DIY New HU, Sub Amp, Backup Camera and hands-free mic

[SJWantsADiesel]

On my 2000 LC, I want to :
- replace the factory Head-Unit (power the speakers directly)
- bypass the factory amp/sub
- and, install
-- a Double DIN Jensen VX7020 HU (at hand)
-- a backup camera (at hand)
-- mic for hands-free
-- slim powered sub (in place of the factory amp, looking at Rockville RW10CA 10" sub/amp combo)

Reading older posts/threads, a few things that I think I understand (and would appreciate if members can confirm):
- Need to get Metra 70-8112 Radio Wiring Harness (15-PIN)
- Nothing special to be done at the dash end except wire the bundle coming in from the factory amp using the harness
- At the factory amp end:
-- bypass/short the wires needed to - (1) the power the HU (2) let the HU power the speakers directly (3) route remaining audio/sub wires and power to the new sub/amp assembly

What I don't have a good handle on:
- how/where to route the external hands-free mic? On a 4Runner I had, a stereo shop routed the mic to left corner, close to top of the A-pillar. Not sure if that's the best place for it.
- how to route/wire the backup camera. I have this thread bookmarked about wiring it but not sure about routing the wiring to the HU.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/backup-camera-screen-installed-for-less-than-40.605854/

I want to first upgrade whatever is required in the dash and other electronics before I upgrade the speakers (looks like I can upgrade those independently of rest of the electronics/wiring).

Not looking at some audiophile grade system but just a better and more modern Stereo/Navigation system

Any help/pointers/comments will be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[TXLX100]

Having just done the mic, I mounted the mic in the top left corner of the windshield, to the headliner. Then routed the wire through the A-pillar trim towards the rear of the vehicle, at the break in the trim I wired back towards the front of the A-pillar and down the weather stripping towards the kick panel, then under the dash (on top of the footwell), and up to the head unit (might need a coat hanger to pull up to the head unit).

I plan to run the backup wire down the passenger side under the thresholds, in case I need to remove the rear side panel, which is easier on the passenger side. Not sure after that.

 

[Emcd]

How'd the install go? I just picked up the same Jensen unit. How'd the metra wiring harness work out? Was it simple to integrate the factory loom to the nav unit?

 

[bucfl]

I'm curious too as i have the same unit. I removed the amp and used same wiring harness with the stereo to power all after market speakers. I am getting hissing from all speakers and inputs so feedback would be great.