Scion Radio Installation Question (1 Viewer)

[valiant1974]

Hello all. I own a 1994 FJ80. This is my first post as a member.

I have been following the threads on the Scion radios. I was really excited to see all the members swapping their factory radios for the Scion radios. I also own a 2005 xB, so I now how nice these radios are.

I just purchased a 2007 Scion radio off eBay and am planning on installing it in my 1994 FJ80. I know I need to find the "hidden" grey plug and that I need to disconnect the factory amp located behind the glove compartment. What I don't know is how to remove the black plastic bezel around the radio. I have seen threads with instructions for the 1995-1997 80's, however the dash in the 1991-1994 80's is different. The bezel extends over the steering column in my 80.

Can someone please provide some instructions? I am sure I saw some threads with people that swapped radios in their 1994 FJ80's. Thanks.

 

[Thermodyn]

Sorry, I can't help you, but...

Welcome to MUD!

 

[zcruiser]

No explicit instructions, but just start removing screws and disconnecting connectors, etc. I have partially removed the right side of my dash to get at some loose connectors but have never had it all the way off. It's not incredibly difficult, just tedious and you gotta keep track of all the clips and screws.

 

[valiant1974]

Thanks for the replies.

Last night I installed the Scion head unit and my P.I.E. auxillary adapter for iPod/mp3 player. It took me hours and I'm still not finished. Although the Scion head unit does sound 100% better, the fact that I have to trim the opening of the dash panel is a deal breaker in my opinion. To make matters worse, I realized this morning that my ECT wiring got pushed behind my head unit which means I will have to pull it again. Aarghh!

If I could do it all over again, I would have purchased an aftermarket unit with an aux. input. The hassle and frustration involved in getting one of these Scion units hooked up and to fit through the 80 dash opening is not worth it in my opinion.

On a lighter note, I am currently rocking my 80 with no dash panel, exposed wiring, etc.! No air conditioning or dash functionality is very utilitarian.

 

[slinger5150]

There's only 4 screws holding the radio in and 4 screws holding the trim panel for the whole radio/heater/accessory trim panel. Shouldn't take that long. Once you've figured out where they hide the screws (i.e. behind ash tray and behind cubby above radio) its a 45 second deal.

I went with aftermarket so I could use auxillary input for MP3 player. Metra makes an adapter plug for behind the deck to convert the speaker wires to RCA so they plug into the RCA outputs of the aftermarket deck. The only extra wire I had to tag was the Illumination wire so my radio dims when I turn on the headlights.

 

[Lockd97]

Thanks for the replies.

Although the Scion head unit does sound 100% better, the fact that I have to trim the opening of the dash panel is a deal breaker in my opinion.

If I could do it all over again, I would have purchased an aftermarket unit with an aux. input. The hassle and frustration involved in getting one of these Scion units hooked up and to fit through the 80 dash opening is not worth it in my opinion.

On mine I just trimed the radio bezzel and not the dash. The face of the radio comes off easily.
BTW which model did you get? (T1807)?

 

[crholliday]

On mine I just trimed the radio bezzel and not the dash. The face of the radio comes off easily.
BTW which model did you get? (T1807)?

There is a difference in the opening size on your 97 and the 94. I had to trim the bezel and the dash and I over-trimmed. It didn't take me hours as I followed some pretty detailed instructions. A new dash cover appears to be less than $100 if you know the right people :: cough :: Dan :: cough ::. So I am going to order a new one and retrim the opening which I think will look close to perfect when I finish.

I also have the 2007 T1807 and am very pleased with the sound and the ability to play MP3/WMA.

 

[speyrod]

What are the differneces between the various Scion HU's and years?

 

[valiant1974]

I got the T1807. It sounds great and the P.I.E. auxillary input allows me to plug in my iPod, which is the real reason I chose to do this mod.

I have the Scion 6CD changer in my 2005 xB with a Blitzsafe iPod input. Both units sound the same. Scion offered the "iPod integrated" head units for the first time in 2006. I believe they dropped the CD changer. The T1807 is single disk and not an iPod integrated unit. I saw some threads on here where someone had the iPod integrated head units installed in his 80.

Thanks for the info, crholliday. I wish I had known the dash opening on the 1991 - 1994 differed from the 1995 - 1997 dash openings. I trimmed both the dash and the head unit. I, too, am unhappy with how it looks. Funny, I just ordered a replacement dash panel myself tonight. The Toyota model number appears to be: 55412-60010. I ordered a used one from Specter for $50.00.

 

[crholliday]

valiant, lets see pictures when you are done. I'll post some "what not to do" pics this weekend to give folks a reference for when to stop cutting.

For those following, a *new* dash panel is around $80 from CDan when you can find a used one.

C.

 

[IdahoDoug]

So, any pics on this install? I've got a Scion radio sitting on the counter as of a few hours ago...destined for the '93.

DougM

 

[valiant1974]

I just finished my installation last night. I ended up pulling the Scion/Pioneer head unit and installing a JVC KWXC-410. The JVC is double-DIN, black, and very OEM looking. It can be seen here: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-r1V7GhqWurI/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?search=JVC+KWXC410&i=257KWXC410

I had been waiting on a replacement dash panel from Specter Off Road and the head unit. (I cut my original dash panel with a Dremmel trying to make the Scion head unit fit and was unhappy with the end result).

I am very happy with this installation, fit and look. I can post pictures in a few days if anyone is interested...

 

[chibo]

What are the differneces between the various Scion HU's and years?

T1804

Base Unit
Not IPod Compatible

T1805
Premium model
Six Disc Changer
Not IPod compatible

T1806

Premium model
IPod compatible

T1807

Regular model
Not IPod compatible

T1808

Premium model
IPod compatible

T1809

XB only Premium model
IPod compatible

Can't find pictures of all of them... but all Scion headunits are satellite ready and will play burned MP3 cds.

 

[theferg]

So where would one physically find the model number on the unit? I'm trying to have a guy tell me the model number and I was gonna tell him where to find it....

-Ferg-

 

[Rookie2]

So where would one physically find the model number on the unit? I'm trying to have a guy tell me the model number and I was gonna tell him where to find it....

-Ferg-

Looks like it's on the front side... bottom right. See pictures above.


Rookie2

 

[theferg]

Looks like it's on the front side... bottom right. See pictures above.


Rookie2

Oh s***. I really do need to get glasses...and apparently I should get them without delay...

-Ferg-

 

[chibo]

I'm looking to upgrade to a 1806... I saw one at work today and they change pretty colors

 

[theferg]

Anyone know if the T1808s have the feature to change background light colors?

-Ferg-

 

[chibo]

Anyone know if the T1808s have the feature to change background light colors?

-Ferg-

No, they don't. They do, however, allow you to download little animated 'screensavers' from Pioneer and upload them to the radio.

 

[bugsnbikes]

is the 1808 smaller than the earlier ones?