FYI Sony AVX-AX8000 9" Carplay/Android Auto install in 3rd Gen. Alpine Halo9 alternative.

Picked up the $599 Sony AX8000 with hopes it would fit and look a little nicer than the Alpine Halo9... Good news is size/shape of the Sony is nearly identical in size to the factory radio opening. With some minor work (drilling 2 small holes, cutting metra dash kit) it fits nice and flat against the dash. Potentially could be flush mounted like the factory unit with more custom work done to the radio bezel... depth would be the question.

Steering wheel controls and OEM backup camera work just fine with the Maestro RR installed.






https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU7j-_6-5PQ


In case you want to do the same... here is what I used in this install:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158XAV8000/Sony-XAV-AX8000.html?skipvs=T

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-9ctcvXAm9XT/p_794ADSMRR/iDatalink-Maestro-RR-Interface-Module.html.
(I already had this in the vehicle from my Alpine ILX-107- cheaper modules are out there that retain factory backup camera and steering wheel controls)

http://www.metraonline.com/part/99-8251B

Tackform Motorcycle Phone Mount - 1" Ball Connection - Heavy Duty Spring Loaded Phone Holder. Compatible with RAM and ARKON 1" Ball System. Optional Tether Included

https://www.amazon.com/TACKFORM-Motorcycle-Phone-Mount-Connection/dp/B07DFDKNZF?ref_=ast_bbp_dp

https://www.amazon.com/RAM-Mounts-SOCKET-LENGTH-RAM-B-201U/dp/B002L9LW00

$16 Sinjimoru Magnetic Cable Clips, Multipurpose Cable Management for Car and Office Supplies, Self Adhesive Cable Organizer Clip. Magnetic Cable Holder (Magnetic Cable Holder [3 Pack], Black)

https://www.amazon.com/Sinjimoru-Magnetic-Multipurpose-Management-Organizer/dp/B01DPGW22Y

 

If you want the AX8000 to sit flat against the dash- you will have to do a little bit of work...

Using the regular Metra dash kit- I cut the left and right sides off and notched where necessary to clear the rear of screen enclosure. These side pieces only serve to fill in the small gap behind the unit on the left and right sides and are in no way structural to the screen/unit mount.

I have mounted the single din control/brain unit as far back as possible in the dash, drilling new holes in the metra mount where needed.

The challenge now is how to access the 2 screws that secure the screen to the control unit. I taped 2 large straws to the control units top screw openings and drilled 2 small holes on top of the radio trim bezel/panel. Its ugly- but it works. This helps keep the screws from being lost when installing or removing. I will be picking up small rubber grommets/plugs to clean up the holes, and one hole will serve as access for my iPhone cable to my Taco Garage DSM phone mount.

 

Man that looks like its SOOOOOO close to fitting inside the bezel with minor trimming.

 

Looks great! wireless carplay or wired?

 

Its very very close. Minor trimming/sanding and some fill on the left/right side and it would fit in the opening, but dash depth might be an issue. I think with some work it could fit nicely, might need a right angle on the backup camera plug and definitely have to remove to white plastic wire protector behind the dash. The Sony has multiple height options for mounting the screen vs brain, so I think it can be done flush with dash.

I'm tempted to custom fit it eventually... but its working well and not bugging me... yet.

 

Its wired- I had the Alpine ILX-107 previously installed and was getting annoyed with wireless CarPlay dropping out from time to time.

Taco Garage DSM single mount arriving today to mount phone to the left of the display with the metal tacform phone mount.

Tackform Motorcycle Phone Mount - 1" Ball Connection - Heavy Duty Spring Loaded Phone Holder. Compatible with RAM and ARKON 1" Ball System. Optional Tether Included

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DFDKNZF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I liked the idea of the halo unit...but this is a much better implementation. Nice job on v1!

 

I really like that! How much does that headunit set one back?

 

$599 for the AX8000. You'd also need a module for steering wheel control and backup camera to be retained...
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-lNmFqf6DNgt/p_158XAV8000/Sony-XAV-AX8000.html

 

Heck, I would consider upgrading from my 7" screen for that if it supported a front camera out of the box.

 

It does have a "show camera" button on the main screen... then you just need a switcher, right?

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-sCqtL...MIt-jFsLSf5gIV4SCtBh3mWgQBEAQYBCABEgIw8vD_BwE

 

Not bad for an extra$80

 

Man that looks good.Did you route the usb from the head unit to tie into the stock usb?

 

Im routing it out the top of the dash bezel and over a few inches to a Taco Garage DSM single ball mount

 

Does this unit retain voice controls and the factory mic?

 

I wanted to use the mic that Sony includes- mic specs brand to brand are all little different and I'd rather use the intended one than hope the factory one was compatible... for some unknown reason the Alpine mic I had already on the A pillar did not work with the Sony.

You can use the factory mic location with an aftermarket mic:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/using-factory-microphone-with-aftermarket-head-unit.600947/

 

Is the Sony iDatalink compatible?
I really don't want to lose vehicle control and options.

 

VERY NICE OP!!!

 

sub'd. Hoping some enterprising CAD guru will make a kit to mount it up without hackery and then I'll buy.