Upgrading 2004 DVD-Navigvation system

[shrout1]

All,Brand new to GenVibe! I've visited the forums in the past but only lurked; lotsa good stuff on here!I am going to be upgrading my in-dash nav system (w/ 6 cd changer) to, most likely, this:http://www.amazon.com/JVC-KD-A...r=8-1I've been back and forth with crutchfield, but I don't think they are going to give me the advice I really need to do this install correctly. I am a total n00b.I have some questions:1. Do I need to get a chime-retaining wiring harness? I used the Axxess GMRC-01 Class II GM Chime Retention Interface in my girlfriend's cavalier, though I had an auto shop do the install.http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ...oductBecause the Vibe is really a Matrix does it use the system speakers? I guess I need to stick my ears next to the speakers to find out... Was hoping someone here might know.2. Can I retain the use of the 6 cd changer that sits beneath the passenger side seat? Another topic referenced this, but the answer was rather vague. Even if it is expensive, can it be done? I don't know that a JVC head unit could successfully interface with the disc changer, but I am curious.3. What kind of sockets do I need to get the head unit out? I have never removed a head unit from any vehicle before in my life. I am sure that I can do the upgrade, but advice would be appreciated. Any advice on the removal/installation process for the 2004 vibe? I skimmed the archives here but didn't find any detailed topics. If someone could point me to one I would be greatly appreciative.4. If I use a single-din unit like this JVC El Kameleon, what kind of adapter should I get to fill the double-din hole in the dash? The adapter that was slapped into my girlfriend's cavalier only stopped rattling when we wedged a Chipotle napkin into the gap between the dash.5. What is the best method to get my aux audio and USB plugs through the dashboard? Cutting a hole in the back of the double-din adapter? An air vent? What is the easiest, most non-intrusive way to do that? Anyone have any advice?6. Where can I get a rock-solid chart/diagram for the wiring of my speakers and cables that go into the back of the factory unit so that I can adapt everything into the back of the new head unit?7. Last but not least, what kind of crimp tools or any other tools are needed for the install - anything not as obvious as a socket wrench.

[Wolfman213]

3. 10 mm socket. The top are straight forward, the bottom two need a 3" attachment4. The install kit that Crutchfield provide has worked excellent for me. I haven't had any rattles.5. My head unit has a rear USB cable. I simply run it down to the cubby below the shifter. Since everything is relatively open behind there, it was very simple to do.7. Depends on how you are connecting the wiring harnesses together. You could solder the connections, use wire nuts, or just electrical tape. To each his/her own on method of connections, but soldering would be the best method. Just make sure you either use heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to cover the soldered connections.

[shrout1]

Ok - my install is done now I wanted to put some super, super noob tips up - this was the first time I'd ever installed, so I figure it might be handy to someone in my position next time.1. The factory brackets on the factory unit stay on the unit; don't try to adapt them to the new head unit. 2. Get a double din adapter kit from Crutchfield or somewhere. Chances are you are going to have to cut the adapter kit to shape. It comes with a lot of attachment options (unneeded mounting points in the mold) and you don't need all of them. Use a pair of pliers to snap off the ones you don't need and cut any bars out from the front of the kit if there is plastic running down the middle of the opening (across the front of your new stereo display).3. Good luck finding the parking brake wiring harness! I didn't I ended up getting a 12v relay and using it to bypass the parking brake sensor so that the unit plays video. (It's a pioneer AVH-3200BT) The install was rather simple, just remember, it's still illegal in most states to watch a movie while you are driving. And, really, watching Jurassic Park while doing 70, and texting, is not a good idea. (In any state, really )4. You may need to get some extra copper wire - you can buy some, or just hack apart an old AC power adapter for a computer accessory USB 1.1 hub anyone? Worked great for running extra ground wire.5. Zip ties are handy coil your extra cable length and put it back into the dash6. Routing a handsfree mic cable is easily done by pushing the cable into the weather stripping along the driver's side windshield pillar. You can drop the jack connector into the gap between the dash and the windshield. Reach back through and pull it out the front. I also found that you could push the cable down through the seam between the pillar and the dash, making it disappear almost completely. I then clipped the mic to the sun visor and zip-tied the cable to the hinge where the sun visor is attached. Also, at the top of the pillar between the plastic and the headliner there is a slight gap that the mic cable can be fit into.Hope this helps someone else in the future!