I am looking to install a single din HU because I don't have an extra $1000 to put in a nice Pioneer or Alpine double din unit. Anyone already install a single din? Please post pics and let us know what dash install kit you used and where you got it!!
Location: Parker County, TX and Santa Fe County, NM
Posts: 1,996
Re: Looking for Pics of single din install
Another advantage to a single-DIN installation is, you have the other half of the space to install a CB radio there. That is what a lot of FJ80 guys do anyway.
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I've already dropped mine in, but I'll be pulling it out to attach rcas to new amp, probably this weekend. I'll post photos if someone else doesn't.
A few tricks that might be helpful (but if you've done a few head units yourself in your life, you probably already know)
- read stickies that have photos and explanations on how to remove center portion of dash
- put something padded down on top of the center console/shifters to protect both that area and your stereo
- the two screws that hold the right and left trim piece that comes off first are kind of tricky. go slow and don't strip screws
- i've seen both the metra and scosche fit kit. would recommend both, give slight edge to schosche. i think that fjcruiseraudio sells one of them. crutchfield will give to you for free if you order head unit.
- take your time with the fit kits if you use them. you might need to throw the center panel on it to see how it fits. there is a bit of play on the fit kit attachments, so you shoudl be able to adjust to center fit kit in opening.
- if you use fit kit, not a bad idea to still intall strap in back. the fit kits are never the best at solidly securing the stereo, especially if they are plastic.
- get wire harnesses and attach wires beforehand!!!! you should have two - one coming from factory harness, and another coming from back of new head unit. Just sit down at table and attach before you install. saves you a lot of time that you don't have to contort yourself to get inside the dash.
- always leave as much slack in wires as you can. You can always cinch up with zip tie down the road. not having enough wire is a real bummer.
Good luck. all in all, fj is about the easiest I've seen. Big and open. When you pull the center cover off, you'll be amazed at how much room is back there.
Appreciate the advice. I have installed a number of HU in my day and infact I have already had the FJ apart as I have already installed an Alpine amp under the passenger seat and changed out the front 4 speakers. I also added the factory sub and that is why I want to change out the HU. I want control over the AMOUNT of bass coming from the sub without sacrificing bass in the door 6X9's. So, just turning down the bass is not doing it for me. I have an old Pioneer passive EQ with sub level control that I am thinking of installing under the HU, hence the need for the single din unit. I just don't know how it is going to look in the FJ. So, I am considering the Pioneer DEH-P480MP HU. It is part of the Pionner Premier systems. I have had the Pionner Premier components in 3 other vehicles and they have never let me down. The other HU I am considering is the Kenwood Excelon DPX-701 which is a double din unit. It has the sub level control built in so I would not need the EQ. Just unsure as to which direction I want to go and would like to see someone else's set-up before jumping in to this.
Please post pics of your set-up even if someone else beats you to it.
I'll drop a picture of my alpine. With the moderate to lower level headunits (say $200 or less for argument sake), I just don't see a huge difference among the big 4 (alpine, kenwood, pioneer and sony). Alpine is usually about 20-30 bucks more than the rest. The only reason I went with Alpine is that the ipod controller was ridiculously inexpensive compared to the others. I have also never had an alpine before, so thought I'd give them a try. I think that pioneers have better fm/am tuners (but I have yet to tune anything locally...I have sirius), and kenwood and sony seem to have slightly higher onboard amps. but since I am going separate amps, who cares.
I've had the alpine in for about a month. Love it. My only complaint is that the controls aren't very intuitive and you really need to read the manual. But about 15 minutes with it, and you are good. the darn displays are all crummy in the sun, but you get what you pay for it. If it really bothered me, I go drop $1500 on a double din DVD with LCD screen.
The pioneer premier will treat you well, especially since you aren't relying on it to power your speakers.
stay tuned for the scosche fit kit/alpine single DIN photo.
I'll drop a picture of my alpine. With the moderate to lower level headunits (say $200 or less for argument sake), I just don't see a huge difference among the big 4 (alpine, kenwood, pioneer and sony). Alpine is usually about 20-30 bucks more than the rest. The only reason I went with Alpine is that the ipod controller was ridiculously inexpensive compared to the others. I have also never had an alpine before, so thought I'd give them a try. I think that pioneers have better fm/am tuners (but I have yet to tune anything locally...I have sirius), and kenwood and sony seem to have slightly higher onboard amps. but since I am going separate amps, who cares.
I've had the alpine in for about a month. Love it. My only complaint is that the controls aren't very intuitive and you really need to read the manual. But about 15 minutes with it, and you are good. the darn displays are all crummy in the sun, but you get what you pay for it. If it really bothered me, I go drop $1500 on a double din DVD with LCD screen.
The pioneer premier will treat you well, especially since you aren't relying on it to power your speakers.
Looking for Pics of single din install
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