1st Gen GPS Radio Unit

Anyone have any recommendations for a radio upgrade in the 1st gens? I was wanting a double din unit maybe even get one with GPS. My single din Sony from 2005 finally died this morning. LOL

 

You can't go wrong with Alpine or Pioneer; I have a Pioneer in my truck. I don't know much about Kenwood, but I hear JVC is good; I had a Sony in my truck and it turned out to be a lemon, and I would strongly recommend that you NOT get a Boss head unit.

 

Check out crutchfield.com to pick a good one

 

Here is an option for you:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/winkle99-build-thready.511998/page-2#post-22239289
and the following posts.

I’ve been running this setup since late 2019. I like the apple car play and the big screen comes in handy when I am off road running Gaia GPS to guide my way.

 

Yeah. I have had great luck with Kenwood, JVC, and Pioneer in other vehicles. I have also thought about Android auto. Anyone ever used that ? I will also use crutchfield to order. I have used them for years. But, the reason for this post is to come with up ideas more outside the box like @Winkle99.

 

I should add double din units are placed in a bad spot on these cars. They’re hard to see when driving. If I were you I would just use your phone on a phone holder near the windshield.

 

Has anyone used android auto yet? I don't like that it has to be wired, but they're way cheaper than GPS units. Yes @BartMaster1234 I agree on the phone holder. Ideally I use this time to overhaul the dash. Scan or ultra gauge install. Phone mount radio upgrade. I also have some light bulbs to change in the cluster.

 

I'm partial to Pioneer. This unit was scavenged out of a Ford that was crushed by a tree. Losing the Ford allowed me to purchase my '99 Taco. (see photos)
The GPS and Apple CarPlay of the Pioneer are preferable to the features in OEM units I have in my VW and Lexus.
That said, prices are out-of-control.!!!
I purchased this unit in 2019 from Crutchfield for the Ford. Called them and they sent me the Tacoma adapters so I could swap them out with the Ford wiring connector adapters. Purchased new speakers for the Tacoma from Crutchfield - worth it just to get their installation materials.

The low dash location in these Tacomas is going to be an issue. No problem routing the microphone, GPS antenna, and USB wires (for the iPhone).....but a steering wheel mounted control almost seems necessary.
OR, just mount the iPhone up high where you can reach it (?) and use CarPlay as the controller for your GPS, music, and hands-free phone. (it even does voice to text)

If I didn't already own this Pioneer I'd probably be looking for something that mounts a big phone...then load whatever app you need on the phone.

 

Yeah i'm leaning towards a Bluetooth single din and a great phone mount. I will have to squeeze a scan gauge in there as well. There just isnt enough room lol.

 

Then there is this:

https://www.80s-modern.com/product/period-correct-80-s-bluetooth-radio

Which is really designed for even older vehicles.

I always rest my ScanGuage on the left corner of the top of the dash....

 

I am very pleased with my Atoto A7 PF which is android based. I added the rear camera and as you can see rerouted the climate controls to the bottom (2003 so only cables).

This was test fit only so had to repaint some of the bezel around the climate control. I wanted to be able to put it back to stock so didn't trim any of the climate control bezel or it would have fit better.

 

I like how you mounted the head unit below the vents. How were you able to relocate the climate control panel and electronics?

 

I picked a Pumkpin brand 7" double din. Made sure I picked the higher Ram version with 4gb. Works very well and has plenty of bump for stock speakers. Full Google app store. It's basically and android phone in your dash.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/175376953907

 

I have a 2003 so the climate control panel only has wires not cables like the early 1st gens. There was enough slack to mount it below. Take a look here
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2001-2004-radio-climate-control-relocation.670700/#post-23749213

 

@Harryhood87 I have never heard of this pumpkin brand, I will look into them. Like the features it has. I have thought about doing backup camera if I went double din setup. The one that comes with that mounts to your license plate ?

 

@mbeers6 Bro! I didnt know you could do this. This opens the door to a double din !

 

Plus you won't necessarily need scangauge since the Atoto head unit comes with Torque pre installed so you can monitor any readings you want.

 

I put a Pioneer AVIC 5201NEX in my 2003 DC when in 2018 I switched its worn oak interior with the excellent charcoal interior in my 2001. That gave me the chance to put the GPS puck on top of the duct for the center vent on the instrument panel, which is a perfect place for it.

The screen is slightly reflected in the windscreen at night, and it's a bit too low to be optimum for visibility, but overall I'm quite happy with this upgrade. If one is inclined (and I'm not recommending it) the Pioneer AVIC nav units usually come with a DVD "test" mode that can be easily wired to bypass the Park shift position sensor to play videos on the move.

 

Yeah but I didn't buy the back up camera "included" version, as they are pretty cheap and just a filler piece to look more attractive to buyers. The cheap back up cameras leak and fog up after a spray at a car wash.