CD Changer and other mods installed...long (pic intensive)

[FiveO]

Well gang I took on my first group of major mods tonight...by myself.

I'm not very mechanically inclined but am really trying hard to learn. I'm just scared of screwing something up or breaking something.

This MM I purchased has a Alpine CD/XM radio in it...single in dash. I love CD changers and have been wanting to add one. I found a brand new 12 disc changer online (also Alpine) for $250 shipped...but I was afraid of installing it myself for fear of screwing something up.

I also purchased a cell phone mount, Pro-Fit VSM (Vehicle Specific Mount) and needed that installed.

I also needed to run my GPS power wire through the dash by the radio to the lower part (by the passenger side feet compartment).

I knew that this all wasn't too tough....and I knew I could also handle the easy mods....new DynoPro Pedals and Door Sills...those are easy!!!! It was just the dash part that was freaking me out.

Turned out to be not too difficult at all!!!


I was a bit apprehensive but am feeling more and more confident after doing this myself. Saved me at least $150 in install time that the shop I was going to have do it would have charged me.

I started at 6pm and got done at 10:30pm after one minor glitch...explained later.

It took me an hour to get the CD Changer cord pulled through from the trunk to the passenger compartment and hidden all the way to the dash...

Finally got it through the trunk to the back seat...not much room back there!

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL283/1552930/4651240/60265198.jpg

Looks like I got hit head on!!! :eek:

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL283/1552930/4651240/60265183.jpg

Not much cord left....but enough :)

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL283/1552930/4651240/60265171.jpg

Final result up front...:

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL283/1552930/4651240/60265152.jpg

[FiveO]

Final result in the trunk...:

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL283/1552930/4651240/60265106.jpg

Closer....:

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL283/1552930/4651240/60265115.jpg

I cut the trunk lining to cover up the bracket screws that are drilled into the floor:

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL283/1552930/4651240/60265082.jpg


Only one problem came up. Got it installed...and it wouldn't turn on. :mad: :mad2: :bigcry: I pulled the entire dash out again and found that I hadn't pushed the cord all the way into the head unit...

Got it all back together and its working like a charm :up: :bounce:

[FiveO]

Pedals and sills turned out great!

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL283/1552930/4651240/60265121.jpg

And of course...the obligatory MM.net stickers...one on each rear side window :D

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL283/1552930/4651240/60265143.jpg


Had to share....my first somewhat major (Ok...not major but to me it was :D ) modification done with style and grace.

Soon I'll actually open the hood and try something :)


I'm going to do the gods head rear badge mod tomorrow....should be interesting. I am pretty handy with a Dremel!!

[Mad4Macs]

Which head unit did your MM come with? I had the 9831 installed + 2 Alpine amps and a 12" sub in back. I went Alpine because the 2004 AI-Net models are getting an interface cable that allows for he control of my iPod through the head unit. Then, hopefully, I 'll be able to get my steering wheel controls wired so that my iPod will be able to be controlled from there as well.
I am not going to do anything about the loss of my 6 cd changer, though. I have all 300 of my cd's ripped (at 256 kbps M4A, which sounds WAAAAAY better than WMA), and with 4136 on it, I have 24 days of music already at hand.
iPods Rock! :D

[TooManyFords]

Nice job Mark!

Tell you what... You put my stereo in and I'll put your Kooks on for you! ;)

See you soon.

John

[FiveO]

Which head unit did your MM come with? I had the 9831 installed + 2 Alpine amps and a 12" sub in back. I went Alpine because the 2004 AI-Net models are getting an interface cable that allows for he control of my iPod through the head unit. Then, hopefully, I 'll be able to get my steering wheel controls wired so that my iPod will be able to be controlled from there as well.
I am not going to do anything about the loss of my 6 cd changer, though. I have all 300 of my cd's ripped (at 256 kbps M4A, which sounds WAAAAAY better than WMA), and with 4136 on it, I have 24 days of music already at hand.
iPods Rock! :D



My MM came with the 9820XM single CD in dash unit. Really nice...still getting used to it. Love the remote control. The trunk has a Alpine MRV-F450 amp and a custom ported 12" JBL sub behind it.

Having the iPod in the steering wheel controls would be really nice.

[FiveO]

Nice job Mark!

Tell you what... You put my stereo in and I'll put your Kooks on for you! ;)

See you soon.

John


:lol: I'm good...but not that good.

By the way. I'll PM you next week but I'm going to be down at Cedar Falls next friday evening again...but with the MM this time. Andrew can't make it but if you're free I'd love to lose some races :D

[TooManyFords]

By the way. I'll PM you next week but I'm going to be down at Cedar Falls next friday evening again...but with the MM this time. Andrew can't make it but if you're free I'd love to lose some races :D

Not a problem! I'll bring camera and camcorder backups to help with pictures while we race.

Other MM's, remember I have places to camp bodies if you want to stay over night. CFR is a fun time!

Cheers!

john

[Patrick]

:up: :up: :up: :up: Where did you get the new pedal and brake parts?? That I like!

[FiveO]

:up: :up: :up: :up: Where did you get the new pedal and brake parts?? That I like!

Dyno Pro.....see their link in their vendor section.

Very nice looking pedals.

I personally don't like the dead pedal though....too small. I have size 13 feet and it only covers 1/2! :D

I am in the planning stages of a custom dead pedal setup....pics to come in the next couple weeks.


Today was great! I really wanted to install a Radio Shack 3x power adapter that I've had sitting on my workbench for 6 months...took it out of my ex wifes vehicle before the divorce :)

It is a powered 3x adapter meaning it has 3 lights showing battery power. The end is also a cig adapter in itself...and I didn't want to just cut the cord and wire it in. I wanted it to be powered by the ignition so that when the car is off...theres no power to it.

I'm going to be powering my GPS unit and 2 cell phone power charger cords with it.

Anyway...I went to Autozone today and spent $6 and got a single socket adapter and an inline fuse.

I wired it all in and it went perfectly. I went into a switched fuse and when I turn the ignition on its on and when its off...no power...just like I wanted it.

I've never gotten this much done on any vehicle I've owned before....I'm pretty proud of myself. This was a major accomplishment...with more to come. I'm feeling confident on doing a few more things in the near future :D


Man I love this car....... :up: