After removing the Sound Monitor DD I am been searching for ways to make it better. The SM set up did not have a remote nor able to connect to the OEM steering wheen controls. Drove me crazy trying to mess with those tiny buttons going down the road. Did some research, talked to others that have in various ways installed a single or double DIN unit and came up with a solution that works for me. The OEM head unit is two DIN units with a single face plate. The lower DIN unit is tied into the navi and or HVAC. The upper DIN unit is the 6 disc changer. I thought why not just replace the upper OEM 6 disc changer with a single din unit that will tie into the OEM steering wheel controls? The OEM face plate is truly needed so it will tie into the screen above and console below. I had an extra OEM head unit that was used for parts in a MOD so.......

Removed the upper OEM 6 disc changer, cut the entire center out of the OEM face plate leaving only a frame. The Alpine I am using bolts right up to the OEM bracket holes. (picture shows only the top cut out but I wound up gutting the entire center)

 

Next step. Make sure all the OEM stuff still works and the steering wheel adapter works.

 

And it does. Even have FF and RW when you hold down the button now. BETTER than OEM.

Now to fill in the OEM head unit 'frame' left and make it look decent.

 

 

 

This as far as I got today. I already have the side trim with the 1/2 circles filled in from the SM install. So thats done too.

This is a 2005 base converted to 2007 Navi BTW.

 

Point being that with the OEM head units going out find a shop with some skill and have them install a single DIN unit in your dead OEM unit. Leave the lower OEM DIN unit as it is for the OEM controls. Not sure what a place would charge and I am not an installer by any means. Just like to tinker with stuff.


Yes it sounds better. The hiss is gone. No engine noise. Yes that is a DVD player and the navi screen is hacked with an input.

 

Not a pro about this stuff but nice job, looks good but I like how the stock unit lighting flows with the rest of the dashboard.

 

Looks good !

If Im not mistaken the stock unit is made by Panasonic and its +/- $1,200 on the discount acura parts websites....

So yes when the stock unit dies, this is a MUCH better alternative.

 

or find one on craigslist for like $50 haha I've seen plenty on my local craigslist for oem acura tl radios

 

you have pictures of the wiring connections, i would love to see that, and did u bypass the stock amp?

 

The OEM bottom board is still in its OEM location. ALL OEM stuff just plugged back in. No special wiring at all. Power and ground for the Alpine and done.

The car has a fairly large system in it already. Just needed a better starting point.

 

Nice job! How difficult was it to get the steering wheel controls working?

 

How did you do this?

 

Hey Kirk, How do you like this compared to your sound monitor setup? Also, can you PM or just type a post and tell me the differences between this setup and your 2-way you won so many trophies with (as far as what you notice about the sound - what is better/worse)?

 

im not trying to jack you r thread but i have done something close to this as well. i went a different rout for a few things tho.
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-94/complete-re-do-allllllll-audio-car-866385/

 

Currently on V3 of this head unit install. Looking much better. Decided to do something with the open space below the alpine. Too much dead space. Also completed the side trim. Pics as time allows.

 

iPhone/iPod dock?

 

Blue voltmeter to match the now CDA-7990. (recessed of course-the PITA part) Still sanding. Fourth layer drying now.

Going to dip the face panel in this black carbon fiber: http://www.camodipkit.com/patterns-misc.htm

I have seen parts sent to them that they dipped and they look perfect. Not sure how this home kit will work. Will post my findings. Figure I could dip all the OEM carbon fiber pieces as well. That way all matches. If the kit works well I am thinking of dipping the radio side trim and the silver benzel around the shifter in the brished aluminum so they would match the volt meter.