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Learn from my Mistakes

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by Tommiet, Jul 29, 2013.

  1. Jul 29, 2013 at 4:54 AM
    #1
    Tommiet

    Tommiet [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2013
    Member:
    #105990
    Messages:
    247
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tom
    Charlotte Area
    Vehicle:
    PreRunner
    First.. THANKS to everyone that shared information on removal, wiring and other tips on installing a HU in my Taco.:)


    Installed new HU, sub and amp in my 2013 Taco. I was unsure of what install kit to use so I purchased both (Scosche and Metra.)

    Pro and cons on Install kits

    Metra:
    Pros:
    Color of plastic was closer to factory
    Snaps held better

    Cons:
    Plastic radio mounts
    Too much space on the sides and top. Even for a 7 inch screen!
    Metra tells you to cut and add some plastic to the sides


    Scosche:

    Pros:
    Metal brackets
    Better looking fit
    Zero cutting of the plastic

    Cons:
    Flat black color (I know this is "in" now, but I probably will paint it)
    Metal brackets scratched the shit of my dash (yeah, my fault but have to blame someone)

    Overall both kits could use some improvements. I may try filling in the sides of the Metra and see how it looks. Nothing to lose but time.

    Ok... My advise. TAPE OFF ALL SIDES OF YOU DASH AS YOU MAY SCRATCH IT UP LIKE I DID. I did use my heat gun to soften the dash and used a scotch bright pad to mold the plastic. Not perfect, but looks much better (see pictures.) After a couple of days, I was getting frustrated squeezing in all the wires and the metal brackets scratched the dash. Should have had beer first......

    The install took me about 20 hours total and only 4 beers.

    HARDWARE:
    • Kenwood Excelon DNX890HD
    • Clarion SRQ1722S Speakers (cheap, but sound nice)
    • Metra ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface
    • Clarion Mobile Electronics XC1410 (Class D amp)
    • Soundstream USB-8A 8" Powered Subwoofer

    BASIC amp (under drivers seat) and sub is under the passenger seat. No alterations to seat required! Before you trash the amp/sub, I'm 56 and just want a little low end base. Not wanting to shake the neighbors houses when I pass by.

    Notice the back of the radio.. I added right angle RCA connections to help with the space issue.

    The Bluetooth on the HU works great and the Pandora interface is nice! I also get free traffic reports. All my steering wheel controls work with no programming. Plug an play with the Metra adapter.

    Using the information found here, I also added the backup camera to my HU. Picture is OK. I also tried an aftermarket camera and the video was MUCH better. So it seems to be a cheap camera for the crappy picture.

    Thanks again for everyone help and support... Love this place!!!!!!

    Metra.jpg
    Scosche.jpg
    Scratched.jpg
    FIXED Scratched.jpg
    BackofRadio.jpg
     
  2. Jul 29, 2013 at 12:36 PM
    #2
    HighTQCummins

    HighTQCummins Instagram: stormtrooptaco

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2012
    Member:
    #72687
    Messages:
    430
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Hank
    SE PA
    Vehicle:
    '12 SW DCSB Sport
    5% all around, derp'd wheels, FMS40, 30" E-Series, 55w 6k bi's, 35w 5k fogs
    were you able to retain the usb/aux? im guessing bluetooth phone controls went away, but does the new HU have that capability separately of what came OEM in the truck?
     
  3. Jul 29, 2013 at 2:15 PM
    #3
    Agro

    Agro Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2013
    Member:
    #94915
    Messages:
    423
    Gender:
    Male
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2015 Ford F-150 XLT 3.5L Ecoboost!
    FYI that for normal "USB" nothing special that is, you can retain the Toyota USB port in the dash with a part number from Crutchfield.
     
  4. Jul 29, 2013 at 4:44 PM
    #4
    Tommiet

    Tommiet [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2013
    Member:
    #105990
    Messages:
    247
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tom
    Charlotte Area
    Vehicle:
    PreRunner
    Correct.. Crutchfield was back-ordered and I found the USB adapter on fleebay. I'm also adding a second USB connector using a flush mount USB cable (Amazon,) and will cut a blank next to the current USB for a second connection.

    Bluetooth is really doing away with the need for USB.... Unless you drink the apple cool-aid and then your stuck with using a high dollar cable for that iPhone or other iCrap.

    OK... I do like my iPad....
     
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2013
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    #4
  5. Jul 31, 2013 at 7:00 AM
    #5
    dtopgun515

    dtopgun515 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2012
    Member:
    #73285
    Messages:
    1,114
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Darrell
    Hey Yall Georgia
    Vehicle:
    13 TRD Sport
    5100's up front set to 1.75, SCS Stealth 6 wheels, Nitto Terra Grappler AT's
    Can you retain the factory usb and aux port with the part your talking about you ordered off of ebay? If so what is the part? I'm getting ready to replace my HU and want to retain the factory USB/Aux port if possible.
     
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    #5

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