[bibbt]

Thanks for the replies and photos. I ran across this model lavh-zl5150bt Pioneer on the Australian Pioneer website. It has buttons on the left side of the radio. It also plays zone 1 DVDs where as the Kenwood model only plays zone 3 . I would probably buy the Australian Pioneer but it is lacking in some features compared to some similar USA versions. I like to listen to FM radio and evidently HD Radio is a US thing because none of the overseas versions have HD Radio. It also appears none integrate with the idatalink/Maestro . I'm looking at the AVH-2550NEX that seems to check all the boxes. Just wish it had the 200mm face width.

 

[bibbt]

Ok, the Joying unit with knobs looks interesting. It says it has wired/wireless Apple CarPlay. It doesn’t play any kind of discs or FLAC files and since it’s not intended for US market doesn’t have HD Radio. I’d be curious to see how well it actually interacts with an iPhone. I’ve seen the Chinese Android radios on eBay for years and been intrigued but since I’m exclusively an Apple user never considered these head units as an option. I would assume it would be easy enough to paint the silver radio panel any oem color you want. I guess my only concerns would be if this FJ specific combo really is all it’s advertised to be and if it would still be working after 6 months or a year of use in the Texas heat. Anyone out there with experience using one of these Chinese radios in a FJ or any other application ? The price is reasonable enough. Almost tempted to roll the dice and try one.

 

[bibbt]

None of these head units typically come directly from the manufacturer with a backup camera. You might see retailers like Crutchfield or Sonic Electronics offer a head unit/backup camera bundle. I see it on eBay and Amazon too.

Virtually all decent/modern Double DIN touch screen head units have inputs for running at least one camera. Simple as running the wires and plugging the camera into the head unit. Camera is usually activated by a wire that taps into the backup light circuit so when you hit reverse, the image pops up on the screen. I have a Pioneer AVH-1440NEX plus back camera on my 92 Toyota Xtra Cab 4x4. This is how the whole quest for a unit to update the FJammer started. Every time I drive the FJ, I really miss the features of the Pioneer unit in my truck.

 

[bibbt]

Ok, I gave up on the idea of using a non US market Pioneer or Kenwood 200mm head unit. Too expensive and less features than models for the US market. I can live with the spacers on the sides. Any kind of warranty claim on the non US head units would also be very difficult.

I chose the Pioneer AVH-2550NEX. 2 din touch screen, Apple Carplay, DVD/CD, HD Radio, Idatalink Maestro compatible. I purchased it online from an authorized Pioneer internet dealer called Drive-In Autosound in Colorado. New unopened box with full US Warranty for $295. They offer a 5% discount to new customers so the out the door price with free shipping was $280.25 and free ground shipping. Shipped same day I ordered it. They also threw in a free license plate mount backup camera. I couldn't find any other legit Pioneer dealers that could even come close to this low price. I usually buy from Crutchfield but their price was $445. Difficult for me to look past the price difference of $164.75 regardless of how much free/cheap installation parts they give you.

I can't afford to buy everything I want at one time right now so I will sit on the head unit for a couple of weeks. I intend to buy speakers, amp, Idatalink Maestro and sub enclosure over the next few weeks and take advantage of any deals I run across. It's not cheap to replace the stock system and do a really good job. I don't like regrets when I do a project so I'm trying not to cut any corners. I'll probably end up spending $1200-1400 on components. This all started because I wanted modern integration between my FJ audio system and my iPhone. Convenience doesn't come cheap. Heck, I have better connectivity in my 1992 Toyota 4x4 Pickup. Thank goodness I don't have to pay someone to do the install. I will report back and post some photos when I get everything installed and sorted out.

Bibb in San Antonio

 

[bibbt]

It's normal to have bezels or some kind of kit to fit an aftermarket radio. It's not big deal at all. They are just pieces of plastic that bolt to the OEM radio bracket.

Metra is a popular (I don't know why) bezel kit, but it is craptacular and would stay away from them. FYI, I have 2 sets that I am giving away for free (just pay shipping), but again they suck ass!!!! Why??, because you buy a Metra kit only to modify them to fit your application. Last I checked, I don't work for Metra. I paid money, I should get a product that works. Yet, they think I work for them and I pay them for the opportunity to create their product (sarcasm). Sorry for the rant. /end

I use OEM radio bezels from the Subaru BRZ. I'll take photos later today.
[/QUOTE

So are you referring to the Subaru end spacers that are available in the Japanese market? I have seen these on eBay. Pretty pricy if I remember right. Something like $55 a pair? It would be great if you could post some shots of what your are talking about and where you buy them.

Thanks,
Bibbt

 

[bibbt]

So this ^^^ is what I would see if I didn't buy a 200 mm head unit? I'm sure those in the custom car audio field couldn't stand that look, but I don't think it's all that bad.

Something I don't understand though, and I can post in a new thread if wanted, but why would you want a DVD player in your head unit? For movies? Movies for the passengers? That doesn't appeal to me. So would I want what they're calling mechless head unit? I'm looking at the Alpines... but IDK much about what I'm looking for.

I still play some CD music discs in my vehicles so this feature is important to me.

 

[bibbt]

I have a question about the international units that don’t play cd, dvd. I don’t use those features and so that’s not a detractor for me. What I do care about is satellite radio. Do these units come with the capability to play Sirius or xm satellite radio?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I just looked at the specs on the Australian Pioneer website for the Pioneer 200mm head unit. There is no mention of compatibility with a satellite radio radio module. I also looked at the PDF instructions and it does not show a connection for it on the rear of the head unit. Not sure about the Kenwood unit. I will research it and post what I find.

Bibbt in San Antonio

 

[bibbt]

This unit looks pretty good and there is a good FJ install review in the reviews section. Only wish it had a disc player to as for some reason I still really like CD’s... hahaha ?

Yeah, I saw this unit when I was searching for head units. Its great if you use Android devices and don't have interest in playing CD or DVDs. Really good reviews on Amazon and ships from a US warehouse. Ultimately, I purchased the Pioneer AVH-2550NEX as it had every feature I wanted. HD Radio, Apple Car Play, plays CD and DVD, iDatalink Maestro interface etc. Glad unit from a major manufacturer was also important to me too. I'll just live with the side spacers.

Bibb in San Antonio

 

[bibbt]

Have you given any consideration to other Toyota (or Scion) radios so you keep the "factory" look? I've tried three different ones in mine and have settled on this one from the Toyota 86 (same as Scion FRS). The p/n is PT546-00170 (-00160 for the Scion model) and it drops right in and works with your steering wheel controls and bluetooth mic in the mirror. You'll need a couple factory hardness adapters but they're relatively inexpensive. Here's a link to a blog with a great write-up on a similar model but the harness parts are all the same The Ultimate Scion Head Unit: 2003 Toyota 4Runner - The Track Ahead

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I finally got over the aesthetics issue. I did consider those factory Toyota/Scion 200mm options. There were definitely some nice features like the good old fashioned volume knob, Bluetooth, Nav options and obviously the OEM aesthetics and fit. Amazing how similar these Pioneer/Toyota OEM touch units are to Pioneers aftermarket touch screen radios. The look of the display and architecture of the menus etc. is real close. These darn things can be had for almost free in many instances too. It became apparent after all my research that if I really wanted to upgrade to modern connectivity and significantly better sound quality it was going to take installing an aftermarket Double Din touch screen head unit.

In my earlier posts to this thread, I mentioned finally choosing a Pioneer AVH-2550NEX. I installed it about a month ago and I'm really happy with it. Aesthetics look better than expected. It sounds better even with the crappy factory speakers. I still like to play music on CD and wanted HD Radio, Maestro interface, Apple CarPlay, preamp outs etc. etc. This specific menu just wasn't gonna happen with an OEM head unit short of installing a head unit out of a 2020 f86 model and it still lacked features I wanted. Glad I went the aftermarket route. The car audio savvy guys on this forum were right when they told me to go aftermarket.

Very shortly, I'm gonna upgrade all my speakers, wiring and add a 5 channel amp. Probably add some sound dampening in the doors while I'm at it too. It's a lot of work but I plan on keeping the FJ till it won't go anymore so it will be worth it. I've been collecting all the components for the last month and watching for sales/deals to help keep the cost down.

Bibb in San Antonio