Coming to the experts on this one. I Just purchased a slightly used D1 and want to do the install as a fall project. I've read the Sticky but was wondering if someone has any specific instructions, tips, help for a self install for a D1. Also, some specific questions if you don't mind indulging me?

1. Is the install essentially a plug and play or am I biting off more than I can chew and need to get a pro install? (I did my own HUD retrofit, but looking at the D1 install looks a bit more complicated.)
2. I understand I cannot use the stock CD changer with the D1. What have folks used as an alternative?
3. I have the XM receiver and a reverse camera. Where have you installed the receiver? How about the camera lens?
4. I wasn't contemplating doing a speaker upgrade but if I do go the pro-install route, should I get the speakers upgraded? I'm not an audio file nor am I looking for a lot of woofer and find the Bose speakers "okay" - but if it makes sense to do it then I'll consider.
5. Finally - if I go the pro-install route, does anyone have a recommendation for an installer in central/Hunterdon County NJ area?


Thanks for helping me. I enjoy working on my car myself, but I don't have a lot of experience with working with the audio (as you can probably see from my questions.) consequently your advice is appreciated.

 

it's more like color by numbers then plug and play. you have to connect some wires together but it should be pretty simple as long as you follow the instructions and take you time...and read the faq...specifically where to tap of the acc/ignition lead


sell it and use a pioneer changer or better yet, use the money and get an ipod.

sorry..haven't installed one of these in a vette ttt for ya

keeping the bose system adds a level of complexity. you'l have to get the bose interface from soundgate or pac-audio. and that could give you some headaches. adding an amp, sub and speakers isn't all that hard just more 'color by numbers'. getting away from the bose will make you realize how much you are actually missing but don't know it. if you do go with the amp/speaker upgrade as well, do yourself a favor and don't buy or connect the rear speakers. they don't do anything mess up your soundstage.


can't help ya there good luck to you and let us know if you have any questions along the way

 

Thanks for the great feedback. So.......I guess I did bite off a little bit more than I thought. If I'm clear on your feedback I understand I can:
1. Do the install myself - take my time and refer to the FAQ.
3. I have an IPod but haven't considered using that in the car......I'll do a search for posts about this option.
2. I don't understand your comment: "Keeping the Bose system adds a level of complexity," but you think dumping the system is a better way to go and going with an amp/speaker upgrade. Any suggestions for such an upgrade that won't cost me an arm and leg.


Thanks again for the help.

 

scott is pretty much right. ive seen people put the reverse camera in the third brake light in the bumper and also in the license plate frame as well. both good places.

I will tell you that once you start adding adapters to the bose system, things can go wrong with adapters and what not. ive seen many posts on people spending lots of time trouble shooting what ended up being a bad adapter. dont get me wrong, ive used 2 adapters and they worked great, but ive heard of others having problems.

I think what scott is trying to tell you is that its not really worth the headaches trying to keep a bad component such as bose in the car and trying to make it work with what you have.

You've gone out and got yourself a great HU and why not spend a little more and just go for the complete system. You dont have to go crazy, the rest of the system can be done fairly inexpensive.

Basically you can go with a 4ch amp, the front channels will run your components and the rear channels can be bridged for your sub. You can go with something like an 8" or 10" sub that will be plenty for the vette. Remember the subs can be tuned to not be over powering.

You'll want to run new speaker wires which is very easy in this car as well. The first time you pull out the interior you will know what im talking about. www.vetteessentials.com has great instructions on how to get at your interior.

Scott put it best, as long as you take your time and have the information with you. it will be very easy. it can be time consuming, but its nothing too complicated. it also helps to have someone help you if its your first time pulling the interior out. hopefully i didnt bable and gave you some useful info. oh and hooking up your ipod should be a sinch.

 

Thnx and very helpful info. I've pulled the dash to do the HUD retrofit and am comfortable in doing these types of tasks as long as I have good detail in front of me. I guess I just want to make sure I'm not piling in a lot more money. If I can do it fairly inexpensively then I'm up. Any suggestions on an AMP or speakers? Thanks again for your help and time. - Barry

 

just let us know what your budget is and many of us here can help you guys out. knukonceptz.com has great quality wiring for very reasonable prices

 

Thanks for the response. I appreciate your stepping me through this. What could I do for a max of $500.00?

 

I put an AVIC-D1 in my 2000 Vette using the stock Bose system with absolutely no issues. I am also using a rearview camera, (located in the third brake light) an XM radio and a 12 CD changer. It sounds like you are using the same components and want basically the same outcome as I have.

I located the XM receiver behind the passenger lower seatback and the CD changer is in the center storage well, although my car didn't come stock with one. I used the popular HU to Bose adapter and it was pretty much as Scott said, "paint by numbers". It really was an easy installation, once I had my radio surround modified. It played without issue from the very first time I powered it up. Just make sure you solder every connection and get good grounds.

Everyone bashes the Bose system, but to me it's more than adequate. If I were sitting in a quiet room enjoying every crystal clear tone at 95db it may be a different story. But appearently unlike most of the stereo aficionados, enthusiasts, devotees and mavens that visit this particular Forum, my car has road noise, wind noise and a sweet exhaust rumble I enjoy hearing, not to mention someone yakking in the seat beside me.

Certainly no offense intended for those of you who have those great systems. In fact, my hat's off to you. There are certainly some fantastic systems on this Forum and the time and work involved speaks for itself.

In short, if you're anything like me, the stock system is more than adequate and will work just fine.

Especially, if you're not willing or able to dump a bunch of time and money into buying speakers, equalizers and amplifiers or building speaker boxes for satellite dish sized subwoofers that take up half your rear storage area.

My installation...



I mounted rearview camera in the third brake light and the XM antenna on the halo...

 

you can come close with a budget of $500 let me see what i can come up with greg will good at this as well. im sure hes got a better price in his head

found this for sale in the sale section


what to the other guys think about this setup

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...post1556442570

im not familiar with this one

 

I can tell u of a shop in Manhatten that can do the job for you.
They are expensive but they'll get the job done correctly and will backup their work.

I'm a pain in the *** and they were able to deal with me

http://www.ultrasmith.com/

Here's a new Alpine monitor headunit and rear backup camera they installed in one of my cars.

 

THanks for the great help.

 

this is a great idea as well. if you are on a small budget you can buy teh adapter to the stock bose adn see how you like it. I htink the adapter is about $80. not exactly sure.


here is just a quick package i threw together on http://www.edesignaudio.com/us.php?cur=USD

(1) 8" 9Kv.2 sub at 2 ohms $95
(1) set of eDi 6000's components $165
(2) NINe.2 Amps $215 each
Total=$690
BUT...
put these together in a package and you have it at $586.50 from this site.

wiring from www.knukonceptz.com

maybe someone can help with the wiring kit. ive only wired single amps in a car. not dual. I know the basics but this is the site to get it from. again both these site are great quality and good prices as well.

 

I put a D1 in my car last fall. It really wasn't that bad... you just need to take your time. All the answers to your questions (especially the wiring stuff) are here on the forum... just plan on doing some searching!

I kept the bose speakers but if I were doing it all over again I'd replace them and get a decent speaker setup and a moderate-power 4-channel amp. For Sat. radio I put a Sirius tuner in the right-rear storage compartment -- it was a stretch to do it that way -- the cable just barely reached -- but it worked out fine and it keeps the clutter out of the seat area.

Here's a link to my project:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...t=another+avic

Again, just take your time. You CAN do it... and it's a great HU -- you'll love it.

-Rich

 

Thanks Rich for the info.......and encouragement. I'll keep you posted.

Barry