Hamilton Motor - Apple Carplay Conversion Kit

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Bumping this thread to ask if anyone with the LX570 2016-2021 conversion kit (the higher end one that replaces the factory screen) has a longer-term review or any complaints/issues with it they’ve observed.

As someone who has never torn apart a dash, how finicky is the install and how likely am I to screw up interior trim or break clips? Trying to decide between doing it myself in my parents’ garage in a few months versus taking it to a professional installer. I’m a bit wary of replacing anything OEM with aftermarket but the videos on the conversion kit do make it seem like it’s really the best of all worlds.
 
mattyokan said:
Bumping this thread to ask if anyone with the LX570 2016-2021 conversion kit (the higher end one that replaces the factory screen) has a longer-term review or any complaints/issues with it they’ve observed.

As someone who has never torn apart a dash, how finicky is the install and how likely am I to screw up interior trim or break clips? Trying to decide between doing it myself in my parents’ garage in a few months versus taking it to a professional installer. I’m a bit wary of replacing anything OEM with aftermarket but the videos on the conversion kit do make it seem like it’s really the best of all worlds.
Click to expand...

I have a 2010 LC and was super skeptical and nervous about installing my grom (similar but different)

Everything went wayyyyy easier than expected and zero issues at all, nothing broke or damaged

Dash pieces came out and went back in very easily

Unsure how different your model is though
 
mattyokan said:
Bumping this thread to ask if anyone with the LX570 2016-2021 conversion kit (the higher end one that replaces the factory screen) has a longer-term review or any complaints/issues with it they’ve observed.

As someone who has never torn apart a dash, how finicky is the install and how likely am I to screw up interior trim or break clips? Trying to decide between doing it myself in my parents’ garage in a few months versus taking it to a professional installer. I’m a bit wary of replacing anything OEM with aftermarket but the videos on the conversion kit do make it seem like it’s really the best of all worlds.
Click to expand...
I have had the Hamilton touchscreen in my 2020 LX for about 18 months. It is a really great upgrade to the vehicle. I installed the previous Hamilton model myself, but I have worked on cars and trucks for more than 50 years. When I changed to the touchscreen, I opted to have a professional do the installation, I am glad I went that route.

The Hamilton videos are very accurate and helpful, but there is not much room behind the factory head unit. I would definitely recommend the Hamilton unit, but I would opt for someone else to install it.

Good luck and Enjoy!
 
Redrobert said:
I have had the Hamilton touchscreen in my 2020 LX for about 18 months. It is a really great upgrade to the vehicle. I installed the previous Hamilton model myself, but I have worked on cars and trucks for more than 50 years. When I changed to the touchscreen, I opted to have a professional do the installation, I am glad I went that route.

The Hamilton videos are very accurate and helpful, but there is not much room behind the factory head unit. I would definitely recommend the Hamilton unit, but I would opt for someone else to install it.

Good luck and Enjoy!
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Thanks for the info! fitting everything together in the tutorial video definitely looked like the hardest part. The trim removal looked too easy, which is what made me ask the question about those steps because I’ve heard some horror stories of interior trim removal and wasn’t sure if the LC/LX really are just so much better built that the clips are less likely to snap 🤣
 
I’ve had this unit for a few months now and growing a little tired of it. The random disconnects and having to pull over to “reboot” my truck is just dumb. Also having to connect it to the OEM head unit for BT to prevent echo on phone calls, so it needs to be connected to both - it just feels a bit janky. It’s almost there but I’m causally looking at other options now.
 
ElJayBird said:
I’ve had this unit for a few months now and growing a little tired of it. The random disconnects and having to pull over to “reboot” my truck is just dumb. Also having to connect it to the OEM head unit for BT to prevent echo on phone calls, so it needs to be connected to both - it just feels a bit janky. It’s almost there but I’m causally looking at other options now.
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Which one, is this the conversion kit or the replacement screen? One of my concerns about buying/installing this is it would probably be a PITA to warranty or replace if there’s anything that isn’t fixable with a firmware upgrade…
 
I’ve got a 2014 and they don’t make a screen yet I don’t think. I’ll give them a call to see if there’s a firmware upgrade before pulling it out. It’s not so bad I’m ready to go back to OEM only but it’s getting a little silly.
 
ElJayBird said:
I’ve had this unit for a few months now and growing a little tired of it. The random disconnects and having to pull over to “reboot” my truck is just dumb. Also having to connect it to the OEM head unit for BT to prevent echo on phone calls, so it needs to be connected to both - it just feels a bit janky. It’s almost there but I’m causally looking at other options now.
Click to expand...
While this is not what I want to hear, I appreciate the info.
For those of us contemplating installing it, It’s good to hear both sides of the opinions on this thing.
 
I’m surprised you are having those kind of problems. Any problems I’ve had I was able to resolve with their support team. They have worked thru several issues with me, all of the issues were ones I had caused by pushing buttons that I should not have or that I didn’t need to push I’d suggest you call their support guys, they have sent me links, photos or one time just stayed on the phone and walked me through the process. They are a “small” business and provide the type of support that I don’t find very often these days. Good luck
 
mattyokan said:
Bumping this thread to ask if anyone with the LX570 2016-2021 conversion kit (the higher end one that replaces the factory screen) has a longer-term review or any complaints/issues with it they’ve observed.

As someone who has never torn apart a dash, how finicky is the install and how likely am I to screw up interior trim or break clips? Trying to decide between doing it myself in my parents’ garage in a few months versus taking it to a professional installer. I’m a bit wary of replacing anything OEM with aftermarket but the videos on the conversion kit do make it seem like it’s really the best of all worlds.
Click to expand...
I just installed the touchscreen replacement on my 2021 LX and the install was super easy. If you can do an oil change, you can install the kit. I just followed the YouTube video tutorial from Hamilton and didn’t run into any issues. Hardest part was running the wire harness through some tight spots, but the video gives good tips and pointers. Took me about 2.5 hours start to finish and I really took my time.
 
kong24680 said:
I just installed the touchscreen replacement on my 2021 LX and the install was super easy. If you can do an oil change, you can install the kit. I just followed the YouTube video tutorial from Hamilton and didn’t run into any issues. Hardest part was running the wire harness through some tight spots, but the video gives good tips and pointers. Took me about 2.5 hours start to finish and I really took my time.
Click to expand...
Haha so we are somewhere between an oil change and “pay a professional” difficulty level.

A roller coaster of DIY emotions. Get it together guys. I need a definite answer lol
 
Sajan said:
Haha so we are somewhere between an oil change and “pay a professional” difficulty level.

A roller coaster of DIY emotions. Get it together guys. I need a definite answer lol
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Save your money and do the install. Follow the video, take your time, and you’ll be ok. The guy in the video does a great job of holding your hand through the entire process.

 
Did they ever officially release a version for the older LX570? Last time I asked they didn't respond.
 
ElJayBird said:
I’ve had this unit for a few months now and growing a little tired of it. The random disconnects and having to pull over to “reboot” my truck is just dumb. Also having to connect it to the OEM head unit for BT to prevent echo on phone calls, so it needs to be connected to both - it just feels a bit janky. It’s almost there but I’m causally looking at other options now.
Click to expand...
This is actually helpful. I already have an older wireless Naviplus car play unit on my 2019 LC 200 and it works instantly and just fine except for the above bluetooth issue. Mine has to be connected to both, and it's a little annoying to switch back and forth when it auto switches to car play audio. I have had it for five years. I really only use the car play for Google Maps anyway.

I read so many glowing Hamilton reviews that I thought about swapping mine out but am not going to now. I think none of these are perfect. I also think once someone spends the time and money to install one of these units it's natural to be like "this is great!" instead of "I wasted my time and money and hate it" so I am not sure the reviews are unbiased.
 
Sajan said:
Haha so we are somewhere between an oil change and “pay a professional” difficulty level.

A roller coaster of DIY emotions. Get it together guys. I need a definite answer lol
Click to expand...
Place around here wants to charge nearly 2k to install the beatsonic on my Land Cruiser. The unit is around 800 so seems crazy high for this kind of labor. Is there a consensus on which is better; the Hamilton or Beatsonic. LC 200 series.
 
DDLC2016 said:
Place around here wants to charge nearly 2k to install the beatsonic on my Land Cruiser. The unit is around 800 so seems crazy high for this kind of labor. Is there a consensus on which is better; the Hamilton or Beatsonic. LC 200 series.
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I got a quote to install the Hamilton and it was around 400 if I bought it from the installer.
 
dnh1 said:
… "I wasted my time and money and hate it" so I am not sure the reviews are unbiased.
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I wouldn’t say my feelings on it are that strong, but the whole Fonzi nature of it is starting to get a little tiresome.

I need to submit feedback to them - I’ll do that tomorrow instead of whining about here.
 
DDLC2016 said:
Place around here wants to charge nearly 2k to install the beatsonic on my Land Cruiser. The unit is around 800 so seems crazy high for this kind of labor. Is there a consensus on which is better; the Hamilton or Beatsonic. LC 200 series.
Click to expand...

I’m about a 2.3 banana mechanic on a good day but known to frequently over-estimate my abilities. FWIW - the install video on their website makes it pretty easy. Just go slow and use plastic pry tools.
 
I just completed this after some troubleshooting, and one I think would emphasize would be:

At the end of the reassembly and installation, depress the brake pedal for at least 10 seconds before reconnecting the battery. Once you reconnect the battery, wait at least 10 minutes before do anything to the vehicle.

This may be common knowledge, but was my issue that caused my infotainment system to not work.

I hope this helps someone!
 
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