Installing & buying MDI and Bluetooth R36+ retailer in Sydney who makes wgn traymat

[s12Raider]

Guys,

Looking to purchase and install the MDI and Bluetooth in my R36 wagon.

Suggestions on where to buy (links please) and advice on install (youtube etc) would be most appreciated.

Secondly I want to buy a purpose build mat for the wagon to protect the boot as my dog wil be getting in and out (I was suggesting to my wife she sits here but I just got a filthy look...).

Next I'll be looking to put LED running lights and LED puddle lamps in but I'll take my time as not done this before - only stereo.

Lastly any thoughts on decent amp and speakers to replace the std R36 incl sub. I did not buy with DynaAudio.

Thanks

Stu

[Passatwind]

Got a good oem cargo area mat from OEMplus.com, Original Equipment. Fits my common passat so should be fine for your r36.

[s12Raider]

cheers for this, just checking them out now.

[R36FTW]

Not sure what kind of speakers to suggest, as you haven't stated a budget. Do you intend to run them from the headunit or amp them? If you amp them it may be worth redoing the wiring too both for sound quality and power handling.

Were you thinking of going down the typical Pioneer/Clarion/Kenwood route or were you after something higher quality like Peerless or Focal? How much room will you dedicate to a sub mounted in the boot?

With more info we can suggest suitable options for you.

[s12Raider]

Re stereo - used to install bostons, MB Quarts, JBL, with Rockford amp(s) (got quite anal about it too - using audiophile tri-wire cabling which to be blunt was overkill). Would drive from amp not HU. Budget - around $3-4k. And would include 2-4 gauge wire from battery incl fusing block.

[R36FTW]

With your experience and contacts you could probably suggest and access better options than most! Just go with what you prefer, could get a good setup for that budget.

[kleung]

got quite anal about it too

Back when I did a bunch of research a while ago for my own install in my previous car, the name FHRX Studios kept coming up as the place to go for great ICE installs. Unfortunately for me, they were in Caringbah, Sydney.

[s12Raider]

Thanks kleung,

Seems that is the place to go to in Sydney - I too have stumbled across their name and reputation as well.

I will probably head down there as I see the MB Quarts are now taen over by Maestro so that means I've been a while out of car audio.

5 years is a life time me thinks!

[Lance B]

Yes, I can highly recommend FHRX studios and have a talk to Marty. I had an amp, speaker and processor upgrade put into my previous R36 and it sounded superb. I had it taken out of the old one and is waiting to be re-installed into my new R36 by FHRX.

As for Bluetooth, I had a Parrot/Fiscon sytem installed by Steve Purcell at Frontline Communications, he does mobile install. Does everything that I need and integrates into the RCD 510. PM me and I will send you his mobile number.

[kleung]

Secondly I want to buy a purpose build mat for the wagon to protect the boot as my dog wil be getting in and out

Three things:
- the OEM cargo area protector is only a thinnish piece of foam, and it tends to move around a bit. I have one, and it keeps sliding towards the tailgate.
- If you're going to have your dog travelling in the back, it might also be worth looking into getting a cargo barrier fitted between the cargo area and the passenger compartment in case the unthinkable happens. You don't want a cabinful of dog if you have an accident.
- It might also be worth getting a lip protector fitted which will protect the flat top part and edge of the bumper bar - VW carries two varieties, a stainless steel plate, and a clear version. Looks like this.

[s12Raider]

Thanks Lance B

Just sent Marty a mail after I spoke to him after hours (he had his baby so felt bad...). Pm me re Stve's number and cost etc. Also let me know what you had installed in your R36 and any changes you are having done - as I'm embarking on this area I'd appreciate some commentary (and I know everyone's tasts / budget differs but we all want similar sound quality....).

Thanks kleung

I'm about to purchase the tray from the USA - and the stainless steel copy version I think too (it is US86 or thereabouts). Yours looks very similar to what I am looking to get. Why USA? 'Cos everywhere I went in Aussie (and NZ) just did not have what I wanted OR charged something a little more than I could swallow.

Re dog - yes I'm not one to wish the worst and the standard barrier in the wagon would not stop her going through

[Lance B]

Thanks Lance B

Just sent Marty a mail after I spoke to him after hours (he had his baby so felt bad...). Pm me re Stve's number and cost etc. Also let me know what you had installed in your R36 and any changes you are having done - as I'm embarking on this area I'd appreciate some commentary (and I know everyone's tasts / budget differs but we all want similar sound quality....).

Thanks kleung

I'm about to purchase the tray from the USA - and the stainless steel copy version I think too (it is US86 or thereabouts). Yours looks very similar to what I am looking to get. Why USA? 'Cos everywhere I went in Aussie (and NZ) just did not have what I wanted OR charged something a little more than I could swallow.

Re dog - yes I'm not one to wish the worst and the standard barrier in the wagon would not stop her going through

I had a cage made from aluminium for our dalmatian. It just fits into the cargo area and has a hinged door that you access from the rear and is made from that aluminium that they use to make screen doors from, like a large diamond pattern each diamond may be 50mm(?). It is basically about a cube shape, but the rear part is slanted on an angle like the rear of the car. I am at work at the moment, so I can't measure the actual cage, but I did measure the area that it takes up when in the back and I am sure that these measurements would be reasonably accurate.

The floor of the cage is 900mm from front to rear. This is made of a solid piece of auminium, probably 1.6-2mm thick with chequer plate.
height about 720mm
width is 900mm
top of the cage is 650mm from front to rear.
I hinged it at the top and have a couple of pins to secure it at the bottom.

I'll try to take a pic if you like.