Hi all,

I am planning to install a Aiwa CDC-MP32 player on my car (96 Maxima) to replace my double-DIN non-bose system. I have a few Qs:

1. Will the new head unit control the power antenna the same way as the old head unit does? What types of special wiring do I need to connect during install, if there's any?

2. I would really like to install my head unit flush with the dash panels. I have searched the forums and found some posts on an install kit from Metra. How exactly does the kit work? Are there any extra holes to drill with this kit? Some pictures of the kit/installation will really help.

3. Where should I buy the installation kit? (online, stores, etc.) What will be the correct part number of the kit?

And if someone has other stereo installation kit that they recommend, please let me know. Thanks for the help!

 

1. Maybe. Depending on the new HU, your antenna will either go up when the radio/cd/cass/MP3/VCR/etc is on, or only when the radio itself is on (AM/FM). The HU controls the power antenna. The Nissan HUs only power the antenna while you are listening to the radio, so if you switch to CD, the power antenna lowers itself. But that is controlled by the HU, so if/when you replace the HU, check the new HU's manual to see how the antenna operation works.

2. Most aftermarket radio dash kits simply provide a clean look for the installation of aftermarket radios. Unless the package specifically says, no extra drilling is needed. I've installed probably close to 50+ radios in various cars, and never had to drill holes. As far as what the final picture will look like, try asking someone in the 4th gen forum. They should be able to help you out with a few pics.

3. You can purchase the kits online or from any store that installs car stereos. Circuit City and Best Buy are options, but also look in your yellow pages under Automobile Audio/Security and call a few local shops in town. Sometimes the local shops can get a better deal (or custom pieces that look MUCH better) for the same price or less.

 

1. Only the sony HU's have the capability for that

2. You can customize the kit by drillin new holes...chinanitrous can tell u how to do this

3. hmm...best buy but they rape u in prices...find a friend that works there and get them to buy it

 

hmm after you remove the top air vents..remove the ashtray..blah blah blah..get the damn stereo and dash peice off WITHOUT scratching the dash..use an old teeshirt or something to cover the aera round yoru shifter. Take out the old radio...Now if you have a double din unit..you'll need a METRA multi-purpose pocket. After you've got the pocket assembled with the side brackets..and the smallest trim peice set it aside. Now..take your new radio with the faceplate on..and the plastic trim-ring around it and place it on top of your factory stereo (it should still be in its brackets but apart from the dash bezel peice) Your factory radio is held in place with 2 screwes on each side. Line up the face of your new stereo with your existing one in the brackets. That will ensure your new radio fits flush in the dash. Mark with a pencil and a ruler where you need to drill the new holes. Bascially your new screw holes are 1/4"-1/2" back from where your factory nissan screws are. So follow the mounting hole of your new radio..right down to where your factory screws are..and mark where you need to drill. Now..Remove your factory radio from the brackets..making sure you've pre-marked both sides with where your gonna drill. ***NOTE*** Factory screws are extremely tight..i reccomend that you put the unit on a table and use a short stubby screwdriver that fits TIGHTLY in the screw..push down with all your might and body weight..and the screw should *SNAP* Loose. You might hafta use a drill to drill out any screws that you strip. Now..drill holes..align your radio..and screw in place. If you've drilled correctly you should have a radio flush mounted in your dash. Now if you cant do all that take your orginal radio in its brackets and your new radio in your other hand..Go to best buy and ask for an ISO MOUNT to fit FLUSH. They should charge you 1 custom labor (15.00 bucks) to drill and mount your radio.

Hmm.....i think thats about it..Its almost 3 am..so im a little tired..but thats the exact motions i go through at work everytime i see a 4th gen.

On your new radio..if you see 2 Dark blue wires..One solid dark blue..and the other Dark blue with a white strip..that means your gonna have 1-Amplifier turn on wire and 1-Antenna Wire. Difference is..the Amp-turn on is constantly on when your stereo is. The antenna wire is only On when your radio is..meaning if you play a CD whatever attached to that wire will shut off.

*sigh*..im going to bed

 

Thanks to everyone for their replies.

Speaking of the metra kit, is there a part number that I can use as reference while purchasing? I did a little surfing on net and found some metra kits for Nissan cars that costs $14-15 (but I didn't know which one to get). Thank you again.

 

for 14-15..just go to best buy its only 15 bucks+tax..