Radio / CD Upgrade

[thevwbug]

Hello guys has any one upgraded the factory deck in there t5.
Im after navi, Bluetooth, DVD, Ipod, reverse camera.

I want to fit a rear lcd roof mount and be fed from deck to keep rug rats amused.

I have seen a few 2 din decks like clarion kenwood.

[Tornado T5]

I had a phone car kit installed in my T5 after switching to NextG mobile and spoke to the installer about the Pioneer AVIC F900BT which he suggested was the pick of the bunch however also the most expenseive...I'm saving for Christmas...http://www.navxtra.com.au/

[Deeceer]

eBay and Oztion are good places to get an idea of what's about in terms of DIN sizes and features, there are a lot of people with online shops on those sites selling new gear. However, try to resist the urge to buy from them, no matter how good the prices are - they're usually no-name brand stuff out of China and if something goes wrong you might be up the creek regarding warranties and returns. You might not feel bad about throwing out a $29 domestic DVD player that's packed in after five months but a $200 in-dash DVD head unit would have to hurt. Better to take what you've learned from eBay into a local autosound store and pay the extra for the support of a proper warranty.

[Baytown]

I paid top dollar to have a well known Car Audio dealership in Canberra supply and fit my stereo system.
They left screws laying around and unsecured panels under the dash, placed the rear speakers in the wrong position (that pissed me off), and I just found out after removing the new MDF panels to wire my reversing sensors, that the rear 6x9 speaker magnets are actually touching the van walls! (scuffs on the paint!) and they recommended the speakers as the ones to purchase!
Fortunately, I'm now in Townsville, otherwise I would be a very unhappy customer and back in the shop to get it all sorted.
Word of advice, if you have the ability and time, fit the speakers etc your self.
I'm going to have to remount the rear speakers and space them out if I can find a suitable plastic spacer housing.

Best wishes all.

Ken.

[MultiplexMan]

Same experience here with an Alpine IWA-202E install done by the recommended Alpine dealer. Broken clips, missing clips, wiring run between trim and steel work, wiring loose, blue tooth that does not work (back for the 4th time), camera installed in the wrong spot because they couldn't be bothered doing it right...

I'd buy online and save at least 50% off local price. If you buy brand name you should be right. I mean if its meant to be good, you shouldn't be needing the warranty in the first 3 years anyhow. I had this discussion with the Alpine rep - "If I need to worry about warranty, why would I be spending all this $$$ on your brand name?"

I bought my ICE for my second car totally online (Alpine), saved heaps, self installed so I know it's done right.

Alpine finally have an integrated GPS solution so they are worth a look too. iPod integration is great.

If installing a camera, I highly recommend installing in the rear handle/plate surround so you get a "look down" perspective (depth of field). This location also shades the lens which gives you better vision on bright days.

[Tornado T5]

If installing a camera, I highly recommend installing in the rear handle/plate surround so you get a "look down" perspective (depth of field). This location also shades the lens which gives you better vision on bright days.

Was that in a tailgate or wing door? I've had a very quick look inside my wing doors in the same area you mentioned and with the locking mechanism etc it looked a bit tight.

[Baytown]

Thanks for the advice re the camera Multi.
I was considering that fitment for the reason you mentioned.
Yep, so called professionals who screw you every time. There is a nice feeling when you take ages to do it yourself, but are rewarded with the fitment and functionality you need. That's the beauty of these web groups, re assistance and ideas.
Best wishes mate.

Ken.

[Seano]

I'm going to have to remount the rear speakers and space them out if I can find a suitable plastic spacer housing.

http://www.buglemcdougle.com/index.p...iewCat&catId=4 has everything you'd need with respect to spacers...

[MultiplexMan]

Was that in a tailgate or wing door? I've had a very quick look inside my wing doors in the same area you mentioned and with the locking mechanism etc it looked a bit tight.

Tailgate - it is a bit fiddly. I used a Kenwood camera. I got the idea from a German T5 site.

[Baytown]

Thanks for the link Seano.
That's exactly what I'm after, good on you.

Ken.

[Tornado T5]

Thanks.
Atm, because of the tilt adjustable screen unit from Kenwood to help reduce glare I'm favouring this over some of the other 2-din media/nav units.