View Full Version : modifying the dash for aftermarket stereo
mspicela
01-20-2002, 23:08
I remember seeing some posts a while back with recommendation on the cheapest/best way to modify the dash for an aftermarket radio. Can you please post your suggestions?
There is a local stereo place that says they will do it, but they have a reputation for charging way to much. They charged $600 to make the speaker box on the floor for my sub.
Prepare to pay over a grand for the work! Easy.
You can upgrade the sound by swapping the amps and speakers while leaving the stock head unit. Not only is it easier not to deal with the dash, but you'll get more for your money.
Or, you can leave it stock, and you'll get even more for your money (by not spending any).
[This message has been edited by nsxtasy (edited 20 January 2002).]
mspicela
01-21-2002, 00:10
I've already upgraded just about everything. The only thing I have leaft is the head unit. I have a 6" screen and a DVD player in the truck but it sucks. I want a radio and and I want it to start were it left off when I turn the car off :-)
Ok, so anyone who HAS modified the dahs have recommendations? Looking back through the posts it look slike $500 seems average. Who should do it? A car stereo plce or a plasitics place?
Mike
I think you're going to find that anyone who actually replaced the dash unit spent a lot more money than that to do so, and that the number who have done that is VERY small (don't be surprised if you don't get many responses here). Of course, these two factors are related to each other.
While looking for my new car I spotted a 91 with an aftermarket stereo installed. It looked terrible. The DIN size chassis of the radio hangs out from the sides.
It looked like a kit of some sort.
Check it out here:
http://www.nwicars.com/images/cars/01-122aconsole.jpg
Nice cell phone too!
Another one w/ display panel-
http://www.erzcar.com/carpics/dsc00283.jpg
I would get the dash kit from Chris at SOS. It looks great, and you can get the HKS/GPS systems as well.
http://www.scienceofspeed.com/products/interior_performance_products/ScienceofSpeed_Navigation_System/
Chris is VERY helpful. Give him a call.
The SoS navigation system looks nice. How effective are the A/C vents though? They look so tiny!
mspicela
01-21-2002, 17:43
Can someone please posts of a GOOD installation :-) In particular, a double DIN install. I am looking at several options here. If I were to get an already cut or had someone cut a double din hole, how would I secure the units in? Has anyone already come up with a good solution.
Right now I am thinking about the double DIN hole Idea and gettin a CD/MP3 head unit with a graphic EQ below it just to look cool :-)
Thanks,
Michael
Chris@SoS
01-21-2002, 17:49
Hold off on cutting any dash parts for just a bit, trust me on this one ;-)
-- Chris
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http://www.scienceofspeed.com/global/images/SoS_logo.gif
http://www.NSXClassifieds.com - free NSX classifieds site!
Number 6
01-21-2002, 17:56
hey, but didn't that air freshener look cool in that one photo?
------------------
Kaye & Trish Riggs
1998 NSX-T
Red/Tan
No mods...
Originally posted by mspicela:
Can someone please posts of a GOOD installation :-) In particular, a double DIN install
This one is excellent IMO. Note also the disc slot in place of the cassette player.
http://community.webshots.com/storage/1/v2/2/32/34/23323234YUDVZjWQXZ_ph.jpg
http://community.webshots.com/storage/1/v1/2/32/77/23323277UyrOSuisda_ph.jpg
See thread at http://www.nsxsc.com/ubb/Forum17/HTML/000195.html
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Russ
'91 black/black
I think that looks terrible. Look at how that fabricated black filler piece directly under the CD slot doesn't match the surrounding carbon fibre of the rest of the dash. What in the world were they thinking?
[This message has been edited by nsxtasy (edited 22 January 2002).]
Originally posted by nsxtasy:
I think that looks terrible.
What impresses me is how artfully it is filled and blended, and how perfectly the head unit fits.
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Russ
'91 black/black
SigEpUCI
01-23-2002, 00:02
Originally posted by ScienceofSpeed:
Hold off on cutting any dash parts for just a bit, trust me on this one ;-)
-- Chris
WOOHOO! Music to my ears... Oh im soo excited!
Andrie Hartanto
01-23-2002, 00:34
My friend Craig did a pretty good job on a customer NSX. I'll have him post a picture soon.
He'll do it in a reasonable price as well.
Chris's (Science of Speed) nav system looks like it came that way from the factory - terrific looking installation. I can only hope what he's hinting at (apparently for an aftermarket stereo head unit of some sort) looks half as good as his nav system.
Hi guys my name is Craig Hardy. I have been a professional installer for the past 8 years. I fabricated this dash panel for a customer back in 1998 using fiberglass and resin then airbrushing the whole panel to match the factory titanium color. I charged him $500 which is reasonable for a 2 day job. If anyone is interested please give me an email at craigharde@hotmail.com. If I get enough responses I could definately drop the price. Here is a picture of the installation.
http://www.sromagazine.com/craig/nsxstereo.jpg
Thought I should add this, I could also take a mold of the first panel I do and from that mold produce complete dash panels out of fiberglass. This would allow you to swap out your factory dash panel without modifying it, I could also sell these panels for a fraction of the price of modifying your factory piece. Let me know if you guys are interested.
craigharde@hotmail.com
Craigh,
I am interested, please let me know if you decide to do this at:
jmarsjr@marscc.com
Thanks!
Andrie Hartanto
01-23-2002, 18:25
http://www.sromagazine.com/craig/nsxstereo.jpg
NSXnBRLA
01-23-2002, 19:07
Here's my install....
http://www.sportsnimports.com/images/cars/nsxtc2.jpg
[This message has been edited by NSXnBRLA (edited 23 January 2002).]
Originally posted by craigh:
Thought I should add this, I could also take a mold of the first panel I do and from that mold produce complete dash panels out of fiberglass.
Or carbon fiber
This would allow you to swap out your factory dash panel without modifying it, I could also sell these panels for a fraction of the price of modifying your factory piece.
For what the factory charges, you can probably make these in CF (not an overlay, but the actual panels themselves).
NSXnBRLA
01-23-2002, 19:10
http://www.sportsnimports.com/images/cars/nsxtc.jpg
grippgoat
01-23-2002, 19:44
I would be all over a full replacement console in fiberglass or carbon fiber for any price about $500 or less. If you need pre-orders, let me know.
It might even be nice to have an optional version that replaces the ash tray area with flat material, for the mounting of extra gauges, switches, whatever the heart desires.
-Mike
[This message has been edited by grippgoat (edited 23 January 2002).]
Mike, e-mail me- craigharde@hotmail.com, also I think deleting the ash tray as an option is a good idea and definitly possible as far as carbon fiber, it's a little harder to work with but it could be done.
Chris@SoS
02-01-2002, 21:28
Here is what I was refering to:
http://www.scienceofspeed.com/products/interior_performance_products/center_console_dash/
Cheers,
-- Chris
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http://www.scienceofspeed.com/global/images/SoS_logo.gif
http://www.NSXClassifieds.com - free NSX classifieds site!
Chris,
I like what you've done with those new pieces, but I can't tell how the climate control panel fits in with it. Is there a cutout for it (probably not) or does an installer have to figure that part out?
------------------
1995 NSX-T
1999 3.2TL
2001 Odyssey
1992 SC400
Will they be available without an ash tray?
Chris@SoS
02-02-2002, 00:29
The climate control area looks exactly as it does on the stock piece. The ashtray is retained, and a replacement carbon fiber ashtray will be available to match the trim if CFRP is ordered.
Hope to have some better photos of the production parts soon.
Cheers,
-- Chris
------------------
http://www.scienceofspeed.com/global/images/SoS_logo.gif
http://www.NSXClassifieds.com - free NSX classifieds site!
I am currently working on the mold for the replacement dash panel, it will first be offered with a single din cut-out w/ash tray, identical to the picture I previously posted. The kit will be shipped with a mounting bracket and will come painted to match the factory color. Also notice that the radio is mounted flush with the dash instead of top mounted, this gives it a cleaner, factory look. The kit should be ready to ship in a few weeks and is priced at $300. Please email me with any questions at craigharde@hotmail.com
Originally posted by grippgoat:
It might even be nice to have an optional version that replaces the ash tray area with flat material, for the mounting of extra gauges, switches, whatever the heart desires.
IIRC, Mark Basch (the Boost-meister) had an earlier offering along these lines. Replace ashtray with pre-cut gauge holes, extra power supply ports, etc. I can't seem to find the thread / notes on it.
This is my install. I used the factory cd changer mount and modified it to fit the dvd changer and got the dash custom molded for the pioneer tv. I am selling it if anyone is interested. check it out in market section. http://www.nsxprime.com/market/pioneer-xdv-p9dvd.jpg
http://www.nsxprime.com/market/pioneer-avm-p8000r-1.jpg
http://www.nsxprime.com/market/pioneer-avx-p7000cd.jpg
Here are some pictures of my progress. This is the plug for the mold. The mold should be ready in about a week. Unfortunately I had to make a change in the panel. Since every stereo manufactuer uses a slightly different sized face plate, it is impossible to make a universal panel that would flush mount all radios. The panel will be made with a full single din cut out which would surface mount the radio. I am working on a website that will allow you to purchase the panels online for $299. I will keep you posted.
thanks
http://www.streetracing.org/944/dash1.jpg
http://www.streetracing.org/944/dash2.jpg
http://www.streetracing.org/944/dash3.jpg
SpaSuperCharged98
03-05-2002, 14:36
I used to have a 94 NSX and replaced the stock unit with the top of the line Alpine as well as an Alpine EQ. I WILL NEVER REPLACE A STOCK STEREO AGAIN!! It looked good but just not worth the troubles. I spen 5K on the system and the problen with the NSX is BASS. I had a 7inch sub made behind the passanger seat (Killed 5 inches of leg room) and just not worth it. My 98 is STOCK and it sounds just fine!
Originally posted by Russ:
This one is excellent IMO. Note also the disc slot in place of the cassette player.
http://community.webshots.com/storage/1/v2/2/32/34/23323234YUDVZjWQXZ_ph.jpg
http://community.webshots.com/storage/1/v1/2/32/77/23323277UyrOSuisda_ph.jpg
See thread at http://www.nsxsc.com/ubb/Forum17/HTML/000195.html
Sounds like a poor installation to me, instead of mounting the sub behind the seat they should have removed the stock one located in the floor board and made a fiberglass enclosure to replace it. I have a 92' NSX at my shop, I am installing a 10" sub in the floorboard and it only takes up about 1" of extra leg room. Also a lot of NSX owners have a problem with the factory bose amps failing, as well as poor radio reception. In this case it makes sense to upgrade the system instead of paying big money to replace it with factory parts. Just my opinion.
How much are you charging for the sub box? Also do you have any pics of the install. I hear it takes a lot of room when you put in a 10. But would like to see how you did it. Thanks.
here are my pics of my install. http://www.nsxprime.com/market/pioneer-xdv-p9dvd.jpg http://www.nsxprime.com/market/pioneer-avm-p8000r-1.jpg
The car thats in Craig's shop, is my car. The sub enclosure came out beautiful, and we used a special 10" sub made by Illusion Audio.
The difference between it and conventional subs, is that they use a high powered micro-magnet, that is mounted on the front of the speaker, instead of the rear. This allows for a shallower mounting depth, without sacraficing sound quality.
Of course with all "special" speakers, comes a special price.. but thats to be expected when you don't want to give up floor space.
I will post pictures of it as soon as its all done, including the enclosure with no speaker.
Just hang tight http://www.nsxprime.com/ubb/smile.gif it'll all be available for you to see within the next week.
-B
Heres some more pictures of my progress on the replacement panel. The mold is finally finished. The picture shows the first layer of gelcoat and one layer of fiberglass.
After four more layers the panel will be popped from the mold, trimmed, painted and ready to ship.
Each panel takes about 3 days to produce. Email me at craigharde@hotmail.com if you want to be put on a waiting list. As mentioned before the cost will be $299 plus shipping.
<img src=http://www.streetracing.org/craig/mold.jpg>
Well here is the first panel, I haven't had time to set up a website yet but if anyone is interested in purchasing a panel you can email me at craigharde@hotmail.com.
As you may know Dali racing is also offering a very nice panel, the difference between theirs and mine(besides being carbon fiber) is my panel comes with all the openings cut out for you, also the Dali racing panel not only has no cutout for the climate controls but it also does not have the rounded over edge that surrounds the opening, if you were to cut this area out to access your climate controls you would be left with a 1/4 inch gap all the way around. Also the ashtray, shift boot and coin tray are all mounted to the panel from behind, my panel has all of the mounting brackets molded on the back side. Don't get me wrong, Dali Racing is offering a very nice product but I think it is geared more towards racing rather than stereo replacement.
I have had a lot of people ask me about making a blank panel so that they can install a double din head unit, if I have enough interest I may consider it but there are a few things you should know if you are thinking of going this route. First you will have to lose your ashtray, the main problem with this is your cigarete lighter as well as your climate conrol sensor are both mounted to the ash tray housing. You will also have to modify the metal brackets that support the center console. This is why I chose to go with a single DIN opening.
<center>
http://www.sromagazine.com/craigs/dsc06733.jpg
<a href="http://www.sromagazine.com/craigs/gallery.php" target="new"><font size=+2>Click here for more pictures</font></a>
</center>
[This message has been edited by craigh (edited 22 April 2002).]
If you want to purchase online you can do so at http://www.sromagazine.com/nsx
I am glad to see some real interest in this finally. I have been desperately looking for a reasonably priced dash panel but would like to see a double din (with filleted) edges in order to mount an in dash monitor (not a fold out unit). This would be of definate interest.
I'm starting to build a mold with no cutout, I am also deleting the ash tray and coin tray. This panel should be good for those of you that want to install a double din head unit,gauges,etc. Everything else will be just like the factory piece, and it will still retain the climate control sensor as well as mounting brackets for the shift boot. feel free to email me with any questions craigharde@hotmail.com
[This message has been edited by craigh (edited 26 April 2002).]
nsxlover
04-26-2002, 09:47
I just bought one and can't wait to get it in a few weeks.
Any updates on this??
Also, did SoS discontinue their product ??
I ordered a dash panel from Craig and had a local guy do the install.
It came out awesome, I will post pictures soon.
nsxxtreme
05-29-2002, 20:03
Originally posted by cojones:
Any updates on this??
Also, did SoS discontinue their product ??
If he didn't he should. The price he was asking was rather expensive, and it came unpainted.
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