Dan's double DIN carbon trimmed center console update

[ScienceofSpeed]

We recently updated Dan's center console using the new Pioneer F700 double DIN touchscreen head unit with navigation. In the process, we made a new part - a carbon fiber trim for double DIN stereos.

We also had the opportunity to test a harness to allow the aftermarket Pioneer unit to work with Dan's factory stereo system, which he did now want to modify at this time.

Here's a walk through with the parts that were used.

The Pioneer F700BT is part of Pioneer's new line up of touch screen navigation units. The system works really nice - and for a street price of $600, really can't be beat.

We've introduced a couple new products recently to made double DIN installs a snap that made this installation quite easy. Before, you had to have custom made brackets fabricated, factory center consoles cut up by stereo shops, and other work done to produce similar results. Now, these parts make installation simple enough for nearly any customer to handle with common tools if interested.

1. We started off by removing the existing stereo and center console. Using the new ScienceofSpeed Stereo Bracket kit, we installed the head unit into the dash. This head unit is fairly tall, so we notched two areas in the hard foam shown below to get the proper angle of the head unit.

2. Next, we used our aftermarket head unit - factory stereo system harness adaptor to feed the low level outputs of the stereo into the factory stereo system. With this harness, there is no need to cut the factory electrical harness, which is a big plus.

3. Next, using the machined cut we make into the Downforce center console, we designed a new center console trim for the double DIN stereo. This trim piece is now available separately, or you can purchase the entire interior trim kit if you don't already have it installed into your car. We installed this trim piece directly to the Downforce center console that was pre-cut for the double DIN stereo. The center console was first primed and painted in a satin black to best match the rest of the car.

We checked fitment before installing the rest of the dash components.

The results were great - and definitely gives the car an updated modern appearance. During the installation we also installed Pioneer's XM unit as well as their iPod interface (which is compatible with Dan's iPhone at the same time). The Pioneer unit is as simple as possible with a very user friendly user interface. In a couple minutes, we were up and running with the iPhone paired via Bluetooth for incoming and outgoing hands-free dialing along with the stereo playing music on the iPhone while showing accurate GPS-tracked navigation.

parts used:
1. Pioneer F700BT
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVIC-...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1223941431&sr=8-1
2. Pioneer iPod interface
3. Pioneer XM receiever
4. ScienceofSpeed Stereo Bracket Kit
http://www.scienceofspeed.com/produ...oducts/NSX/ScienceofSpeed/stereo_bracket_kit/
5. ScienceofSpeed aftermarket head unit - factory stereo harness
http://www.scienceofspeed.com/produ...d/ProFormance_Audiophile/stereo_wire_harness/
6. Downforce Center Console w/ double DIN pre-cut
http://www.scienceofspeed.com/products/interior_performance_products/NSX/Downforce/center_console/
7. ScienceofSpeed Center Console Trim (for double DIN stereos)
http://www.scienceofspeed.com/produ...ts/NSX/ScienceofSpeed/CF_center_console_trim/


Cheers,
-- Chris

 

[Deltron Zero]

Great work Chris! I love this new look. So clean.

I really like the AVIC so far too. I've seen a lot of people bashing the new AVICs, but for how inexpensive this unit is you really can't complain about much. After the firmware update the only issue I see is the initial load time. This really isn't a problem for me because the music begins playing immediately while it is loading, and I'm never in a hurry to start flipping through stations right away anyway.

 

[ediddynsx]

I have to agree with that this is probably the cleanest set up I have seen to wanting to keep as much of the oem console look as possible. I wanted something like this to come out a while ago that kept everything else in place.

 

[lunchman]

Looks great! Very clean looking install, especially with the CF surround. A couple of questions:

- In the other double DIN thread, there's mention that some of these units required trimming the top of the ashtray door to allow it to properly open. Was this the case with this Pioneer unit?

- Is there a problem with glare on the screen due to the angle it sits at (i.e., flush) in the console?

- Where does the iPod end of the iPod connector cable come out? Somewhere buried in the center console?

 

[Doraemon]

Looks great! Very clean looking install, especially with the CF surround. A couple of questions:

- In the other double DIN thread, there's mention that some of these units required trimming the top of the ashtray door to allow it to properly open. Was this the case with this Pioneer unit?

- Is there a problem with glare on the screen due to the angle it sits at (i.e., flush) in the console?

- Where does the iPod end of the iPod connector cable come out? Somewhere buried in the center console?

Also, I have one more question, will the stock CD Changer work with the new setup?

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

Looks great! Very clean looking install, especially with the CF surround. A couple of questions:

- In the other double DIN thread, there's mention that some of these units required trimming the top of the ashtray door to allow it to properly open. Was this the case with this Pioneer unit?

- Is there a problem with glare on the screen due to the angle it sits at (i.e., flush) in the console?

- Where does the iPod end of the iPod connector cable come out? Somewhere buried in the center console?

Dan can give you some better user feedback, but I'll provide some answers as well.

1. I completely removed the ash tray lid door assembly leaving only the inner cover on and could not get even this piece to clear the bottom of the head unit. This head unit is pushed up all the way possibly against the top dash bracket (which you can see in the photo above). This isn't something specific to the Pioneer unit - in fact it's fairly shorter than other units.

No double DIN unit will fit into the dash and still allow full functionality of the ash tray with out signficantly modifying the dash (note the photo above showing the deck pushed all the way up to the top bracket) or significantly modifying the ash tray assembly door.

2. I drove the car around only around the block, so Dan would be better to comment on this - however, my notes were that the unit is much brighter than prior double DIN navs I have used. Glare was only a problem if the sun is directly above the car - and even then, it was still useable. It didn't bother me that much and didn't prevent my deciding to put this into my own car.

3. We placed into into the center glove box. Since you don't use the iPod or iPhone while it's connected (full control is on the head unit) - it seemed to make the most sense. The cable is fairly long though so your mounting possibilities are very open.

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

Also, I have one more question, will the stock CD Changer work with the new setup?

The stock CD changer is an Alpine unit that is not compatible with the Pioneer head unit. An Alpine deck may be compatible with the stock changer with a MBUS adaptor. However, honestly, the new CD changers are so much faster, shock resistant, and cheaper than the stock unit - it would be a logical upgrade to me. This can be completely eliminated otherwise with a cheap iPod that is going to hold 100x the music with text display of the song on the head unit for $100-200.

Cheers,
-- Chris

 

[Deltron Zero]

- In the other double DIN thread, there's mention that some of these units required trimming the top of the ashtray door to allow it to properly open. Was this the case with this Pioneer unit?

I don't think I've used my ashtray once in almost 5 years of ownership.

- Is there a problem with glare on the screen due to the angle it sits at (i.e., flush) in the console?

Looks great in sunny AZ. Like Chris said, only when the sun is shining from directly above does the glare get somewhat annoying.

Also, I have one more question, will the stock CD Changer work with the new setup?

What is this CD you speak of? JK. If you don't want to go the ipod route you can get a 2GB SD card for $10 and load a ton of music onto it.

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

That is this CD you speak of? JK. If you don't want to go the ipod route you can get a 2GB SD card for $10 and load a ton of music onto it.

Thanks for the feedback Dan. Have you tried this in the unit? I would curious if this would work, but didn't know if the SD slot could be used as a music source as well. If that is the case, I'm impressed.

-- Chris

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

I have to agree with that this is probably the cleanest set up I have seen to wanting to keep as much of the oem console look as possible. I wanted something like this to come out a while ago that kept everything else in place.

Keep in mind as well that this can also be done with out the carbon fiber trim if you want a really stock looking install.

Cheers,
-- Chris

 

[Deltron Zero]

Thanks for the feedback Dan. Have you tried this in the unit? I would curious if this would work, but didn't know if the SD slot could be used as a music source as well. If that is the case, I'm impressed.

-- Chris

Yup. It plays MP3, WMA and MPEG-4 files.

Another thing to note. The map file is not stored on an SD card. It's built into the unit's internal flash memory. I didn't know this until yesterday.

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

Yup. It plays MP3, WMA and MPEG-4 files.

Another thing to note. The map file is not stored on an SD card. It's built into the unit's internal flash memory. I didn't know this until yesterday.

That's nice. I guess this underlines your point of a CD changer being obsolete when you can store 500+ songs on a single SD card.

 

[ediddynsx]

Keep in mind as well that this can also be done with out the carbon fiber trim if you want a really stock looking install.

Cheers,
-- Chris

I have the carbon layovers and rings from you guys and my center console already has the carbon layovers also including the window switches trim.

So if I do get this, I plan on getting the carbon twill layovers for the console.......dang.....I been trying to be good about not buying anything for the car.....plus I have parts that are just lying around.......errr......

Do you plan to make any center consoles out of real carbon fiber?

I am guessing with everything its going to cost about $1100 or so with installation and the pioneer.

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

Do you plan to make any center consoles out of real carbon fiber?

The center console trim is real carbon fiber. If you're asking for a complete replacement, then we do not have anything. The center console is a fairly complex part to have the carbon weave fit right and to not have any distortion or fitment problems. We've prefered to take the OEM approach used by Honda, BMW, and others, which places carbon trim over molded plastic interior pieces since they fit right each and every time.

Cheers,
-- Chris

 

[Doraemon]

Dan can give you some better user feedback, but I'll provide some answers as well.

1. I completely removed the ash tray lid door assembly leaving only the inner cover on and could not get even this piece to clear the bottom of the head unit. This head unit is pushed up all the way possibly against the top dash bracket (which you can see in the photo above). This isn't something specific to the Pioneer unit - in fact it's fairly shorter than other units.

No double DIN unit will fit into the dash and still allow full functionality of the ash tray with out signficantly modifying the dash (note the photo above showing the deck pushed all the way up to the top bracket) or significantly modifying the ash tray assembly door.

2. I drove the car around only around the block, so Dan would be better to comment on this - however, my notes were that the unit is much brighter than prior double DIN navs I have used. Glare was only a problem if the sun is directly above the car - and even then, it was still useable. It didn't bother me that much and didn't prevent my deciding to put this into my own car.

3. We placed into into the center glove box. Since you don't use the iPod or iPhone while it's connected (full control is on the head unit) - it seemed to make the most sense. The cable is fairly long though so your mounting possibilities are very open.

Hi Chris,

Can this be possible? First, please excuse the poor quality of the picture. I just used yours/Dan's and modified it. Anyway, I was wondering, if you can pre-make the center console to accommodate this? Also, can the lighter socket be extended to this location? Lastly, if the two buttons looks kind of empty, can a tire-pressure monitor be inserted in between the buttons? Please let me know. I really think this is what I want for my mod... (thank you for answering all my questions!!):tongue:

Regards,

Steven


P.S. One last thing... Will either the F90BT or the F900BT be the same fit as the F700BT?

 

[ediddynsx]

The center console trim is real carbon fiber. If you're asking for a complete replacement, then we do not have anything. The center console is a fairly complex part to have the carbon weave fit right and to not have any distortion or fitment problems. We've prefered to take the OEM approach used by Honda, BMW, and others, which places carbon trim over molded plastic interior pieces since they fit right each and every time.

Cheers,
-- Chris

Yes I meant complete replacement...thank you. Its ok I wouldnt mind doing it that way anyways.

 

[NMYMIRR]

Chris, that is a really nice and clean setup. I have a question about the carbon fiber trimmed pieces. I'm interested only in the air vent and clock CF trim pieces. Can I buy only these pieces separately or do I have to buy the entire kit?

 

[GUNDAN323]

Hi Chris and Dan,

It was great meeting you last Wednesday Chris and accommodating my after hours visit.

I had a question about the Pioneer F700BT with iPhone set up.

• When you have your iPhone plugged in and playing music, if a incoming call occurs, does your iPhone recognize and allows you to answer the phone call via Bluetooth?
• Does it pause/mute the music while your on the call?
• Does it resume/unmute playing music when the call has ended?

BTW, I would be interested in Doraemon's Push Button and 12V Power Point set up in place of the ash tray if possible.


Thanks,
Dan

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

Hi Chris,

Can this be possible? First, please excuse the poor quality of the picture. I just used yours/Dan's and modified it. Anyway, I was wondering, if you can pre-make the center console to accommodate this? Also, can the lighter socket be extended to this location? Lastly, if the two buttons looks kind of empty, can a tire-pressure monitor be inserted in between the buttons? Please let me know. I really think this is what I want for my mod... (thank you for answering all my questions!!):tongue:

Regards,

Steven


P.S. One last thing... Will either the F90BT or the F900BT be the same fit as the F700BT?

1. Yes, this could be done, however, we do not have a Downforce console that is ash tray delete for now. It may be available down the road. The carbon trim can be custom made to your spec - which is really nice in that they are laser cut for perfect fitment.

2. The F900 & F90 adds DVD playback. However, those units still have the gloss black finish (I prefer the matte finish of the F700).

Hope that helps,
-- Chris

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

Chris, that is a really nice and clean setup. I have a question about the carbon fiber trimmed pieces. I'm interested only in the air vent and clock CF trim pieces. Can I buy only these pieces separately or do I have to buy the entire kit?

Yes, we can sell just those parts if you prefer.

Cheers,
-- Chris

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

Hi Chris and Dan,

It was great meeting you last Wednesday Chris and accommodating my after hours visit.

I had a question about the Pioneer F700BT with iPhone set up.

• When you have your iPhone plugged in and playing music, if a incoming call occurs, does your iPhone recognize and allows you to answer the phone call via Bluetooth?
• Does it pause/mute the music while your on the call?
• Does it resume/unmute playing music when the call has ended?

BTW, I would be interested in Doraemon's Push Button and 12V Power Point set up in place of the ash tray if possible.


Thanks,
Dan

hi Dan --

It was nice meeting you as well. You'll have to let me know when you're in town again for a longer time.

The unit does transfer audio to the Bluetooth when there is an incoming call. I do not know if it pauses the music however (I assume it would since the iPhone does this). That would be a good question for Dan

Cheers,
-- Chris

 

[Deltron Zero]

I had a question about the Pioneer F700BT with iPhone set up.

• When you have your iPhone plugged in and playing music, if a incoming call occurs, does your iPhone recognize and allows you to answer the phone call via Bluetooth?
• Does it pause/mute the music while your on the call?
• Does it resume/unmute playing music when the call has ended?

Yes, yes and yes. You can also set it up to auto answer or auto reject all calls.

 

[spider2k]

which iphone are you using? our display f700 wont recognize the 3g(mine and a customers) to play music.

the 90 adds :

msn direct
dvd playback
4 volt pre amp outputs
glossy black finish
2 year warranty
INCLUDES ipod cable(not separate)

 

[Deltron Zero]

which iphone are you using? our display f700 wont recognize the 3g(mine and a customers) to play music.

Very interesting. I've got a non-3G iPhone.

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

It works with my 3G.

Once the iPhone / iPod is connected, it should show up as an audio source. You then need to separately go into the audio setup screen and set audio source 1 to the iPhone. You only need to do this once on setup (or any time you disconnect the battery).

Cheers,
-- Chris