1993 replace DIC with Carplay?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 44
Likes: 14
From: Lexington, NC
1993 replace DIC with Carplay?
I know this is an out-there question, but I'd really like to have Carplay in my 93 ZR-1, but I like the look of the factory stereo, and it's also a bit lower than ideal for navigation etc.
The DIC has always kind of bugged me since it's just blank unless there's a problem, and it's generally in an excellent place for a nav screen.
So I was thinking about how one might put a stand-alone carplay unit there (or even just screen mirroring might work)... The features you want when you're driving the car... looks stock when turned off.
But I'd still want the warning lights somewhere (preferably somehow still displayed in that location). I'm not an electronics wiz, so I've just wondered if anyone else has tried this, or something similar?
The DIC has always kind of bugged me since it's just blank unless there's a problem, and it's generally in an excellent place for a nav screen.
So I was thinking about how one might put a stand-alone carplay unit there (or even just screen mirroring might work)... The features you want when you're driving the car... looks stock when turned off.
But I'd still want the warning lights somewhere (preferably somehow still displayed in that location). I'm not an electronics wiz, so I've just wondered if anyone else has tried this, or something similar?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,383
Likes: 6,527
From: Melbourne, FL
Get a car play mirror?
What you're wanting to do is totally doable, you just have to have the skills to do it. If not, just replace the radio and enjoy all the benefits. Otherwise you're stuck with something silly like an fm transmitter to get the audio from the phone to the car.
What you're wanting to do is totally doable, you just have to have the skills to do it. If not, just replace the radio and enjoy all the benefits. Otherwise you're stuck with something silly like an fm transmitter to get the audio from the phone to the car.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 67
Likes: 9
From: Sedalia MO
You could get a car play screen with a mount and mount it directly onto it. I considered doing this recently with a phone mount.
They have screens that come with sticky suction cup mounts that you could likely stick right over top. It's def not going to look perfect, but you get the functionally you want without actually removing or modifying anything too severely. Most of these have built in fm transmitters for the radio and it's what I use in my Camry.
I recently purchased a new head unit with Android Auto/car play that folds out and pops up, so when it's hidden away it looks like a regular radio, but when the screen is out, it's a bit higher that it would normally be. This might work well for you too.
They have screens that come with sticky suction cup mounts that you could likely stick right over top. It's def not going to look perfect, but you get the functionally you want without actually removing or modifying anything too severely. Most of these have built in fm transmitters for the radio and it's what I use in my Camry.
I recently purchased a new head unit with Android Auto/car play that folds out and pops up, so when it's hidden away it looks like a regular radio, but when the screen is out, it's a bit higher that it would normally be. This might work well for you too.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,189
Likes: 830
From: Chapel Hill NC
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
If I had a 93 ZR-1 I would not modify any of the wiring.
