I'll be installing the Z2 in my truck this weekend and am soliciting some advice. First off, I'll be install the Z2, iPod interface, Sirius adapter, and bluetooth integration. Here are my questions:

Where is the best place for the GPS antenna? I was thinking about putting it in front of the 3rd brake light on the roof, however, I will have to drop the headliner and do not know how (without figuring it out as I go).

For each of the accessory components, where is the best installation location? Should I put the iPod in the center console or glove box?

Anything else that I should know?

Thanks

 

First good choice. Have it too.

I mounted my GPS and Sirius antennas under dash near windshield. MAKE SURE IT SEES THE SKY WELL. Or Sirius will cut out frequently. GPS isnt as important due to the VSS wire. But do what you can

I put the Ipod adapter behind the glovebox. Then dropped the ipod cord to the glovebox.

Sirius adapter is small and can be tucked rather well anywhere.

Just have fun with it and learn the inside of your truck. I would suggest using your powerpoint next to the radio for the ipod and sirius power connections.

Oh and i have yet to do the bluetooth yet so idk where to put that. Or what it requires.

You really should drop your headliner regardless. To install mic for Z2. (If you dont want it i need another.) And to do that take the screws out of the visors and remove the a-pillar covers and the front of the liner should drop rather easily. If you have the compartments up front you will have to drop those too. Rather easy to do. I promise.

Ryan

 

check out hawg's thread, i believe he installed the bluetooth and found a good spot for it. his thread is here in the nav forum.

 

I installed my GPS antenna in front of the third brake light too but I didnt have to drop my head liner. just run the wire along the side (edge) of the head liner (but up under it) come down the passenger door weather stripping and up under the dash. You will need to remove the glove box.

 

I completely forgot about the microphone. I was thinking about drilling through the a-pillar trim piece, somewhere around the molded handle, and putting it there.

Where are you putting the microphone?

P.S. Thanks for the feedback so far. By the way, does anyone know where I can find a detailed description of how to drop the headliner?

 

For your headliner just make sure you take the handles out, your A pillars if possible your dome/console. IDK how much room you need but you can run whatever you need with just that. If you are running your ant. don't kill yourself and run the wire like pmason was describing. Removing the 3rd brake will allow you to poke through the back of the headliner. You can also run it down through your floor panels at the edge and bring them back up under the dash. You can put your mic on the top of your a pillar eliminating the need to drop the head liner there, the mic comes with some mounting hardware, utilize those to your advantage and modify them to your gusto!
another thing, Sirius is notorious for low antenna strength, mouning the ant. on the outside would be best, I've seen lots of cars have the antenna moved to the exterior due to it cutting out, I got my antenna in front of the 3rd brake and every once in a while I still get cut due to trees or tall buildings.

 

The bluetooth kit comes with velcro that you can use to attach it to the back of the firewall.
I attached my GPS antenna under the dash near the front and it seems to be okay there.
My mic is installed on the a-piller at the top of it and works good there.
If you have any other questions just check out my gallery as i have alot of pics in there that might help you out if im not online!

 

Anyone have a laundry list of the misc. harnesses, bluetooth kit, back up camera kit, steering control kit, etc. for this unit? I don't want to open up the dash but once to do this install completely one time. And I don't want to make a gazillion trips to supply houses for a part here, a part there.

Thanks.

I also will be doing this exact unit for my 03 996 TT so this will help me tremendously.

 

I'd also like to see the laundry list, Scott....I'm looking at putting a D3 in my new 2007 SCREW.

 

just go to crutchfield and enter your vehicle information and it will tell you everything you need, plus give you options for the accessories.

 

I think that's only true if you purchase from Crutchfield. Unfortunately, I don't think they list exactly what harness and mounting kit you get free with the unit.

They don't say anything about the resistor that's needed to eliminate the start-up "thump" from the audiophile's subwoofer when you turn the unit on.

When I chatted with them yesterday, they said I'd lose the speed sensitive volume if I put the D3 in my 2007 Ford F-150 Lariat SCREW (with audiophile). After reading a few posts, I don't think that's true if the VSS is connected.

 

Online ordered this morning, went to pick everything up and Circuit City didn't have the bluetooth and Ipod interface in house, although the order said it was stock. Picked up unit and harness the site said I needed. Said 'ABMW-124'. You know that's not for MY truck is what I told him. Went back to tech. Gave me the right one, although he doesn't think I need it. Bluetooth and Ipod pieces will be here FEDEX at no extra cost.

This week I will spend most of my online time at avic411.com reading, and reading before I do the install next saturday. I WILL post up how and what I did. I was hoping this site would come around with more of the how to's. Over on SVTPerformance.com, If it's been done, there is a write up and/or pics on the complete install and everyone is willing to help. NO matter how green or expert you are. Looks like a piece of cake. Wish me luck.

 

Good luck with your install! I'm looking forward to your follow-up posts on how things went. (And maybe that laundry list mentioned earlier?).

 

Oh yeah, here is what you will need to get started;
1. PIO NDBT1 for Bluetooth
2. PIOCBIB100II for Ipod interface
3. Met 80-1771 1998+ Ford wire harness (may not need)
4. PIO BC2PA for rear camera and wiring. BC2 for camera only
5. Read up on www.avic411.com