I'm finally upgrading the stock radio!

[BrooklynMike]

It's been a long time coming, but I finally got around to getting a new radio for my truck. I ordered it yesterday and should have it in a few days.

I went with a basic Kenwood DPX500BT http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/In-Dash_CD_Receivers/Double_DIN_Receiver/DPX500BT
GMS-04 Integration Module http://axxessinterfaces.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=41
ASWC-1 Steering Wheel Control Module http://axxessinterfaces.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=197

I have 2 gripes with the head unit--the front USB port is annoying and it does not have HD radio. I'm thinking of getting a USB extension (http://www.angledcables.com/usb-20-extension-cable-side-exit-left-angle--4-inc.html) and run it behind the dash and in to the center console. That's still to be determined.

I've watched a bunch of videos on the integration module installs and it seems pretty straight forward. I've also gotten the installation instructions from the Axxess website so hopefully everything goes smooth. Part of me wanted to go all out and get a Navigation head unit and a back-up camera, but I will just stick to using my Garmin GPS. Having the iPod connection and Bluetooth were the my 2 top priorities.

 

[Blue2002Tahoe]

What year tahoe/yukon do you have?

 

[danniboi]

I saw that one in a F150, it threw me off for a second, I looked at it and then realized it's an oversized single din. IMO if you're going double din, might as well go with a touch screen. They sell these all the time where I work at PT. It's got all the bells and whistles, granted it an off name brand and this one says refurbished but if you find one that is new squaretrade will insure it for you which with an off brand is a good idea.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Valor-DD-80...4977871?_trksid=p2054897.l5658#ht_6407wt_1100

 

[BrooklynMike]

What year tahoe/yukon do you have?

I have a 2003 Tahoe.

I saw that one in a F150, it threw me off for a second, I looked at it and then realized it's an oversized single din. IMO if you're going double din, might as well go with a touch screen. They sell these all the time where I work at PT. It's got all the bells and whistles, granted it an off name brand and this one says refurbished but if you find one that is new squaretrade will insure it for you which with an off brand is a good idea.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Valor-DD-80...4977871?_trksid=p2054897.l5658#ht_6407wt_1100

Yeah, it is an oversized single DIN for sure with a huge knob in the middle. At one point I was considering throwing a single DIN in there too. I think my buddy got one of those off ebay but hasn't installed it yet. I was thinking of going all out and install the new Pioneer NEX series with back up camera etc, but the cost adds up to over $1000 which is too much right now. Maybe after my wedding in a few months I can upgrade to something with more bells and whistles.

 

[04whitetahoe]

Get what you want

I have 2 gripes with the head unit--the front USB port is annoying and it does not have HD radio. I'm thinking of getting a USB extension (http://www.angledcables.com/usb-20-extension-cable-side-exit-left-angle--4-inc.html) and run it behind the dash and in to the center console. That's still to be determined.

Hey Mike, if you already have issues with you HU and haven't yet received it, I suggest you continue to research and find one that doesn't have issues from the get go. Why do the work and go through the expense when you already know you won't be satisfied?

I have a 2003 Tahoe.

Maybe after my wedding in a few months I can upgrade to something with more bells and whistles.

Sign up for a wedding registry at Amazon and get the HU you want!!

 

[BrooklynMike]

Hey Mike, if you already have issues with you HU and haven't yet received it, I suggest you continue to research and find one that doesn't have issues from the get go. Why do the work and go through the expense when you already know you won't be satisfied?






Sign up for a wedding registry at Amazon and get the HU you want!!

Haha, good advice Joe! I think the best thing about that head unit is the price point. I actually need to get new brakes...and I also want a cat-back exhaust... So I need to spread the funds.

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

clarion cz702 its hands down the best HU for the money on the market

 

[BrooklynMike]

Has anyone had to cut out the metal rear support bracket to make room for your new radio? I've been looking for videos on youtube showing this but haven't found any.

 

[coolchuck]

Metal braket, IDK. There is a plastic brakcet for the stock radio that most people cut out to make room for the aftermarket radio.

 

[danniboi]

It should be pretty straight forward with an 03, you just drop it in with the dash kit and it should snap into place. You're doing double din for double din.

 

[YukonXL04]

I have had to remove the bracket on some, others I havent. It really depends if the double din you install is really deep or not. I did a Pioneer version of that radio in a 05 silverado and did not need to remove the bracket. When he swapped out for a 7" kenwood screen I had to remove the bracket.

 

[BrooklynMike]

Oh, ok. Thanks for clearing that up, guys. My new Kenwood radio just got delivered. I'm about to work on the wiring now, and install it tomorrow. The radio isn't that deep, and it will fit according to Crutchfield. I've seen their website show conflicting information on some radios that are the exact same dimensions according the manufacture's website, but they say it won't fit my truck.

 

[BrooklynMike]

The new radio install went pretty smooth. I wish I had done it sooner, it sounds and looks great!

---------- Post added at 10:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:16 AM ----------

Oh yeah, I see the factory radio selling on eBay...I'm gonna try my luck to sell mine on there, and also the iPod adapter I used with it. Hopefully somebody wants it.

 

[YukonXL04]

Sweet. Congrats. I'm keeping my stock radio for if/when I sell it.

 

[Blue2002Tahoe]

The new radio install went pretty smooth. I wish I had done it sooner, it sounds and looks great!

---------- Post added at 10:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:16 AM ----------

Oh yeah, I see the factory radio selling on eBay...I'm gonna try my luck to sell mine on there, and also the iPod adapter I used with it. Hopefully somebody wants it.

Pics of final install?

 

[BrooklynMike]

Pics of final install?

sure! here are a couple:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/kh0t769cz66i5fy/2014-04-21 20.35.56.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/8hqig2kugdcp6dt/2014-04-21 20.38.52.jpg

 

[Blue2002Tahoe]

Definitely looks better than the single din installs

 

[BrooklynMike]

I forgot to include a pic of the bluetooth mic location https://www.dropbox.com/s/hw5u80g48d9l4px/2014-04-22 20.46.14.jpg

I had to increase the mic sensitivity because the default setting was too low.

 

[BrooklynMike]

A couple months ago I ended up selling the old iPod adapter to my friend's landlord for $50 and even installed it for him.

And yesterday I sold the stock radio for $150 on craigslist. So I pretty much got back the cost of the new radio.

My Speed grille is on the way...now I need to order the Depo headlights.