Head units

[JHead]

As a novice I'm pretty clueless.. But what is holding the standard head unit in ? I can obviously see the little hole in each corner but what's at the bottom of them? Secondly, any recommendations on head units that are cheap/easy to install/ can be usd with the remote behind the steering wheel / with good sound quality??
Thanks, James

 

[DanEdser]

whats holding it in? lol

it pushes in and clips into the cage , you need release keys to get it out.

all head units require the same knowledge to install it and remove it.

Try alpine JVC sony... any that you have heard of, if you find cheap head units that you havent heard of, there is most likely a reason you haven't heard of them because they wont be good.

 

[JHead]

Where can I get release keys?? Will a dealership have some knocking around?

 

[Paddy_R]

Where can I get release keys?? Will a dealership have some knocking around?

They will and they know how to charge to use them. I've used Allen keys in the past but I think Halfords sell them for a few quid.

 

[Expired]

If you are buying release keys from Halfords, reserve them online before you go otherwise we will rape you on price.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_734063_langId_-1_categoryId_265879

Online - 99p
Instore - £5.99.

How does it work? Basically there is a cage that is held into a recess in your dashboard (usually designed for the stereo, so always fit the cage that comes with the stereo). There is a catch or clip on either side of the cage that grabs the stereo as it is slid in.

Release keys slide through the front of the original stereo but actually end up sliding down the side of the stereo's chassis and pushing out the catch from the cage, release keys also have a notch in them that usually grab the stereo that allow you to pull the stereo out once the catch has been released.

As said the same result can be achieved using allen keys, bicycle spokes, wire coat hangers etc. as all you want to do is push out the catch. The only difference been here is trying to pull out the stereo. If you have a strong tool like an allen key you can push the allen keys outwards and try pulling.

In regards to the steering wheel controls, you need to make sure the new stereo is compatible with stalk controls and also purchase the relevant patch lead. The connector for this though (at least on my car) is behind the clock and temperature display and requires removal of the top section of the dash.

 

[JHead]

If you are buying release keys from Halfords, reserve them online before you go otherwise we will rape you on price.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_734063_langId_-1_categoryId_265879

Online - 99p
Instore - £5.99.

How does it work? Basically there is a cage that is held into a recess in your dashboard (usually designed for the stereo, so always fit the cage that comes with the stereo). There is a catch or clip on either side of the cage that grabs the stereo as it is slid in.

Release keys slide through the front of the original stereo but actually end up sliding down the side of the stereo's chassis and pushing out the catch from the cage, release keys also have a notch in them that usually grab the stereo that allow you to pull the stereo out once the catch has been released.

As said the same result can be achieved using allen keys, bicycle spokes, wire coat hangers etc. as all you want to do is push out the catch. The only difference been here is trying to pull out the stereo. If you have a strong tool like an allen key you can push the allen keys outwards and try pulling.

In regards to the steering wheel controls, you need to make sure the new stereo is compatible with stalk controls and also purchase the relevant patch lead. The connector for this though (at least on my car) is behind the clock and temperature display and requires removal of the top section of the dash.

So it's a bit of a bugger to find a suitable head unit and then make it actually work??

Sounds perfect for the amount of time before I can actually drive my car!!

Any suggestions on where to look for said head units?? And what to search for?

 

[MT AUDIO]

its only a "bugger" if you buy the autoleads stalks adapter as they need you to remove the dash board, connects2 models (which I sell) just plug in behind the headunit.

 

[JHead]

its only a "bugger" if you buy the autoleads stalks adapter as they need you to remove the dash board, connects2 models (which I sell) just plug in behind the headunit.

Are you suggesting I buy something off you?? could you pm me with some products + details please regarding what I'm looking for??

Thanks very much

 

[JHead]

guys, just so i dont make another thread, has anyone heard good/bad things about this HU??

[h=1]Kenwood KDC-5051U Car Stereo[/h]
it has 3 RCA pre-outs instead of one on the other HU i looked at.. i'm guessing more the merrier?? thanks

 

[DanEdser]

looks alright, depends what speakers you're planning on running and if you're getting a sub

 

[JHead]

looks alright, depends what speakers you're planning on running and if you're getting a sub

so far standard speakers with a view to upgrade. Already have twin 12" fusion subs w/ amp built into box. also htinking of getting FLI comp-6s to replace the tweeters as have been recommended by a friend.. what do you think?

 

[pastieman]

I run standard speakers and a 10 inch sub in the boot... Good enough for me