Stereo Upgrade BASIC How To... (2nd Gen)

[Ldytaco05]

Originally Posted by sunruner19

You can find black panels on ebay or it can be ordered thru any radio installation place. I beleive Crutchfields has them also.
some are single din and other panels are both single and double din, read carefully before ordering.

When are you planning on posting on how you installed your media player? i was planning on purchasing the same one myself but i want to make sure i am doing it right. ( not having the risk of damaging my "Diva".)

[007Tacoma]

Originally Posted by Ldytaco05

When are you planning on posting on how you installed your media player? i was planning on purchasing the same one myself but i want to make sure i am doing it right. ( not having the risk of damaging my "Diva".)

I keep trying to find my camera, but I am having issues. My life is up in the air right now as I might be moving to San Antonio soon. I will do another search and rescue this afternoon. Maybe it is still in my truck..?

[007Tacoma]

Ok, here are the other pictures that I was going to show you.



This is what the 2nd Gen. Tacoma's dash looks like with the stereo removed. This dash has plenty of room for a full size, double DIN, head unit with DVD and Navigation capabilities. However, I am only installing a single DIN size JVC head unit and an iPod adapter interface so I can listen to and control my iPod from my stereo.



This is where I mounted the JVC iPod adapter inside the dash below where the stereo will go. Fortunately there is a little shelf that is made out of the forming plastic that is in the dash. I just sat the adapter on this shelf and secured it using the double sided tape provided by JVC.



I had another option when I was putting the JVC iPod adapter in place. I could have put it in the center console just aft of the gear shift. This would have allowed me to run the cable back to the console compartment. I decided not to go this route because it would require me drilling a hole into the compartment so the cable could come in. I did not want to put ANY holes in my new truck.

LdyTaco05 - I hope this answers your questions. The iPod adapter connects at one end to the stereo (CD Changer control slot) and at the other end to the iPod.

[007Tacoma]

I did, however, move the cable to come out next to the cupholders. I got tired of reaching all the way over to the glovebox to take my iPod out of my truck. It was more difficult to get the cable down there, but it was well worth it.

[Dust Devil]

Great post!!! I am upgrading my stereo soon and this will come in handy!!

[tacomacho]

great post!! I am upgrading my stereo,but I am waiting on the HDR2CAR from Peripheral. HDradio stations and Ipod Interface

[007Tacoma]

Well, I got tire of my old JVC KD-G820 Deck. So, when I got a deal on a Pioneer DEH-P7800MP - I jumped on it!!!

The new deck has a MUCH BETTER iPod interface than the old JVC did. Plus it has a full color screen that is easier to read! Mark =

I will post a picture on here later.

Cheers!

[EvilBetty]

Originally Posted by tacomacho

great post!! I am upgrading my stereo,but I am waiting on the HDR2CAR from Peripheral. HDradio stations and Ipod Interface

:O

THAT looks like the PERFECT solution for me!

When does it come out!?

[007Tacoma]

Originally Posted by EvilBetty

:O

THAT looks like the PERFECT solution for me!

When does it come out!?

Check this out - a link to Twice.com's article on HD Radio devices and upcoming devices. I haven't heard when it is coming out though...

[007Tacoma]

You could also go this route...

[vientiane]

I have a question in regards to the installation. I finished adding on a new stereo (made it easy from your great instruction), but the key light keeps blinking. How do I stop this light from blinking?

Thanks.

[007Tacoma]

Originally Posted by vientiane

I have a question in regards to the installation. I finished adding on a new stereo (made it easy from your great instruction), but the key light keeps blinking. How do I stop this light from blinking?

Thanks.

Key light? As in, on your instrument cluster? Do you have a picture of it? I am not sure what we are talking about.

[sunruner19]

I beleive what they are referring to..key light.....is located below the radio where the clock, passenger air bag light is located. I have that on my new tacoma which i think is part of an anti theft system.

[audiophile22]

Just a quick tip, if you take the knobs off of the AC controls, you can use a pick tool (or a bent screwdriver) to pull the Control unit out and not put a big gash in your dash, lol.

[007Tacoma]

Originally Posted by audiophile22

Just a quick tip, if you take the knobs off of the AC controls, you can use a pick tool (or a bent screwdriver) to pull the Control unit out and not put a big gash in your dash, lol.

Nice looking deck!

[dbatt]

007 stereo looks nice I need to get w/ you and have you fix mine up since I live in SA also. I was just thinking about adding an amp to my factory stereo. Best buy has a 4 channel amp for 205.00 and 85 to install. Whats your take on just adding an amp and is this a good price. I don't need a booming sound just a little better than factory. I have my XM already installed. Thanks

[007Tacoma]

Originally Posted by dbatt

007 stereo looks nice I need to get w/ you and have you fix mine up since I live in SA also. I was just thinking about adding an amp to my factory stereo. Best buy has a 4 channel amp for 205.00 and 85 to install. Whats your take on just adding an amp and is this a good price. I don't need a booming sound just a little better than factory. I have my XM already installed. Thanks

What kind of deck do you have? I would think that you would want to upgrade your speakers first. Depending on the deck that you have and the speakers that you get, the 4 channel amp may be more than you need for what you are looking for.

[dbatt]

My deck is the standard factory w/ the 6 disc changer.

[007Tacoma]

Originally Posted by dbatt

My deck is the standard factory w/ the 6 disc changer.

For the better sound quality, I would look at upgrading my deck and speakers before adding an amp. An amp will only magnify the signal it gets. If the signal is of a poor quality (stock deck), then it will only amplify the poor signal.

Alpine and Kenwood are tops in Audio quality. Pioneer and Eclipse are next. I chose a Pioneer for the price and the interface. Interface means a bunch to me. If you can't use your deck, then what is it for.

If you choose to switch out your deck, I suggest spending a few weeks shopping around at local stores. Don't let anyone push you into a sale. Play with the different decks and make sure you get one that you will enjoy using and listening too.

Good Luck!

[dbatt]

Thanks for yor help. Maybe I'll see you around SA sometime.