2003+ Anarchy NAV Delete CarPlay/Android Auto Head Unit Discussion

[imperium]

With the development of @Anarchy's plug-and-play standalone HVAC solution, I figured it'd be best to create a separate thread where we can discuss radio replacement/upgrades for the US spec 2003+ 100s with factory nav.
I'm very much looking forward to ditching the ancient screen and the Grom unit I have. The Grom works well enough, but it was never meant to be a replacement for an actual, dedicated CarPlay/AA unit.

For now, there isn't a whole lot of information on what it takes to put in one of these dedicated units because so few people have done the nav delete with parts from overseas. I have the parts myself, but never got around to wiring it up and installing.

So I figured this could be a place to discuss anything and everything head unit related. From the choice of the head units themselves to wiring up and installation.

I have a Sony XAV-AX6000 in my daily and, while I do like it, I think I want something else for the cruiser. I do like that this unit has the ability to completely turn off the display with the press of a physical button, but I don't like the physical buttons for volume. Though, my daily doesn't have steering wheel volume controls and the cruiser does, so that might turn out to be not that big of a deal. I'm also curious to how or if the cruiser's auto dimming functionality (that dims the factory nav screen when you drive through a tunnel or enter a parking garage) would work with these units. For me, one of the most important things when choosing a radio was the ability to have as little light from it as possible at night. So the screen turning off but the unit remaining on is a must.

I'll kick this off with a question; what radio will you be using? Have you used others in the past that you liked? What are your criteria for choosing a particular unit?

 

[Anarchy]

I guess I’ll start. For now I'm going to try this $150 Chinese Android unit from eBay while I figure out the ideal long-term setup.

The bigger challenge will be getting the wiring clean: factory amp/subwoofer, steering wheel controls, reverse camera, illumination/dimming, and keeping everything reversible. It's mostly going to be my test mule. Once everything is working properly, I’ll decide whether I keep it or move to something from Sony, Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, etc.

 

[wesr4242]

I guess I’ll start. For now I'm going to try this $150 Chinese Android unit from eBay while I figure out the ideal long-term setup.

View attachment 4194730

The bigger challenge will be getting the wiring clean: factory amp/subwoofer, steering wheel controls, reverse camera, illumination/dimming, and keeping everything reversible. It's mostly going to be my test mule. Once everything is working properly, I’ll decide whether I keep it or move to something from Sony, Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, etc.

So obviously the bezel is made to fit the opening. Would we be able to use that with a unit of the same size from say Pioneer or any other higher quality company?

 

[FearlessWaterfall]

I would need physical controls for the head unit too. Like power, volume at least imo

 

[y5359]

My thoughts were something like the Kenwood DMX9724XDS. It’s a 10.1 inch floating screen so it would in theory cover most of the opening and possibly wouldn’t require any special trim pieces. I’m looking for wireless CarPlay and would like to upgrade the rear camera and possibly add a front camera.

My concerns would be the wiring. I would want something that would plug into existing wires rather than cutting and splicing. Not sure if wire adapters exist or if it would have to be made.

 

[imperium]

My thoughts were something like the Kenwood DMX9724XDS. It’s a 10.1 inch floating screen so it would in theory cover most of the opening and possibly wouldn’t require any special trim pieces. I’m looking for wireless CarPlay and would like to upgrade the rear camera and possibly add a front camera.

My concerns would be the wiring. I would want something that would plug into existing wires rather than cutting and splicing. Not sure if wire adapters exist or if it would have to be made.

View attachment 4195256

A volume knob would be awesome. For me personally, I'd want something that fits into the factory-sized slot. If there's a smaller one that would make my short list for sure.

 

[Andrew S]

There are volume knob kits available for the major brands, I will likely use a Sony head unit combined with this for a physical volume knob:

Car Stereo Volume Knob Kit - RE_SWC

A plug-and-play volume knob kit for your car

lectronz.com

 

[Hmmm]

I guess I’ll start. For now I'm going to try this $150 Chinese Android unit from eBay while I figure out the ideal long-term setup.

View attachment 4194730

The bigger challenge will be getting the wiring clean: factory amp/subwoofer, steering wheel controls, reverse camera, illumination/dimming, and keeping everything reversible. It's mostly going to be my test mule. Once everything is working properly, I’ll decide whether I keep it or move to something from Sony, Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, etc.

So, once the climate control is separated, do you anticipate utilizing the existing wiring harnesses for purposes of installing a new head unit / touchscreen. I felt like once climate was separated, I would just construct an entertainment system from scratch (new head unit / screen; amp; sub., etc all existing as a separate system). Could you comment on this?

 

[MyLandy]

It would be nice to be able to tie into the steering wheel controls such as volume up/down and track up/down.

 

[TurboJAM]

What about this unit? It's new, shallow fit and a quality brand.

Alpine - INE-AX809 9-inch Digital Media Station

Alpine - INE-AX809 9-inch Digital Media Station

www.alpine.co.uk

 

[OrionZodiac]

I did the nav delete on my car. I would invest into a wiring diagram. It is essential. To tie in the steering wheel controls, the iDatalink Maestro is the way to go. Works flawlessly. Deutsch connectors and a crimp tool will help you manage the wires and keep everything in order. It is a huge undertaking. Separating the climate controls from the screen is but a small portion.

 

[Anarchy]

So obviously the bezel is made to fit the opening. Would we be able to use that with a unit of the same size from say Pioneer or any other higher quality company?

Yes, this should work

So, once the climate control is separated, do you anticipate utilizing the existing wiring harnesses for purposes of installing a new head unit / touchscreen. I felt like once climate was separated, I would just construct an entertainment system from scratch (new head unit / screen; amp; sub., etc all existing as a separate system). Could you comment on this?

I am using the existing wiring harness.

---

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806138699999.html

 

[TurboJAM]

Yes, this should work


I am using the existing wiring harness.

---

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806138699999.html

View attachment 4198716
View attachment 4198718

So, been having a look at these adapters which you posted above. They come in 2 sizes, 9 and 10 inch.
Seems they were initially designed for all the cheap Chinese radios that have the trapezoid sized screens.

Now; Pioneer, Kenwood and Alpine are copying the Chinese for once and making quality screens the same size (9/10 inch)

Re the Alpine unit.
In the UK/Euope - The comes as a 9 inch only option. INE-AX809
In OZ/NZ/Asia - 9 and 10 inch option INE-AX809 and 809-10 and -H (internal sat nav chip)
USA/Canada - so far, not officially been released - may be wrong on that?

While these units may not be officially available in every region. You could get one from OZ, go into the sub settings and adjust the radio frequency step to allow it function correctly without missing stations if you're in Europe/USA etc. Not sure if every feature would work - UK has DAB radio, which is hardly used in Europe.

Anyway... I've ordered a 9 and 10 inch surround so can see how much space there really is. Not expecting quality to be anything better than average.
Maybe the black immobiliser/security strip could fit if using a 9 inch surround with some custom trimming/3d scanning/printing?

I'm 90% sure going with Alpine INE-AX809 as it's a very shallow chassis.... perfect for fitting wires behind.

 

[RiparianJoe]

The combination of this Alpine unit and the trim piece from AliExpress seems like a winner. I didn't realize the trim pieces were available separately - that's a game changer. This is giving me quite a lot of hope that a very elegant (albeit expensive) solution can be pieced together. Looking forward to seeing more!

 

[LJE]

Based on @Anarchy 's input on the cheap Android headunits with the integrated bezel, I ordered one of those today & will develop a bracket for it that'll tie it into the steel stereo/head unit 'rack' behind the dash, rather than just letting it hang by the (apparently somewhat flimsy) bezel connection points.

As the community downselects to a few common options, I'd be more than happy to develop additional brackets as needed to support a handful of radios.

 

[Anarchy]

Since I'm running my HVAC Module now, I'm looking at audio system upgrades in the coming weeks without breaking the bank.

For those running Teyes/Phoenix/Android headunits; if your audio system has gotten rid of the ML Amp, what aftermarket amplifier + speaker + subwoofer did you wire in?

 

[imperium]

@Anarchy any idea if your wiring harness would work on the factory non-nav AC module?

Completely understand that it's not your intention, but if it did work that way that'd also be a game changer.

I'm still excitedly waiting for when development enters the production phase and will be lining up for when the LC version is available!

 

[Anarchy]

I highly doubt it tbh

 

[Patassa]

Since I'm running my HVAC Module now, I'm looking at audio system upgrades in the coming weeks without breaking the bank.

For those running Teyes/Phoenix/Android headunits; if your audio system has gotten rid of the ML Amp, what aftermarket amplifier + speaker + subwoofer did you wire in?

There's thousands of options when it comes to af amps, speakers, and subs. You're more limited by your creativity than anything else. Ex do you want to stick with stock locations and the size limitations of that hole for drivers or are you willing to mount pods in your pillars and have a large sub box in the cargo area.

 

[JAntosch]

Since I'm running my HVAC Module now, I'm looking at audio system upgrades in the coming weeks without breaking the bank.

For those running Teyes/Phoenix/Android headunits; if your audio system has gotten rid of the ML Amp, what aftermarket amplifier + speaker + subwoofer did you wire in?

Running the Teyes CC3 on my '04 LC with:
-Soundstream PN5.640D Picasso Nano Amp
-Kicker 6.75" sub (Kicker 48CWRT672)
-Morel Maximo Ultra 602 MKII (component front, coax second row)
Good intersection of quality+expense for me and well proven combo to get rid of the LC hiss w/ the Teyes, I've turned the sub way down as the speakers can provide ample bass.