[97Formulaws-6]

Originally Posted by AKGeo

I don't think it'll require much to make it fit...it should mount up to any typical 1.5din mounting bracket...if not, just a couple drill holes should work. Mounting the hideaway doesn't seem too hard either.

I think I just found my Jeep's new head unit.

You maybe correct; but the hole in the dash isn't a true 1.5 DIN opening; the rounded corners prevent a true 1.5 DIN from being installed. He said he wanted something that filled that opening completely, and there are no headunits that I know of that will except stock.

The one may work, but it'll require some customization of the bezel to make it fit; it's no where near plug-n-play; and you're going to need to do some serious wire harness making as well to get the stock wiring to a location wherever you mount the "brain box".

It's do-able, but not easy per-say in the plug-n-play sense.

[AKGeo]

serious wire harness making? What, like cutting some electrical tape and removing the wires from a loom, routing it to where you want it, then adding a new length of loom and more electrical tape? You act like the factory stereo wiring harness originates 3" from the stereo.

customizing a bezel is also no big deal...though it looks like there's actually a pretty good dimensional similarity between that head unit and my jeep's bezel. if not, an xacto knife or dremel will do the trick just fine. You drive a Jeep...you can't be afraid to cut some stuff.

Another thing...if you run an amp to your speakers, you don't need to even use the factory wiring harness other than for power. Your preamp outputs will send the signal to the amp, then you'll have new speaker wire running to your speakers. Factory wiring harness and factory speaker wiring should be removed altogether (again, save for the stereo power cables). Use this opportunity to get to know the layout of your jeep's dash wiring...it's not that hard to deal with.

[Jason D]

Originally Posted by AKGeo

I don't think it'll require much to make it fit...it should mount up to any typical 1.5din mounting bracket...if not, just a couple drill holes should work. Mounting the hideaway doesn't seem too hard either.

I think I just found my Jeep's new head unit.

The way I read it the remote unit is only if you need a second location to control the head unit. You can operate the head unit w/o having the remote. Like if you installed it in a boat w/ a flying bridge. You could have the head unit on the main deck with the boats controls and then mount the remote up on the flying bridge.

[AKGeo]

Originally Posted by Jason D

The way I read it the remote unit is only if you need a second location to control the head unit. You can operate the head unit w/o having the remote. Like if you installed it in a boat w/ a flying bridge. You could have the head unit on the main deck with the boats controls and then mount the remote up on the flying bridge.

Yes, you can wire in up to two extra remote control panels for it. But it comes with one control panel that is bulkhead mounted, and one hide-away box that is the guts of the unit. It's not like a typical stereo where all the guts are located in the dash behind the faceplate.

Unit:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KMR7...-KMR-700U.html

Remote:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-pjPcewn...p?i=113RC107MR

[97Formulaws-6]

Originally Posted by AKGeo

snip

Hey, I'm not gonna disagree, everything you said is correct, other than he'll probably have to lengthen all the wires to get to a decent mounting point for the "brain".

And while you're correct, it's a good way to learn it, it can also cause the truck to burn down if he doesn't do it correctly; AKA, power wire short, etc.

If he's willing to take on the project go for it. I'm not one to say no, just know it's not as easy as a normal install. And please for gods sake, do NOT just twist and tape the wires!!!!

[AKGeo]

I was thinking about re-routing the wiring harness...it seems the best place with a 10 foot remote cable is the center console. What you can do, if you're running an amp anyway, is draw the power for the stereo off of a distribution block and run it through a switch to toggle the stereo. That way you can completely eliminate the need for the factory wiring harness, uncluttering the wiring under the dash quite a bit and letting the faceplate unit sit a little more comfortably in that tight space. Allows you to not worry about splicing two smaller wires together and hoping they handle the current, and will be much cleaner.

Installing the faceplate: get some 1/8 sheet aluminum or steel, cut the stereo bolt and slot pattern into it(it comes with a template), and cut it to fit the factory stereo mount locations. Bolt into the dash, bolt the stereo to it. Easy peasy, and much more stable than any stereo in a chintzy plastic mounting kit. Dremel out the bezel to fit the faceplate...it'll stick out quite a bit and hide your work.

Definitely going to have myself a project when I go on break for May.

[dblplay1212]

I put this JVC touchscreen in mine a couple weeks ago. Doesn't look too bad. I want to either go to a 7 inch or iPad, though. Would have to pretty much build a custom bezel for that, though.