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.