[N_CA]

I want to replace the CR-1 Radio in my car with an aftermarket navigation unit, and have a couple of questions for anyone that have done this type of replacement:

 

1) The radio itself is a standard single DIN sized unit, and there is a storage rack below for cassette tapes (how hip is that???).  I am wondering if the combined space for both of these units is a standard dual DIN size which will fit an aftermarket Nav system?

 

2) If I move forward with the replacement, I hope to do as little modification as possible that is irreversible, including cutting into the wiring harness.  If possible, I would like to create an "adapter" harness that converts from the standard Becker connector to the connector for my preferred head unit (probably a Kenwood).  I know that the aftermarket head unit will come with a connector/harness in pigtail form.   I am hoping to buy the mating connector that will plug directly into the existing connector on the harness, and use this to make a "plug and play" adapter harness.  Has anyone tried to do this, and if so, where did you get the connector?

 

3) Also if I go this route, I need to consider where to place some of the accessories for the Nav, including the GPS antenna and the Ipod connector.  In the case of the GPS antenna, I know it can go under the dash, as long as it is not covered in metal.  Any guidance on places you have seen this located would be helpful?  I am thinking of routing the iPod connector into the storage in the arm rest, any experience doing this, either good or bad?

 

 

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[flash]

i don't think any adaptor exists.  further, if you have more than the basic stock system, you will need to change the wiring and eliminate the amplifier(s).

 

that being said, you could source another connector from some other 968, and make yourself an adaptor.

 

as for the armrest, it's not too tough to put the ipod there.  i did exactly that.

 

you can put the antenna in the lower corner of the windshield, and just run the cable under the trim panel

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[EEZATOY]

Check with SW Stereo on the harness - they made me one that I could splice to the deck harness and it would plugged straight into cars harness...

 

I have my ipod in the glove box - out of the way and the only time I need to access it is when I'm taking it out to update the music collection...

 

What head unit are you looking at? I'm thinking of going the same route with a pioneer (6000 or 6100nex or an Alpine)

 

Sam

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[flash]

be aware that any dual din unit requires a modification to the central tube dash support bracket.  this is a permanent modification.

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[apex]

I might add that I opted for a almost-obsolete Becker head with an AUX link to my music on the phone. I have a clip on the dash grille that holds the phone with a hardwire/charging connection to the head. Couldn't be happier. I use this connection for GPS navigation as well - through the phone which is constantly upgraded rather than the head unit. In short using the car for basic audio amplification (static) and the phone for the smart stuff (dynamic) is working well. Who knows what the future may hold?

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[williamoss]

_{What I do not like about in dash Nav systems in general, is that you do not get options like traffic reports, lifetime map updates and if you travel it means you have to pay again and again for a Nav system that you may not understand how to use.}

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[flash]

not true.  i have live traffic on my pioneer.  the map upgrades are pretty easy too, and so far there have only been 2 new map sets in 10 years.

 

what i don't like about the cell phone systems are the small screen, the awkward locations in which you have to place them, and the lack of an audio interface that mutes the music for directions

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[N_CA]

Flash,

 

You mentioned that there is a modification to central tube dash support bracket required to add a dual din head unit.  Is this due to the extra depth of a dual din unit?  I am under the impression that there are dual din units that are relatively shallow, due to having no disk included.  If this is the one sacrifice that I need to make so I could add a nav without any surgery under the dash, I would certainly consider this as a good option?

 

Thanks

 

Nathan

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[flash]

at the time i did mine, all decks were pretty much the same depth.  i have not kept up on new ones, so i don't know if there are shallower ones or not.  besides, i would never consider a deck that didn't have a CD player, so i had no reason to look.  i'm not about to transfer all of my CDs, and i don't download because of the low audio quality.  i have moved a number of them over though, and burn MP3 disks with higher quality recordings to run in the deck, as i don't want to use an ipod.  that may change though, as i am about to change phones, and can relegate this one to ipod duty. i have 2 others, so then i could have the same stuff resident in each car, without having to drag anything around or hook anything up.  at that point CDs become obsolete.

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[SILVY968]

I did this some time ago and posted a DIY picfest.

Use search to find it. It should help a lot.

The radio and cubby add up to a perfect 2 din.

Wiring was not a big deal.

Brian

Silvy968
I did this some time ago and posted a DIY picfest.

Use search to find it. It should help a lot.

The radio and cubby add up to a perfect 2 din.

Wiring was not a big deal.

Brian

Silvy968

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[N_CA]

Brian,

 

I found the previous post you made, but could not access the file "Binder_AVIC.pdf" that seems to hold the pictures.  I am not sure what is the problem, maybe the system deletes old attachments, as this was from a thread in 2007?

 

If you can upload this file again, I would really appreciate it.

 

Thanks

 

Nathan

N_CA

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[williamoss]

I recall that when NAV systems first came out there were units that one pushed a button and where the CD slot was the unit slid out and a screen raised up. I believe this was actually a single slot size. Regarding my comment above I believe you when you say the pioneer systems only had 2 updates in 10 years. That was my point. Map updates on built in systems are expensive and not readily available. I own a Garmin portable unit with lifetime mapping which I update approx. 4-6 times a year. Not only are there updates but there are corrections. Corrections make the maps work better and are reported all the time as individuals find a mistake. I just sent in 4 corrections last week as I found them driving from Portland OR to the coast.

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[ron1688]

I did this mod back in 2007 and flash is correct that it is a permanent mod as you would need to make some cut and remove the central brace and create some brackets to hold the new head unit. In regards to the wiring, I just tap into the existing 12 V power and the aux power on the old system and ran all new speaker wires. I put the NAV antenna on the center of the dash in front of the windshield. I just updated my system and replace the old AVIC with the new generation AVIC 8100 NEX which has Android Auto. Basically it mirrors your android phone or I phone. What's neat about this is that the default NAV system is the google map on your phone, so no map update and traffic reports are there . If there you lose your phone signal than the head unit NAV works as a backup. Also voice recognition is there for text messages and the other stuff. It also includes two USB input so one is connected to the phone and one to a flash drive for videos and music. Lots of other features..blah blah... I will take some pix in the next couple of days of the updated install. For speakers, I am now running 5.25 kickers separates in the front, 6.5 kickers in the rear and a sound ordinance sub with no amps. sounds pretty awsome.

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[N_CA]

Flash,

 

I got feedback from SILVY968 that he does not have a copy of the "Binder_AVIC.pdf" file with the details on his Navi system install.  When I go to the thread in 2007, I can see a link for the file, but it gives me an error when I try to download it.  Do you think this is a problem on my side, is the file still available for download on the website?

 

Thanks

 

Nathan

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[MCL968]

Nathan,

 

As I recall, a bunch of PDF's were lost when the service provider changed servers, so this probably can't be located. It's not a problem at your end.

 

Matt

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[ron1688]

Here are some updated pictures of my latest install including the brackets I used to hold the head unit in place

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[EEZATOY]

I think this is the PDF you are looking for (downloaded it way back when...) - opps says its to large to upload?

 

Ron how do you like the new pioneer - I'm thinking about going with the 6000nex or 6100nex

 

Sam

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[ron1688]

I'm loving it eventhough it was a bit pricey. Overall, I think it is well worth the price and I am seriously considering putting it on my jetta and my cx9

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