Today I started my new install. I picked up the Eclipse CD5435 from Don and began working a few things up for it to be installed along with trying to figure out a way to hard-wire my iPod into the car so it will charge while it's playing/hooked up. My goal is to have a hidden iPod docking station to where I can simply dock the iPod and it charges and plays.

The Eclipse



Equipment I picked up today for the iPod wiring



OEM radio removed

 

I'm installing the HU to be hidden from view, so I removed the face from the OEM radio and will install the Eclipse hidden behind it. I've read how much of an ordeal it is to remove the screws from the OEM HU, and I found that it was pretty hard. I was able to get all but one out without the aid of my drill. I found that the easiest way was to use a phillips screw bit, 1/4" socket, and 1/4" drive ratchet. That method seemed to work pretty well, but I chewed up one of the screws by just trying a screw driver first.



The rough fit install process (using cardboard templates)

 

*Keep in mind, the cardboard is just being used as templates.*





I have to head to work in a couple of hours, so I am at a good stopping point for this afternoon.

More to come tomorrow.

 

ah looks good so far Tim. eager to see the finished results

 

.

 

when did you change your avatar Shawn?? that little gif was interesting

 

Lookin good..

 

Thanks guys. It's one of those deals where you get started and don't want to stop working on it. I leave for DC on Wednesday and hoping to get this part of the install completed prior to that. I have to rewire and mount my 4 Channel Eclipse amp as well. My new sub will not arrive in time to be installed before I leave, so I most likely only have the JL equipment in the doors running.

 

Lookin good Tim. Can't wait to see/hear it when it's completed.

 

few days ago, got bored with the other one lol.


Tim, If I ever get a 5th gen this is something I'd do aswell. I just dont really like the look of the aftermarket DIN kits


edit: and most audio projects are the kind where you dont want to stop

 

GXE kit > all

 

doesn't help with growing tuition either

 

says the man who just bought an arc 1500.

 

Just reinstalled the climate controls and snapped two quick pics to give an idea of what the mounting might look like once its all done. The face simly removes by pulling on it from the bottom portion of the unit. The cassette slot, seems to work pretty well.

 

Tim...where does that wire lead to next to the a/c vents?

 

Radar detector.

 

has anyone ever done a manual climate control to auto climate control swap?

after having auto in the 5th gen its hard to go back

 

Not quite an audio question
But I have looked into it, its really not feasible at all. Im not sure exactly whats involved, but there are a bunch of extra sensors and a TON of work, its not just plug and play although I wish it was.

 

i'm sure Craig B. may have some input in that matter. Think he swapped an auto climate to his car not too long ago.

 

wait...i dont get how u can hide the cd player behind the OEM cover. I have the same cd player as you only its the 5425 and depending how this comes out...you may be helping me.

 

The Eclipse will be mounted recessed behind the OEM faceplate.

 

Time for some tunes

 

Sweet!! I'll be getting that same unit from Don very soon. =D

 

How much is this Unit form Don???

 

but then i dont get how u will be able to control the unit

 

Ok, the OEM faceplate is pretty much a theft deterrant. When I'm not in the car, the faceplate will cover the Eclipse. When I am in the car, removing the faceplate will grant you access to the Eclipse. The OEM faceplate is just a covering. None of the mounting kits that I checked out, did I like. So I am mounting it this way for two reasons. 1. To no draw attention to the stereo by having it in plain view. 2. To not have an unattractive mounting kit that doesn't "fit" well enough for my liking.

I hope that explains it a bit more. If not, just check the pics over the next couple of days, you'll see what I'm talking about.

 

ah, thanks for that clarification

 

yummmmmmmmmmmmmm

 

nice Tim....very stealth

I had Jayson's page on my favorites when he did this same project years ago, thinking I may do the same eventually....
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/407837/6

 

I have been trying to find those damn pics all day

 

soo im guessin it will only workt with a 5th gen??

 

sweeeet tim. thats the way to go with the 5th gen dash looking so flush and all.

 

How do you mean?

 

what i meant was, if the face on our 4th gen bose radio could fit over and it and still have space behind?

 

i don't think he would know since he owns a 5th gen...why not take yours out and look?

 

actually it wont when i think about it, becasue the dash kit goes over the face of the bose hu....dam

 

I think the mounting kit options you 4th gen guys have, are better designed than in the 5th gens.


Didn't get a chance to work much on the car today, but tomorrow will be a different story. I plan to get quite a bit more done on the install.

 

Getting somewhere...

 

looks interesting...hurry up and finish

 

ya man i wanna c it!!!