I'm putting an order together to put in my Sony CDX-MP80 mp3 unit. I hate to take out the navigation system I paid extra for, but after tons of research I don't see another option. MP3 capability is a much higher priority than nav and I'm too picky to fall back on the FM iPod option.

For those of you with the stock unit removal keys, will these work:

http://www.cardomain.com/item/SCODT2B

My Sony unit is DIN sized, but holding it up to the stock unit, its definably a little shorter. Is there a bezel I need to purchase for it? Is there a bracket I need for mounting the Sony unit.

Im sorry if this has been answered somewhere. I searched and couldn't find anything on an actual install.

Any help is appreciated!

 

That looks like the correct tools. I didn't have any and ending up paying a shop to remove my stock radio.
Your SONY should come with a "sleeve" that will mount in the stock opening.
Then your NEW SONY head unit will slide into the sleeve.
If you got your stuff at Crutchfield then you have all of the connectors and the whole deal should be "PLUG & PLAY"!!!
A friend installed THIS setup in a White Crossfire Roadster a little while back. The White Roadster has been replaced with a YELLOW VIPER SRT-10 ROADSTER!!!
Same friend installed the system in my Red Roadster. Unit was used, but not abused!!
Now if I could get him to install a VIPER engine in...

 

Thanks for the reply Red... The sony I was going to install I just took out of my previous car and I don't appear to have the original sleeve and trim for it.

I think I'll just ask for an Ipod for christmas... Maybe by then I can figure out a good wired FM modulator.

So hard to live without mp3!!!

 

its killing me a single cd player argh ... if i stick the ipod to the glove box the reception is ok but the sound just ain't right, feels like being in a Tada in the back hills of jamaica.

 

I know, this has been very frustrating! I think there is room around the ash tray to mount an ipod. Maybe I'll go for a nano and then a spot to put it shouldn't be a problem. It still looks like I've got to use an FM transmitter though. Oh well, this topic has been beaten to death already.

 

i thought there was some plug with a rubber cover in back of the radio that once removed could be used as an aux output.

 

Search around, there are a couple threads that talk about this. Basically the answer is no, there is no usable aux port on the stock deck. I think some people have been able to use a wired FM modulator that connects to the antenna input. That's the way I'd like to go.

 

if your looking for a wired fm modulator, i had one on my old car that worked nice and was one of the clearest fm modulators i have heard. i got it from best buy for about $30-40 and i had a ps2 hooked up to it. the "surround sound" was very clear in the car with dvds, no problems with static and it didn't sound real radio station quality bad.

 

Thanks to Redcross' pics of his new deck I was compelled to go scout the web and look for it...which I found for a good price and purchased. Only problem now is... I'm not so technically inclined as to be able to install it. I've called a bunch of shops around here have been quoted around $75 bucks just for installation! Does this seem a bit steep to anyone else? Redcross, could you offer any installation help? Thanks a lot for any help.

 

While mine was being installed by a friend I was just standing around running my lips...
BUT, Having installed many decks before and (SORTA) supervising my install...
The flat removal tools are inserted into the two slots in the lower corners of the factory deck and the barbs on them catch the deck and release it...pull straight out and the entire unit slides out easily.
Carefully disconnect the wiring from the back of the radio.
Take the aluminum sleeve (that came with the PIONEER) and inset it into the opening and bend the necessary tabs to lock it into the opening. The new head unit will slide into it later.
Remove the passenger side of console and the passenger floorboard.
Stash the XM Box and run the connecting wires up and out opening in dash.
XM Antenna was mounted between the Roll Bars on my Roadster. I had the Antenna in the center of the dash on my Coupe (with my Roady). I prefer that to having it outside somewhere.
Plug everything in where it goes and you will be "HOOKED UP"!!!
As to paying $75.00 to have it done...that sounds fair to me!!! It is a bit of work and I would bet they charge the next person more after they get through with yours.

 

Fair enough...we'll see how it goes. Thanks for your help!

 

I talked with a stereo shop today about installing my deck for me... They said they were going to bypass the factory amp because you wouldn't want to re-amp the already amped signal coming from the pioneer deck. I guess that makes sense. Does this sound correct? This particular shop has never done a Crossfire before so I'm kinda wary of letting them touch my car; I can't seem to find a shop in town that has done a Crossfire though... Any thoughts?

 

That is dumb...a stereo shop has suggested that you give up your amplified speaker sound and go with the head units power???
Let me throw my 2 cents here.
Call Crutchfield and get the harness that will plug into your STOCK wiring and on the other end will plug into the PIONEER head unit.
There is ONLY one thing to take into consideration about your "Amplified System".
Since the PIONEER head unit delivers more output power than the STOCK head unit you don't want to turn the system "WIDE OPEN" since you could overdrive (over power) the stock system. Use it...just DON'T abuse it!!!
My PIONEER uses the complete STOCK AMPLIFIERS AND SPEAKERS THAT CAME IN THE XF WHEN I BOUGHT IT!!!
I like to "FEEL" my music and with the top down and running 145 MPH I want ZZ Top talking to me!!!

 

What are you doing about not being able to bend very many tabs to hold the sleeve in the dash? I didn't like only being 2 tabs. Not very secure. I ended up tucking the very front of the sleeve behind the dash trim. But now the trim ring that came with my deck don't lock.

 

I just dealt with the two tabs on the side, and it took me forever to find those; I kept trying to push in on the top and bottom. The frame felt pretty sturdy with just those tabs pushed in; its certainly not going to fall out or anything. I figure if someone wants to steal it a couple tabs aren't going to stop them anyway...

 

I just had a Pioneer DEH-P770MP with ipod controller installed and I am happy with the sound and the deck blends in with the dash nicely. One problem I encountered (or was told by the installer) was that the aftermarket deck could not power the factory subwoofer. I am not an expert on car audio but this seemed a bit strange. Has anyone else encountered this problem and have you found a work around?

 

I did my own install and I used the RCA connections on the Pioneer to connect the speakers. I can take pictures if you need. Subs work just fine... Though I'm already getting the itch for more bass. Has anyone figured out a space efficient way to get some boom boom out of the system on a Roadster?

 

Pictures and a detailed description of what you did would be a big help. Is there a chance that your head unit can be hooked up to power the subs and mine can't?