Stock Stereo Hardwire Upgrade (3 Viewers)

[mjulaw]

Just picked up a very clean '96 LX450 with low miles. I already have one (DD for 15 years) sitting at my mechanic's, so getting behind the wheel feels like coming home

Anyway, these models have a great stock stereo with good sound. I'm not trying to be heard down the block and I much prefer the clean look of stock.

At this point, I'm not considering an aftermarket stereo. There's a Sony I like that I actually installed in another car and it's great. But if I move on from stock, that would be a different post.

I also am not interested in a bluetooth that plugs into the cigarette lighter. Been there, done that, in the other one. Also not interested in the cassette thing with a cord coming out of it (see below).

So my very narrow question is this:

Has anyone pulled the head unit and installed a USB to run an AUX cord directly from the head unit. For example the tape function (which doesn't work anyway) seems to this layman with minimal electronics skills would seem to be a possibility to hardwire a USB / AUX setup.

I have an 07 Mercedes that had an 'ipod' cord attached to the stereo and I love it, because it's the best of both worlds, stock look with music from my phone.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Marvelicious]

I'm not sure how easy I can make it, since I don't have an LX, but... I assume a CD changer was an option for this system? If so, a low level input for the changer is part of the factory harness, but you may need to do some homework to find it. My Tundra has what I assume to be a similar deck: CD/Tape, and a changer was optional. I have an "Amazon special" bluetooth interface wired to the changer input, so I can play from my phone... This isn't one of those "tune to radio channel xxxx options, it's hardwired.

The factory stereos from a few years later started getting AUX inputs and not much later Bluetooth. I wound up adapting a ~2015 Scion deck into my 80 series and it literally plugged into the factory harness, though making the oversized screen fit the dash took a little finesse. I have heard rumors that some of the wiring on the Lexus version might be different, but I'd be surprised if the differences were very numerous.

Anyway, I've probably given you more questions than answers, but maybe it'll help some.

 

[mjulaw]

yea, it has a cd changer but no dedicated cd slot. i'd rather not give up on cd's altogether (i'm sure everyone of a certain age has a ton of them ha) but then again it may end up being my only option. thanks for the info!

 

[Malleus]

Yes, you can the use the audio input from either the tape or CD section to power a USB/Aux output. Search for it; someone's memorialized it already so you don't have to figure it out...or, you can ask @Engineer8000 if he's interested in doing it for you. I'm sure his 40 isn't taking up all his time

 

[mjulaw]

Ok, I tried a search before posting but it probably wasn't narrow enough. Will try again. Thanks!

 

[Malleus]

Try a generic Google search; this isn't a Land Cruiser problem.