In dash car audio... DIY or pay for installation?

[scottmandue]

Normally I tolerate the stereo that comes with the car when I buy it, but the sound quality of the stock unit I have now is driving me crazy.

So I went on line and found a nice little JVC unit for $130 that should take care of the problem (model KD-HDR1).

Now I am pretty handy so I am thinking maybe I could just swap out myself but I haven't done this since high school (the 70's) so I am haunted with ideas like I won't have the right adapter or what not and it will turn into an all day job... in which case it might be worth it to pay someone $50-$100 to install it for me.

If I were to do it myself AFAIK to remove the stock unit I just slide a thin piece of plastic or sheet metal on either side of the unit to release the tabs and it slides right out?

I have also heard the modern car stereo's have a modular plug on the back... is it possible that all I have to do is slide the old one out, unplug it, then plug the new one in?

Thanks in advance,
Scott

[anotherblack944]

All depends on the car. Did one last week in a GM that took all of 10 minutes tops. If it's the 44, stock head, they are a little different (see the two holes on each side?) to pull the old one. Four nails work for that.

[scottmandue]

No, this would go into a 2005 Hyundai Elantra (shudder) affectionately referred to as "the invisible car", thus I was wondering if it has the modular plug and the tabs on the sides to release it.

Hey, you don't expect me to drive the 944 stick through L.A. rush hour traffic do you?

[Porsche-O-Phile]

After seeing the kind of stupid installations done by "professional installers" (whatever that means) I can tell you definitively that I'd never, ever, EVER have anyone touch the wiring on my car other than me. I can guarantee I'll do a more thoughtful and careful job on my own car than they ever would.

Installations are generally pretty simple and you can control the point(s) of connection. Most of the "installer" monkeys will hack wiring, drill holes and whatever other damn thing they need to just to "get it in and get it out". And yes, I've seen this kind of "handiwork" first hand.

[rammstein]

I think crutchfield will sell you their vehicle-specific install guide for like $10. You can also ask them if you need any adapters and they'll sell those to you too. Pretty much idiot-proof.

Also, I agree to DIY. You'll do a better job for sure.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by rammstein

I think crutchfield will sell you their vehicle-specific install guide for like $10. You can also ask them if you need any adapters and they'll sell those to you too. Pretty much idiot-proof.

Also, I agree to DIY. You'll do a better job for sure.

I looked at crutchfield and on this model they supposedly throw in the install guide for free. Although I wonder how generic it is "attach front right positive speaker wire to front right positive speaker wire."
I have heard great things about crutchfield but it urks me that they quote a price "with a $20 mail in rebate" already subtracted from the listed price. My experience is that "mail in rebates" often "get lost in the mail".

Cruchfield lists this as a direct swap out for my car and ideally this is just changing head units so there should not be any drilling or hacking involved.

[Big Ed]

If you buy the head unit from Crutchfield they'll send you the appropriate harness and install directions (they also have tech support if you run into trouble). Head unit swap only is a piece of cake, go for it. It's when you add amps and crossovers that things can get dicey.

[anotherblack944]

simple search..

http://www.hyundai-forums.com/t5422-installing-head-unitn-in-a-2005-elantra.htm

http://www.hyundai-forums.com/t21584-elantra-stereo-removal.htm

[scottmandue]

Whoa! Thanks black 944!

[rammstein]

Yeah- crutchfield will hook you up with a harness. You can't mess it up.

They cost more, but they are super super good. Lifetime tech support, people on the phone who are intelligible, and 30 day returns without any nonsense.

[rammstein]

I didn't realize you didn't already buy it- if you buy the unit from crutchfield, you get the instructions are harness for free.

[scottmandue]

M'kay y'all talked me into it...

Best price was amazon.com at $20 less than crutchfield so I went ahead and bought it a crutchfield because they throw in the wiring harness and some other goodies.

Sucks that it is screwed in place so I have to pop part of the dash out to do the job, but thanks to the links black 944 posted it looks like just four screws holds the center console together.

Of course if this turns into in giant cluster-fuch I will blame all of you and hunt you all down like the dogs that you are!

Merry Christmas all!

[rammstein]

Shouldn't Jesus have an afro in that case? His hair seems a bit unrealistic.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by rammstein

Shouldn't Jesus have an afro in that case? His hair seems a bit unrealistic.

Maybe he is running for president? Can't we all put aside our difference this time of year?

[scottmandue]

Okay last update, I ordered the JVC KD-HDR1 from Crutchfield... that is a CD unit with HD radio tuner, with the harness, installation instructions, receiver install kit... for $159.99.

And they already shipped it and sent me the UPS tracking number!

[bell]

sounds like you have never dealt with a real "professional installer", but diy is no problem on your car. just be carefull when you pop off the trim and don't use a flathead screwdriver as it will "dent" the soft part of the dash which you can't fix.
i use special flat plastic panel poppers to remove without damage, you can get them at harbor freight for about $10 fyi.

there are good installers out there....just hard to find sometimes.