choice here was to have the unit prepped and totally ready to install before i even touched the car. also it's a good idea to research your project, whatever it is, before you tackle it head on, probably why you're reading this =P

what you're gonna be doing is splicing the wiring harness from the unit to the wiring harness that you picked up. i would've expected it to come with the install kit but for those of you who aren't that lucky like myself, you're looking for the female connector to the stock harness that plugs directly into the stock receiver.

once you've got that handy you're gonna splice the two harnesses together either by hand (not recommended), with a soldering iron (best choice if you wanna take the time to do it) or like i did with butt connectors.

straight forward color matching with the two harnesses, should look something like this when you're done:



however, if the harness you buy is anything like the one i got it'll probably have a couple applications on it... i cut off the one i didn't need cause it was getting in the way, but if there are wires left over on either of the two harnesses that you are using, then double check the color break down on BOTH the unit harness and the jumper harness.

now that you're ready to install, there are three trim pieces you'll be removing:

the center lower dash panel,
the driver lower dash panel,
and the glove box.

the glove box is easy, just unbolts from the bottom. you can use a phillips head, but you'll need the 8mm socket after you round it out (haha)

the driver lower dash panel has three screws in it:







after you take these out, the panel pops right off.



the center lower dash panel has 6 screws. i don't have pictures for this but they're easy to find, just 2 underneath your climate control in front of your acc power outlet and 1 at any corner for a total of 6 (2+1+1+1+1=6).


with those three panels removed this'll be what you're looking at:



get your head down there under the climate control and you'll see two screws that hold the mounting bracket for the receiver, take those out and the receiver will slide right out.


for installation, you're on your own for mounting and support, but you're gonna be connecting the harnesses and the antenna cable. for mine, the installation kit came with a faceplate that fit into the climate control bezel that the sleeve mounted on to. then after the deck went in, the faceplate that came with the unit snapped on to the front and fit snug into the bezel insert. i wasn't too sure about back support cause it was pretty much just suspended in there totally by the sleeve but i didn't see any other way to mount it but it was in there pretty solid with the face trim snapped into the bezel insert.

in any case, my finished product:



this install was really easy and i realized that as soon as i got into it so it shouldn't be any sort of problem, honestly the hardest part was routing the wires behind the dash.



and these just cause they're damn sexy.

This post was last modified: 06-16-2008 10:05 PM by TheReinstein.

nice write-up

good write up. not sure if thats how i did it, but i think theres a easier way.. i forget tho hah

btw for the glove box - when you open it, and it rests open. look at the sides that are keeping it from falling to the floor, each side has a plastic washer type deal. you can just press in on each side of the box so the washers clear the posts that stop the glove box from opening all the way. saves you a lil bit of time oh and you can also use heat shrink instead of butt connectors just a few tips haha

This post was last modified: 06-16-2008 10:03 PM by bryan767.

nice work, but you should solder and heatshrink thos wires for the best connection possible.

I was amazed that when I had to do this I had to take apart half the dash board

i totally agree, but at the same time i was also really surprised at how quick and easy it was, and i didn't break a clip, i didnt scratch anything or have a hard time getting any of the panels off, imho this is the safest and probably most efficient way of doing it. but to each his own.

I dunno if its different with the 97-98... i would imagine not.....but In my 00 coupe I can just carefully grab the sides of the climate control and pull straight out and change the radio that way.

that's what i had heard i could do with mine, but i stopped when i started hearing cracks

when i did mine. i screwed the deck to the frame inside... just so no one can get it out without taking the whole dash.

smart thinking...very nice!