Well, my power antenna broke back in June. Then my CD player quit back in October - so it was fuzzy radio or tapes (what's a tape...)

Here are a few after pics. Someone had my digital camera when I decided to do the work, so no writeup coming (unless I decide to rip it apart for the hell of it.

The unit I put in was one I used on my Dalota. It has a removable face. With the supplied bezel, it stuck way out of the dash. I removed the bezel and modified the brackets so it would be flush. Also got a storage pocket for under it (til I can get a CB)

I switched to a fixed mast antenna. The base of the fixed antenna is a good bit smaller than the power one. I need to buff mine out when it gets a little nicer out.

 

As always, Looks good Cebby, looks good! I went a simpler route w/ my music needs. I bought a Clairion Amigo remote 6 disk changer. Works very well. I DO need to update my speakers when cash allows....
I wanted to ask though.... why are you switching to the Taco console? They dont reach to the dash, do they??

 

Two words...CUP HOLDERS!

The dash mounted cup holders on the 2nd Gen absolutely suck. I have been dowsed one too many times with coffee. I want to do the console that nets the best cupholder/storage combination - that is not completely impossible to retrofit.

My initial thought was to try to replace the rear half of the console with a Taco one, but Dillon posted a pic of his and I might be able to do a whole Taco one. I'm still in "investigation" mode.

Down the road, I want to install a retractable video monitor for a nav system in the dash slot vacated by the cupholder. Yea, I know, I could do the DIN NAV unit in the radio slot. Hey, anyone can do that.

 

My guess is that you know this, so I'm kinda' saying this in general. Changing out speakers will buy you more of an improvement than changing out the head end. Changing the receiver is always cool (new toys!) but just wait until you get new speakers in your rig!

I swapped all 4 of the speakers in my truck with Kenwood KFC-1738C's and the difference is INCREDIBLE. The bass is much tighter and the midrange cleared up very nicely. I had the "premium" sound system in mine, so I have the high mouted tweeters on the door. They were pretty shrill, so I disconnected them. I really don't miss 'em.

I carry stuff in the back, so I don't see myself putting in kickers or anything for the bottom end, but again, the bass tightened up really nice with the Kenwoods.

Another thing I did was to put in an _analog_ graphic equalizer. I haven't heard a digital EQ in a car system yet that didn't sound like crap in the top end. The technology exists, but I haven't seen it show up in a reasonable priced car system.

Ranting babble done.

 

Clean install. Looks great and the new speakers will help a ton.

Martin

 

I'm not bothering with the speakers right now (this is my wife's/kids daily driver, not mine) The speakers for the 2nd Gen are 4" in enclosures in the dash & rear side panels. The head was free (already had) plus the factory one was shot. You are right on the speakers offering the biggest perceived improvement. I wasn't expecting any sound quality improvement, but I was pleasantly surprised. I think the Alpine head I put in must have a better dynamic range than the stocker, cause it sure sounds great by comparison.

Regarding EQ's, I've had them before, but have never been a big fan. One of my systems I used for competing had an Alpine 3401 Parametric EQ that worked for what I needed. Although, with crossover points, gains and speaker placement, it was virtually flat. When I get the 4R back (after getting the wife a bigger rig), I'll be putting a real system in it. I've got some great Alpine stuff, Rockford amps, and Dynaudio speakers waiting in the wings. The plan is for 7 speakers - pair of tweeters, pair of mids, pair of mid bass and a single sub. All the usual stuff - custom pods and sub box. I like stealth, so it will be concealed/factory looking. Jeez, talking about it makes me want to get it put together now... :mad:

 

Tee-Hee. And so it continues.

It sounds like a great plan Cebby. Have fun man!

 

Cebby looking good man! It's much nicer having a decent head unit! The base of that antenna looks much smaller than the old one. Your plan for a system sounds good! I have 2 channels free on my amp and been thinking about what I want to do with mine. Right now I have 4"s in the front, 5 1/4" in the rear and the factory tweets all running off the deck and then my 2 10"'s in a box. Any ideas?

 

Joey,

I'd do some separates up front, like a 6 1/2/tweet combo and run those off of the other 2 channels on your amp. It would help bring the sound stage to the front of the vehicle. You can still run the rears off of the head for fill. To house the speakers, you can build something like Corey has, or if you can wait until I do mine, I'll be working something out a little different. That is a warm weather project - BRRRRRR!

 

I don't know if you guys know this, but Crutchfield sells a custom pod 6 1/2" w/tweets. It goes on the front kick panels. Doesn't look too bad.

Salue

 

Is that the Qlogic one. I plan on getting the Husky Liners, so it will likely interfere with it, I need to check it out though. Thanks for the idea.