GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Just pulled the factory radio out and put in a new head unit. I took a few pics of the install, and hope to get them uploaded also when I get a little more time. It is probably the easiest head unit install I've done (and I've done a few). The mounting kit is the Metra, and it does have a nice, clean appearance.See ya,Carl[Modified by cohocarl, 12:42 AM 9/1/2002][Modified by cohocarl, 12:42 AM 9/1/2002]

that looks sweet, the face plate color goes real good with the dash color

Is that a small storage compartment right below the head unit? Part of the faceplate itself?

quote:Is that a small storage compartment right below the head unit? Part of the faceplate itself?Yes, there's a storage pocket below the radio, which is part of the metra radio mount. It's not quite as deep as the stereo, but it's fairly good size.

Does that silver-metallic piece around the head unit (which covers the one air vent, A/C button, etc.) come out easily? What is the process to remove that?BTW, it looks great!
[Modified by NSimkins, 8:54 PM 8/31/2002]

Did u also install subwoofers??

quote:Does that silver-metallic piece around the head unit (which covers the one air vent, A/C button, etc.) come out easily? What is the process to remove that?The bezel comes off very easy, but I don't know if I can describe it very well. First, I pulled out the bottom of the bezel about 1/2", then the top will pull out (with a little persuasion & wiggling) the same amount until the clips (circled on left in 2nd pic below) come out of the dash, and the two "hooks" on the top/back of the bezel (seen in 2nd pic below circled at top) reach the main dash. Then I rotated the bezel bottom upward, while pulling straight towards you until the top "hooks" clear the dash. Then I removed the three connections (circled on top in 3rd pic) and swung the bezel down to the left. I left the wire connection on the left attached, along with the stiff, round cable (not quite sure what it is). I put my shifter down in 2nd to make more room. This made enough room to get at the four 10mm bolts that hold in the head unit, and it out. They don't give alot of wire lengh other than barely enough room to get your hand behind the unit to remove the wire & antenna connectors. The antenna connection is a newer GM style plug that I was not familiar with, which is smaller than the standard antenna jack, so I had to pick up an adapter at a local car stereo place. I usually splice into the original wiring on vehicles I put stereos in, but this time I picked up the Metra wiring harness. This made it 100% easier (and I did all the wiring, soldering, and taping on my patio, instead of deep inside the dash of a hot car) and I can simply unplug if I put the original stereo back in. quote:BTW, it looks great! Thanks.I don't plan on any subwoofers. I have a pair of Cerwin-Vega 6.5" coaxials for the front doors, and a pair of Crystal 6.5" coaxials for the rear doors, but I haven't had time to put them in yet. I'll see how the head unit powers the speakers before I spend alot of money on an amp. I'm not too concerned about making everything rattle with a sub, but I do like it clear & loud! I'll try and take some better pics when I do the speaker install in the doors and maybe make a "how to" web page for the head unit, speakers, and trailer hitch I have to put on also. Later,Carl

Wow! Thanks for those pics and the info! You definately put some good work into the removal and installation. Kudos! I look forward to seeing the other pics and steps you take when you do the speaker install.Side note: mu_ohio stated "The antenna actually has a small amplifier on it for reception. I guess that the factory head unit does not have one built in. I actually confirmed this with a few installers white papers at both Besty Buy and Circuit City." This may be the cause for the abnormal antenna connector?
[Modified by NSimkins, 10:22 PM 8/31/2002]

quote:Side note: mu_ohio stated "The antenna actually has a small amplifier on it for reception. I guess that the factory head unit does not have one built in. I actually confirmed this with a few installers white papers at both Besty Buy and Circuit City." This may be the cause for the abnormal antenna connector?I read somewhere else also that you have to do something with the power lead to the antenna amplifier. I don't know if the original head unit sends pwr to it, or how it works. The new stereo seems to pull stations in fine, but I can't say it's spectacular reception. If anyone has any info on the antenna amp, please post it.Thanks

I didn't do anything when I installed my new head unit when referring to the antenna. The reception is good enough for me so I really did persue it any further. I guess though that you can splice into the black wire next to the antenna and run it to a switching 12v connection like the remote turn on.

Hey I like just got a new head unit too, im gonna post some pics soon so dont worry... the silver face comes out a little too easy dont u think, i just tore it out.. anyway, u know that 3rd dead button under the ac and recirclate buttons, i can figure out what thats for and why theres a cable plugged into the back of it... it doesnt do anything.If u know, please post

quote:u know that 3rd dead button under the ac and recirclate buttons, i can figure out what thats for and why theres a cable plugged into the back of it... it doesnt do anything.If u know, please postI unhooked it, but put it back on and left it. I have no idea what this would be for. The cable is about the size of antenna coax, but it's much stiffer. The connector at the end is just a white, beveled plastic piece with some grease on it. I'm assuming it's something important so I put it back on and tried not to crimp the cable. ????????

I thought that maybe it had something to do with the ac, so i turned it on and pulled on the cable with the white thing stuck to it and it didnt do anything Oh well, if u look at the white part its like hooked up to some wierd spring thing, and then it goes dow behind the dash and connects next to the fan control...

hmm... thats the button i was going to wire my garage door opener, let me know if you figure out what it does

that wont work, the button is just a cover that snaps on to a piece of plastic, i dont think it was ever ment to be an accessory button.

Can you tell me what Metra part/model numbers you used and where you got them?Please do put up a webpage, this info is incredibly valuable!Thanks,Tim

quote:Can you tell me what Metra part/model numbers you used and where you got them?I purchased the head unit, mounting kit (Metra # 99-8205), and Metra wiring harness (70-2003) from http://www.autotoys.com .quote:Please do put up a webpage, this info is incredibly valuable!Another member (ullbergm) said he may be able to work up a "tech-tip" type web page if we can't get one here on the forum. I know on most forums, there's a usually a page that's devoted to "how-to" mods that are very helpful that members can post to. That would be nice on this forum.Thanks,Carl

well i was thinking about asking pontiac service to see if i could order a button that'll fit in that spot. i figured it was just a blank.. but if there is actually a wire hooked into it maybe they have plans for it. I think i'll just see if i can get another button like the trunk opener..

Alright guys, hold on to ur mice. Here's my head unit...

Attached files

quote:Here's my head unit...Hey, if you look you can see your reflection in the 1st one!!! I almost chose the Sony like yours. I also had the JVC one that looks similar. How do you like your Sony?

I love it, i have the moons and tunes package and it comes with a factory amp which is unfer the passenger seat. I didnt bypass it so its REALLY LOUD, i think i might have to tone it down, but it beats the crap out of the factor sterio. its almost like having a box.btw... i blew out a speakerANYWAY... Umm the site i use to serve the pics really sucks, seeing as they dont work anymore, so if u know of a better site. let me know so i can post more.THANX

Back to the antenna thing, I was going to splice into the second black cable hooked to the antenna but thought better of it. Does any one know how to power that thiing? I live in the middle of nowhere and cannot pull hardly anything with the new deck (Pioneel P840)!!

theres a light blue wire u have to cut into, i forgot what it says on it, i think remote or something...

and what the HELL happened to my avatar damnit..... and my SIG!!!

Thanks for the help but I am looking for which wire in the stock bundle I need to hook the 12V accessory lead to!!!I can assure you that I had nothing to do with your signature vanishing!!! Thanks again!!

Where the heLL are the admin guys when u need em?

We're all at home drinkin beer doing nothing productive. WHAT!!!! LOL I IM you Loc.

I was looking for the stupid screws, I didn't know it was going to be that easy. Of course, I wasn't about to go pulling on stuff either.

Hey Guys, I am new to this site so I want to start off by saying that this site is pretty cool! ok, here's the question, I bought a new head deck for my 2004 GT and after installation, the panel frame is sticking out because the mount is to far out. I know it's not a big deal but it's bugging the crap out of me. I think i need a new head deck mount. Can you please give me the right mount model number for the deck? Thanks!

I don't know the item # offhand, but I just went into circuity city, told them I needed a dash kit for an 03 vibe, and they handed me the right one.

Do you have the same problem?

Did anyone else have problems installing their HU's? I got mine installed yesterdayand because of the bar behind the HU they had to use different RCA's until they could get some right angle plugs becuase the HU would not go back far enough.

Yeah, i am having the same problem. let me know if you find the solution to this.thanks.

Quote, originally posted by jasonbourne »Yeah, i am having the same problem. let me know if you find the solution to this.thanks.They said if they use "right angle" RCA plugs they will fit fine. Haven't tried it yet as I have to go back Monday to get an XM component that is coming out Monday for the Alpine HU's installed, the tweeters hooked up (guess they forgot!), and those plugs put in.

ok, good. let me know how that goes. So does your front panel frame stick out because the of the mount?

No, they used splitter RCA plugs for now until I come back on Monday that are smaller and only use the top 2 plugs and not the bottom ones yet or something to that effect.