Ok, so i recently purchased a Sony XAV-7W 7 inch in dash widescreen monitor, a Concept DVD168A portable DVD/MP3/VCD player, a Sony CDX-T70MX mp3/cd changer, and a PS2.

Now, i used to be able to build a computer from scratch in less than an hour....but i've never done any kind of car audio/video install. Just wondering if you guys think i should hand this one to the professionals, or if its possible to do myself.

BTW, All the above-mentioned items can be found at either sounddomain.com or crutchfield.com. Thanks in advance!

 

How were you thinking of installing your PS2? I now have a PS2 and an Xbox, and there is no way in he!! I can get the Xbox to fit in my truck comfortably. I was thinking of putting the PS2 in the Console next to the CD changer. But I would like to be able to remove it on occation. What do you think?

 

Yea, i ruled out the box a while ago cuz i knew it would be too big. But for the PS2, in thinkin either underneath the passenger seat (yea right, prolly wont fit) OR under the dash on the passenger side, like below the glove compartment.

My last resort mounting spots are either in the rear console, underneath one oft he rear seats, or, behind/above the rear console but below the sliding window.

Other ppls input on this would be appreciated as well!

 

Having done a lot of audio/video mods myself, here's a couple suggestions.

1. Take a long deep breath......
2. Bite only on what you can chew... if this is your first time tearing your truck apart, DO NOT force yourself to finish all in one day or one setting.

Okay now for the good stuff, now that you know what is ahead of you.

I'm confused on the gear that you have... what will be your Head-unit?

You have the Sony LCD screeen, 1-DIN, you need to take out the double din sotcker.
You have the Concept DVD/MP3 which can be installed inside the front console.
You have the Sony Cd/MP3 changer which can exactly replace the stock 6-dics changer. This is what I did on mine.
Then the PS2 which be under the passenger dash.

I don't see that the flip out LCD unit has any FM capabilities, are you getting rid of FM capabilities. Also isn't the Concept DVD/MP3/CD player enough? Why still get the Sony 6-disc changer that also plays Cd/MP3 and not DVD? This is not a flame or anything just an observation. I've done a lot of DIY projects on audio, the gear doesn't match up.


If I am wrong let me know.

If you need a pro to do it, Ultimate Car Toys on Dublin Blvd by the Police Station can do a good job. Tell them Chester with the 02 HD sent you, ask for a good deal.

 

If you decide to go to the shop let me know. I'll try to meet you there.

 

Chester - as far as radio goes, yea the LCD screen has a built in AM/FM tuner. And for the MP3/Cd changer, i am the worlds biggest audiophile, and just one MP3 cd player, like in my old car, is NOT enough, i need more songs! LOL

Yea, ur right about everything else though, the concept will either go under the seat or in the console. And i had gone to Ultimate Car Toys once before to get my windows tinted in my old car, and ive been back afew times to walk around and none of the old guys are there anymore..did they change management?

Anyways, if the prices are good, ill prolly consider a pro install. Jus need to wait to save up a few more bucks for that first, installations r pretty expensive around here. i've always wanted to give it a shot, like for the expereince, but maybe this is too much for the first time...ill wait a few months when i get subs and put those in myself.

Do you know how much they charge to install something like this?

 

Oh.. ook now it's much clearer.
Prices on installs on our area as you said are expensive. An HU install will cost you atleast $70 plus any other harnesses. Those prices really come down when they know you, like me, I get some stuff from them for free.

Now then, if you have all the parts then start laying them out and familiarize yourself on their functions. Start familiarizing on taking the stock unit out, the front console, and the stock changer and most importantly putting them back on.

On a given day, I would first do all of the above.

Next would be install the LCD screen and change out the stock 6-disc changer. This is enough for one day. Make sure you have the correct harness to plug into the factory wiring. You should be able to do this easily. Disconnect your negative wire from the battery. Get the stock HU out, put the double din kit. Attach the harness to the LCD unit, make sure all the wires pair up correctly. Disassmble the front console, run the signal wire from the HU to the location of the stock changer. Replace the stock changer put the Sony one in.

Attach all the wires to the back of the LCD HU, make sure your changer is set to work on 90 degrees cuz it will standing up. If not it will start skipping.

Got to go to lunch.

I'll talk to you later.

 

Alright thanks a lot chester, i figured id do the cd changer and the dvd player first. Good deal, i figure i need to set aside a good two hours or so to do this. BTW, dont i need a special tool to remove the double-din HU? And where can i buy the harness locally if at all?

im goin campin this weekend, but you know what ill be doin first thing when i get back.... again, thanks a bunch

 

I think the car audio installations are relatively simple. But they are getting more and more of a pain from a room standpoint. Meaning room to run wires and cables etc. especially when you get into the more complicated systems that require more cabling. I think if you take it piece by piece it is relatively straight forward. I have even set them up ahead of time on the floor in the living room using a power supply just to sort of get a game plan. Also consider that you may run some cables and find out they end up too long or short. So you may end up running back up to the audio store so exchange a few items. Also you may consider spending a few days without a stereo, but still having functional transportation so you can take your time or if you get in a jam. And if you do it on a weekend, the store may be closed on a Sunday when you find you need a part. But I think it is much more rewarding to do it yourself. Plus if you have trouble down the road you have an idea of how the system works so you can diagnose it. Also I never seem to be 100% happy with the store's installs. Just the detail stuff if you know what I mean. But I think I would give it a try and if it does not work out, you can always have them finish it. But also keep in mind that the store may not want to inststall products you did may not have bought from them. In case you like speakers that one store carries and a head unit someone else sells etc. Just my .02

I also meant to say that if it seems overwhelming and complicated, just you break it down piece by piece and it really is not all that difficult. Each component only has a couple cables, amd power and ground, but most of them end up at the head unit which may end up with what looks like a ton of them. But most head units usually have them labeled and grouped by source.

 

You need the U clips to remove the stocker. I got them from Walmart, and they're cheap. If you got your HU from crutchfield they should have offered that to you.

You can borrow mine.

Harness you can get them at Circuit City or Utlimate Car Toys.
Just let them know what kind of vehicle you have. You would also need a lot of butt splices, get a crimping tool, and a good wire stripper all the way to 8 gauge, they are a good investment.

You really can't change the stock changer without changing your HU. The Sony changerwill not work with your stock HU. So best bet is to get the HU in first, which is your LCD unit, then the changer.

Take a break after than, then tackle the DVD player which will be a lot easier. The figure out much later the PS2.

As wheelspeed said, lay out all the parts before beginning, there's gonna be a lot of wiring cramped behind that LCD unit.

Good luck!