Hello Everyone,

I know there are plenty of threads on how-to install a DD stereo already. So I guess this thread will be more like a snapshot of the installation process that one will most likely go through if he/she decided to do their own radio installation.

Hope you guys find it useful.

Special Thanks to Spike, Mando, and Nazar for answering my questions to ease my installed.

Enjoy the pictures and the complete gallery --> HERE

The Planning and Researching gallery.

One last look before I replace the stock radio

What's in the box?

Solder & Shrink-Tubing

Is something missing?

Drilled some hole to sit the unit deeper in so that it will be flush with the dash


My Workshop


Optional if you want your steering wheel buttons to work with your HU


Take time to clean up the wires so that it will neatly tuck in behind the HU


Test the HU for power before putting back the dash


Video
Grounding spot

I cut the thin sheet metal plate to fit the GPS antennae in that tight spot

GPS Location

The sunlight glare isn't that bad

Microphone on the A-Pillar

USB Port




No More dangling USB Cable & safely away from the passenger


The USB LED will flashes pretty bright at night -- so you might want to get a non-LED USB if the blinking light bother you

Now lets try to get lost LOL


What is nearby?

Guessing I am having fast food -- will be broke for awhile after this big purchase *laughing



More related pics where I posted on Nazar's Kenwood DNX8120 thread HERE

 

nice install. Brings back memory when i did mine.

 

nice install

the usb thing is a great idea!

very nice

 

I saw a similar USB Dock thing on a Podium PC where I work and thought it would be neat to have it in my Z. I have the link where I got it from for anyone who is interested.

 

Nice job.

 

Kenwood actually has a USB extension mounting kit. It is specifically for this exact mounting solution. The part number is CAU1EX

 

Oh wow! Humm guess I will take a look and keep that in mind if ever I plan to redo it. Thanks Mando

Edit: Ok I found that USB thing you were talking about.
Here is the direct link
CA-U1EX - USB Extension Mounting Kit

Here is the Instruction Manual

 

Nice… looks very good… Your pictures and explanations are terrific as well.

I see there is no shortage of wires and connectors.

I really like your USB mount since it is away from the passenger seat and safe from an errant “knock.”

However, you need a workbench that is not covered in very expensive felt.
Congratulations on a good installation, and thanks for posting the pictures and your comments.

I know you spent hours researching this, but any idea on how much time it took to do the actual installation?

--Spike

 

love the usb port! Did it plug right into the usb port comin from the HU or u needed some kind of adapter?

 

Hi Spike - Thanks for the compliments.
The things that slow or bog down my installation time was
- Preparing the Harness to the Kenwood's Harness; since soldering and shrink-tubing take a good 40 minutes. Electrical tape would have been faster
- Drilling those custom holes to give the HU a flush-look took awhile (30 mins or so) since I had to measure and align the holes a few times.
- Programing the steering wheel adapter took forever! Took a few breaks in between to keep me from going insane.
- The USB Mount took about 45 minutes. I couldn't pop out that blank button so easy. Then measuring and craving out the squared hole took patience.

So with all that just mentioned --
Assuming that the installer have all the proper tools and know where all the Z's harness plug, clips and screws. The installation will take about a good 6 hours+. I started last at night and didn't finish until the next day afternoon (took many breaks). I really REALLY took my time b/c it was my first DD install and no one love my Z more than me right? Sure I could have bring it into an installer and they will get it done in a matter of several hours, but I get to say that I installed it! lol

Oh and about the workbench -- I will look into it since I don't do this kind of stuff that often.

 

You will need the A/B USB cable (its the USB cable often use for printers) to attach to the adapter and the other end will connect to the USB cable from the HU.

 

I asked the question about the time (and extensibly the “degree of difficulty”) to do the physical installation because members here often ask if a non-professional installer can accomplish an installation similar to what you did. Certainly soldering wire connections and shrink-wrapping is the “gold standard,” and that may not be something you get unless you do the job yourself or take your project to a superior installer.

Reading your thread, it’s apparent that someone willing to do the preliminary research and take the time to do a careful install can accomplish this.

When doing a project as you did, it’s always important to do the preliminary research, and carefully spec the project before you do anything (including purchasing the components). That’s what you want to do even if you plan to hire a professional to do your installation.

The scary photos…
…but as you know, it’s only taking the time to figure out the harness and do the connections properly.


Your selection for a USB connection/location is very wise since it is in a “protected” position away from your passenger that prevents breaking the device or its attachment. I believe that will become a “standard” mounting position for USB flash-drives and dongles. Nissan picked that position for the VDC/TCS switch for the same reason.
And, your microphone position is perfect.
Question: Obviously you drilled a hole in the A-Pillar cover piece, but is the microphone held by simply friction, or did you use adhesive as well?

--Spike

 

I put my blue tooth mic in the same position and u dont have to drill anything and its got a clip that holds it there just fine.

 

If I have to rate the degree of difficulty of the whole installation, I will give it a 7 out of 10 scale. I spent more time on the researching than the actually installation.

I didn't drill my A-Pillar. Since I didn't know if that was the ideal location for the mic and wanted to test to see if I will have issue with it being there next the the window. I just clip it there and rotate the mic as needed. So far the mic is working pretty good.

 

nice!

 

Hmm id rate a radio install like a 5 and yes that mic spot is perfect. Mines been there for past 8 mnths and no problems yet.

 

I'm sure you neaten up the wire before putting the din back in place? Looks good.

 

I like your USB idea. Sharp. I also like that deck/head unit, whatever you'd like to call it.

 

Very nice!


I might have to copy you on the USB idea, but I have my iPod hooked up all the time.

 

I stole ur usb thing idea but instead i put it on the driver side about a inch to the right and left of that super tiny vent on the other side of the steering wheel. Had to cut a super small hole in the lower part of the dash. made a real small template of the usb port on cardboard then glued it to the inside where i wanted it (rubber cement ftw) and dremeled right around the edge and finished the cuts up with a raxor. Worked perfect.