Audio and Electronics Discuss in-car entertainment systems, audio and video systems, car alarms and other electronics topics.

replacing my head unit

Old Aug 11, 2011 | 09:06 PM
  #1  
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replacing my head unit

i thought i'd just be plugging in some rca cables but i wasn't really paying attention when i ordered everything on crutchfield...

i got this http://www.crutchfield.com/p_020CZ10...cz101&skipvs=T and i was recommended by the automatic crutchfield service to buy all the necessary accessories including this adapter http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142C4NN...dapter&tp=3486

could someone please help me? how do i install the adapter and what should i do to all the gain adjustments? i've never done something like this before and i don't mind learning but would it be smarter to return this and get another adapter(if using another one is even possible)

looks like i'll need a soldering gun and i do have access to one but i've never used it before

Last edited by Perseus; Aug 11, 2011 at 09:20 PM.
Old Aug 12, 2011 | 07:29 AM
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Just match up the wire colors with the speaker output wires from the head unit.

Then, crank the volume on the HU to about 90% with the gains of the adapter set to 0. Slowly turn up each gain till you hear distortion, then back off a little.

Oh, and read the Bose replacement thread. It will explain why you need that adapter.
Old Aug 12, 2011 | 06:37 PM
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thanks. after reading multiple threads/reviews from other sites i finally figured out what to do. no soldering required...although i have to say that i would prefer the security of a solder over crimping the wires

ran into another issue though. the trim for my head unit doesn't fit -.- and if i leave it off there's a 1/8 inch gap between the head unit and the dash kit(though i'd prefer no trim anyways). i want to fill the gap with something black but i don't know what to use

Last edited by Perseus; Aug 12, 2011 at 06:58 PM.
Old Aug 12, 2011 | 09:29 PM
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Nothing you can really do there - happens. Post a pic and I'll let you kno if it's a standard gap or abnormal.

Ps - I crimp everything - never had a problem.
Old Aug 13, 2011 | 01:46 AM
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http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/4397/77131095.jpg

i was thinking about just gluing some black foam onto the dash kit to take up the space. not sure how i would get some though

Last edited by Perseus; Aug 13, 2011 at 03:13 AM.
Old Aug 13, 2011 | 09:05 PM
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ended up getting packing foam. cut it to size roughly and you can't even tell it's there when it's in the car(unless you look for it)

unfortunately i ran into another issue regarding the crimping -.- i think at least half of the crimp caps fell off while in the process of install. i kept putting them back on but they were just terrible caps. replaced what fell off with our own caps and those were fine. unfortunately when i had everything set in place and tested the audio i noticed a cap was missing and when i tried to replace it more caps fell off. the only way to replace it would be to take out the entire unit. i'm just gonna solder them...
Old Aug 15, 2011 | 07:03 AM
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Sounds like you're not using the right caps, or not using them properly...if they're CRIMP caps, then they should be crimped on, and shouldn't fall off.
Old Aug 15, 2011 | 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by djfrestyl
Sounds like you're not using the right caps, or not using them properly...if they're CRIMP caps, then they should be crimped on, and shouldn't fall off.
wouldn't be surprised if i just used them wrong lol. either way, i did end up soldering them and i'm happy with the final result. for the gap between the dash kit/head unit i would've preferred a different solution though. using some black silicon would've been ideal, but the only tube we had was already solidified -.-
Old Aug 15, 2011 | 07:04 PM
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I like to use screw caps myself. Makes it a bit easier to use and take apart. No cutting needed!!!
Old Aug 17, 2011 | 06:16 AM
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Originally Posted by locknuts27
I like to use screw caps myself. Makes it a bit easier to use and take apart. No cutting needed!!!
No cutting? You still have to strip and twist. Only difference is screwing the cap on vs crimping it.

Not to mention that screw caps are more for home use and not car....
Old Aug 28, 2011 | 11:45 AM
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hey guys im new here if someone could pm me or email me i have a few qustions about replacing my styock bose h/u with my jensen vm9311 done many swaps over years just never messed with a bose setup before
Old Aug 29, 2011 | 06:08 AM
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^^ Read the "BOSE Radio Replacement" thread - it has every answer you need.
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