So I've been doing a bit of research on installing a Nexus 7 in my 2007 base model without nav. Unless I missed it somewhere, I haven't seen many threads with this being done. Most have been the '04-06 models.I have a couple questions to the Nexus guru's on here.

• I cannot simply install the nav sub display in the clock area without pretty much getting all the guts of the nav system, correct?
  • Only option I have is to relocate my current HVAC/Radio display below the factory headunit?
• Being that I have a 2007, I do not need the iSimple/GROM because I can connect the DAC straight to the stereo via the 3.5mm jack, correct?

Anything else that I missed, or any suggestions will be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

yes and yes

 

Thanks for the quick response!

Any other '07ers, please chime in with your installs/suggestions.

 

i've been prepping my tablet and hardware for about 4 weeks now. the kernel developer just released his final version which is what i was waiting on. i'll have a very detailed and thorough DIY thread and video when i'm done. i've been documenting everything because there was a lot to prepare and work out the kinks. i hope to have mine installed by the end of the month.

if you have a 3.5mm jack the install is much much easier. i even made my own audio switch to switch between tablet music and my aftermarket HFL (because my oem HFL has died twice and i don't want to put any more money towards it just to fail again).

there are some great DIY threads already posted, check those out if you haven't already.

 

I have seen most of the other threads already. They are great!

Can't wait to see your completed install.

Do you recall seeing good threads (with current photos that work) of extending the HVAC/radio display? I've read people use printer ribbons (24 pin) and then an extra one (I believe 4 pin) for a total of 28 pins? Is that right?

 

have you seen this one?

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-a...l-04-a-949899/

 

I have. The thing is, he extends the wires to the nav sub display which won't work in my case.

But definitely a great thread.

 

Can't thank everyone enough for all the help/guidance. I finally finished my install and LOVE it!



Before/After

 

Looking good man!

 

Bottom part looks good, more pics?

 

Nice man I'm literally doing my install as we speak. Got the car torn apart and now fitting in the tablet. How did you secure the tablet did you use the molding clay like others have mentioned?

 

Thanks!
This is the only other pic I got of the bottom. I'll get some more pics soon.

Cool man, can't wait to see it. No, I didn't use clay. I actually used another method I saw by JMiles. I used the metal case that originally held the HVAC/radio and drilled 4 holes into the back of it. I then welded 4 nuts on the inside so when I threaded in the bolt, I can adjust the pressure on the back of the tablet. Of course, I covered the bolts with soft padded material as to not scratch the back of the display. Unfortunately I didn't take any install pics. Here is JMiles thread
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-a.../#post15259605

 

Ok yea I know which method you're talking about. Does that method also prevent side to side movement?

I think I'm gonna do the mold first since I don't have weld stuff at my house and see how it goes. I already bent the sheet metal housing behind the tablet so it gives it a pretty good fit on the sides. Did you put anything between the tablet and the circuit boards/sheet metal housing?

 

Guess I'm interested. Have couple questions tho.

1. Plastic frame at front of the tablet. How did you do it? Is if just front of the other unit (meaning plastic from 04-06, or Navi version ?)

2. How did you relocated temp/radio to the bottom? Can't see very well. Is it frame of the original unit cut out to fit?

More photos would be great.

Wiring is no problem to me. I'm just afraid that plastic will look like shit.

 

Instead of welding, you can measure the exact length of the bolt and use simple nuts on the inside, like JMiles did. What model Nexus are you using; 2012 or 2013? After cutting the back cover of the display for the headphone jack and charging port, I put the cover back on. No exposed circuit boards are shown so I didn't put anything between the tablet and housing.

1. That's correct. Since I have an 07, I couldn't use my standard bezel. I bought an 04-06 display on ebay for like $40 and used that.

2. To relocate the temp/radio, you have to extend 48 wires (if I remember correctly). I cut a piece of plexiglass to fit the new opening (cubby/cig lighter drawers removed). I then put some tint on that plexi and secured it to the opening. The actual display/circuit board to the temp/radio is exposed. I did not use the metal casing as it was too big.

Unfortunately I didn't take any pics mid install. I wasn't planning on doing a write up since there are quite a few threads already explaining the topic. I guess it wouldn't have hurt to do another as I haven't seen anyone with an 07 do this.

Here is a great thread that I used for reference
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-a...l-04-a-949899/

 

Sorry for all the questions but I want to plan/make a list of all the stuff that I might need.

1. Are buttons plug and play? Or did you use buttons from your car ? How about lighting of the buttons? In DIY 04' they are using LED strips, because old bulbs/leds are on the same board as the display.

2. How did you tint the Plexiglas ? Is it attached to plastic left after removing drawers? If so then how, just some glue?

3. You think audio quality would be better if directly connected to aux, or through USB Sound Card ?
I hear the difference between my phone (Note 4)->aux and directly from CD, while phone and CD uses same .mp3 files at 320kbps. No idea about Nexus 7 sound.

4. How did you extended the wires ? Just cut before connector and extend from there? Approx how much additional wire you have? I was thinking about buying two 24-pin ATX connectors or something like that, but I will probably end up using 20 awg wire from the spool that I have.

That's pretty much for now. Waiting for the next paycheck hah.
Thanks man !

 

ah i see what you mean. make them act like jam nuts on each side of the sheet metal. i'm gonna go with the putty first and see how that works out since i need to have the "guts" of the navi still behind the tablet, so the screw method won't work for me (2 sets of circuit boards in the way).

i have a 2013 so i can't move or use any of the direct internals of the tablet so i didn't even both with opening up the tablet.

if you have an aux jack, you want to get the fiio e10k DAC. this DAC is going to be just as expensive as a used tablet (about 75 bucks) but it sounds sooo good, has great depth and dynamic sound. plus this DAC turns off and on automatically with your ignition whereas other cheap DACs make you manually turn them on which takes away from the oem feel of the tablet. all you do is run a powered usb hub and plug the DAC into one of the ports and then plug an aux cable between the DAC and the aux jack. only downside is that there are no external mic options but you do get stereo sound

total cost comes out to about 300 if you do the quality DAC, powered hub, reverse camera, gps extender, and all the correct hardware. i'm doing a write up on mine and i'll have everything listed out but figured you should know a ballpark cost for this project

 

1. Are you referring to the hvac control buttons? If so, yes they are plug and play. I transferred mine over to the 04-06 display, because my buttons were in better condition. But as far as plugs, they are exactly the same. Some people replace all the bulbs to leds while everything is apart because it is just easier. Taking the console apart isn't fun in our cars lol

2. I used 18% automotive tint to tint the plexi. Yes, the plexi is attached to the opening with some glue. I used instant CA glue but any glue should work.

3. I've seen almost everyone that has done this install get a USB DAC for audio, but since mine is an 07 and have an AUX in, I simply used a 3.5mm cable from the Nexus to the 3.5mm jack in the armrest. To be honest, the sound is just as good as the radio or XM. I'm sure sound would be richer if I got the DAC, but I am still on stock speakers and it is perfectly fine for me now. Maybe later on, I will get a DAC.

4. I used butt connectors to extend the wires. I didn't cut the wires right at the connector as I would need to strip the wires so I cut where I would have enough to strip the wire back and butt connect the wire. I used 24" wire extensions for each wire. I ended up using 96 butt connectors. Lotta crimping lol.

 

How did you separated board with displays from the plastic bezel? I'm sitting on this step and I'm kind of afraid to pull it harder - don't want to break anything.

 

Never mind. Displays are hold by double sided tape. I removed the plastic cover and pushed them out by placing fingers directly at the display. They are actually protected by some plastic so it doesn't get damaged.

 

Wow, great install. I want to try this with my 04 but the biggest headache I'm having is figuring out how to relocated the temperature control to the bottom. Can't wrap my head around it. Any tips would be great!

 

Relocating the old display is the hardest. Not the soldering part, but trying to fit plexi to fit the bezel.

For now I did cut out displays and I'm trying to figure out how to put plexiglass to the rest. I tried to heat it and bend it but without good form it will be ugly. I will do it flat like the projectwidow.

From my plexi square I have three attempts. Tomorrow I will try to cut them out and grind edges with sandpaper until its shape will be same as bezel left after the drawers.

I'm making a lot of photos, but most likely I will post them in this thread

'07 and '08 displays are easier - it seems like backlight is included in the display (no leds on the board), and some of the pins are connected with each other (meaning less wires).