Removing wood faceplate on LX 470

[CloudCity]

I've read every radio/aux-in install thread I could find and still no definitive way to remove the wood surround for the stereo without causing damage. I literally cannot see anywhere to even put a trim tool to pop it off, the tolerance is so tight, nor know what area to begin with. Some portions are very thin and seem like they would break if you pried there, so what have you guys specifically done to remove the wood section without damaging the clear coat or veneer? Anyone have a pic of the back side so we can see where the clips actually are located? Thanks much.

 

[MuseChaser]

I just did this a few days ago. Use a very thin nylon tool, either one of the trim tools made specifically for it or a kitchen spatula which worked for me. It pops right out. Here's a video .. this isn't me, it was put up by some repair outfit...

 

[CloudCity]

Thanks, worked just fine by hitting the sides then top, much appreciated!

I found that video also but was rather disappointed to see that he already popped the plate off before he started the video and just sat it in place for the recording. Lol

I just did this a few days ago. Use a very thin nylon tool, either one of the trim tools made specifically for it or a kitchen spatula which worked for me. It pops right out. Here's a video .. this isn't me, it was put up by some repair outfit...

 

[CloudCity]

Already finished! That was a snap. The GROM Aux-in was a nice fit for the space between the stereo and nav units and by using the cigarette lighter removal threads posted here I was able to put the plug where the lighter used to be, even kept the illuminated surround piece. Only needed a little bit of body trim double-sided tape to hold it in place. Now I can listen to pandora or anything else on my iPhone. Love it!

 

[MuseChaser]

I'd like to do exactly the same thing, only with a device that will enable me to play FLAC files from a thumbdrive. VIAS makes a plug'n'play option for the Levinson system in my car, but $250 is a bit more than I was hoping I'd have to go. Anyone have any alternatives?

 

[CloudCity]

If you were considering the VAIS MML-L1 or T1 models, I just did a search to see if it was cheaper elsewhere, not much luck with that but if you put the model in on Amazon it brings up other suggested options below the item, some for around $125-150. I don't know what specs you need but if any of those look good you can possibly find threads here on their use, or ask a question/read reviews on the product's Amazon page. I'm sure others have specific suggestions for you as well.

I'd like to do exactly the same thing, only with a device that will enable me to play FLAC files from a thumbdrive. VIAS makes a plug'n'play option for the Levinson system in my car, but $250 is a bit more than I was hoping I'd have to go. Anyone have any alternatives?

 

[MuseChaser]

Thanks for the reply. The company you used, GROM, makes a device for around $150, but it replaces the CD/DVD changer rather than just adding to it w/ a Y harness. Strangely enough, my '05 has bluetooth built in, at least for handsfree phone usage; don't know about streaming, but I don't think that's there. We're planning a very long trip.. a month or two anyway.. and would much rather take along my music collection (musician by profession) on a thumb drive than a whole case of CDs to juggle. For around town or short hops, the CD changer is great. Will probably end up having to bite the bullet and go w/ VAIS; haven't found anything else that does what theirs does.

 

[CloudCity]

My ‘04 has Bluetooth for the phone as well, and oddly it also plays the audio portion of videos sent in a text message (???), it show up like a phone call on my nav screen. It won’t stream audio however.
My GROM unit came with a y-adaptor that was plug and play but I haven’t checked to see if I can still use the CD player under the armrest. I do have to set it to “CD” in order to select the Aux-in and it shows as “Track 1” so I’ll play around with that on my next drive.
I also worked in music for a long time first as an Agent and then Manager and still do that for exactly one client. Lol

Thanks for the reply. The company you used, GROM, makes a device for around $150, but it replaces the CD/DVD changer rather than just adding to it w/ a Y harness. Strangely enough, my '05 has bluetooth built in, at least for handsfree phone usage; don't know about streaming, but I don't think that's there. We're planning a very long trip.. a month or two anyway.. and would much rather take along my music collection (musician by profession) on a thumb drive than a whole case of CDs to juggle. For around town or short hops, the CD changer is great. Will probably end up having to bite the bullet and go w/ VAIS; haven't found anything else that does what theirs does.

 

[CloudCity]

Here’s a couple of pics from my install.
First two show the location between nav and stereo where I housed the unit.
Next two show location of clips which might be helpful to others when removing the facia.
Last image shows the Aux input's location where the cigarette lighter used to be.

 

[Jeff Thomas]

Here’s a couple of pics from my install.
First two show the location between nav and stereo where I housed the unit.
Next two show location of clips which might be helpful to others when removing the facia.
Last image shows the Aux input's location where the cigarette lighter used to be.

Hey CloudCity-- Thanks for the great pictures. I am going to tackle this one I think and I really like the simplicity of just ending up with an aux-in.

Now that you've had it in a few months, do you know if the CD changer still works? Also, did the kit actually come with that nice plastic surround around the aux-in that fit so well in the cigarette lighter's spot?

One more question-- what did you do with the wiring for the cigarette lighter? Just wrap it up with tape and park it back there?

Really clean install-- nicely done.