I finally decided that I couldn't live with the Bose system any longer. I'm not a car audio nut, so I just wanted something that sounded decent. I replaced the speakers a few weeks ago and although it was a big improvement, I still wasn't happy. I mostly listen to mp3's from my iPod and FM modulation sounded bad.

My major goals with the system were: Keep it as stock looking as possible and keep the cost under $1000. I also wanted to do the install myself and use as much of the existing wiring as possible.

I am very happy with the sound and the look of the new system.

Here's what I put in:

HU - Nakamichi CD-400 - It was the most stock looking HU I could find and the backlight matches the amber of the dash very well (eBay $299)

Front Speakers - Infinity Kappa 63.5i (eBay $96)

Rear Speakers - Infinity Kappa 62.5i (eBay $74)

Sub - Infinity Basslink (eBay $188)

Misc stuff: $100

An overview shot:

 

I bypassed the Bose speaker amp by splicing the input and output wires:

 

I used the double DIN part from the Metra kit and installed a storage pocket under from a 95-99 Maxima. It required a bit of dremeling to get it to fit. The part was $22 from the dealer. I painted the kit and the pocket to match the dash color.

 

It's hard to tell in the pic, but the paint match is pretty close. I used this grey bumper paint:

 

For now I mounted the Basslink with tie down straps until I can figure out a better way:

 

I probably don't even need it, but I mounted the remote from the Basslink in the storage pocket:

 

Great looking install! I'm especially like the Maxima storage bin under the deck. Any more pics of how you made that work? What color was it before you painted it?

 

I don't have any pics from before I mounted it. I basically had to trim off most of the outer plastic edge. It came in a flat black color. It would probably look good leaving the Metra kit and the pocket black as well.

 

looks real good Frank. By having the Maxima storage bin under the HU makes it look OEM.

Have you thought about placing the sub where the sparetire goes? From the looks of it, you might have to build a whole new box.


dan

 

I thought about it. I just feel kinda weird about driving around with no spare tire. Not that I've changed a flat in the last 10 years. I guess that's what AAA is for.

 

Friggin impressive, Frank. I haven't seen a cleaner looking install. And the tray was a nice touch. Very slick indeed.

 

Fantastic! That was a great idea. That pocket is perfect. I may have to steal your idea, if you dont mind

 

Frank, glad to see you are still around. Nice install!

 

That's what we're all here for.

FYI - the Nissan part number for the pocket is 68475-40U01.


Joyia - good to see you again. You've got to get yourself back up to Chicago one of these days.

 

Well done Frank!
The storage bin is a good idea, especially since you have NAV & don't have the storage area that the non-NAV equipped models do.

Joyia, we could use a DB Track at our next meet to even out all of the SS & CS....

 

Dang Frank it looks like (from your nav screen) that you live dangerously close to Mount Prospect Golf Course. You better watch them golf ***** flying towards the Z.

 

Yes, I live right around the corner from there. It's a great course. Do you know Mount Prospect? A little trivia, in The Blue Brothers, the Blues Mobile was an old Mount Prospect Police car.

 

Frank,

Regarding your speakers.......how do you like the 3-way in the door with the 2-way in the rear? I've heard that the 3-way's can be a bit bright and a little harsh. Why not 2-way's all the way around? Just curious.

Thanks.

 

They are a tad bit bright, but not enough to be really harsh. If I was going to do it over again, I may have thought about going with 2-ways all around.

 

Cool...thanks for your honesty!