Head Unit Fitting

[selym]

It appears that the CD player doesn't work on the Blaupunkt HU in the Monaro I'm getting, so I reckon bite the bullet and go for an aftermarket unit with all the bells and whistles. Does anyone have any advice and does Ferret still frequent here, as I see he has a LOT of experience in this field?

Thanks

Myles

[Codswallop]

I've still got the standard stereo so can't offer first hand experience, but as you say, ferret82 has quite a bit of knowledge. Sadly the photobucket changes mean the photos are gone, but still some useful advice in this thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=10.... He's not on forums very often these days though, but plenty of other people should be able to chip in.

If you have a search on youtube for Pontiac GTO trim removal, there's a few vids taking you through dismantling the interior if you want to upgrade speakers as well.

I know there was a group buy on here for some custom metal radio brackets, though many also use the plastic ones off ebay without issue.

[selym]

Codswallop said:

I've still got the standard stereo so can't offer first hand experience, but as you say, ferret82 has quite a bit of knowledge. Sadly the photobucket changes mean the photos are gone, but still some useful advice in this thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=10.... He's not on forums very often these days though, but plenty of other people should be able to chip in.

If you have a search on youtube for Pontiac GTO trim removal, there's a few vids taking you through dismantling the interior if you want to upgrade speakers as well.

I know there was a group buy on here for some custom metal radio brackets, though many also use the plastic ones off ebay without issue.

Thanks very much; I'll have a look around and send Ferret82 a message.

[vxr2010]

I got hold of a used one , i did not want to change the look of the dash , the standard unit works pretty well , my cd player stopped working , i ejected all the cds disconnected it , reconnected put the cds back in and it worked again and has been fine since , i just added a bluetooth

[selym]

vxr2010 said:

I got hold of a used one , i did not want to change the look of the dash , the standard unit works pretty well , my cd player stopped working , i ejected all the cds disconnected it , reconnected put the cds back in and it worked again and has been fine since , i just added a bluetooth

This does sound promising. What route did you go down with bluetooth, and what functionality does it give you?


Thanks

[vxr2010]

Hi Parrot systems are good all depends on your budget , very easy to fit as plugs straight into the current loom , plus finding some where to put a little microphone

[selym]

vxr2010 said:

Hi Parrot systems are good all depends on your budget , very easy to fit as plugs straight into the current loom , plus finding some where to put a little microphone

That would work for me; thanks for the advice and saving me a few quid.

[Codswallop]

Is there an aux in on the back of the standard headunit?

The Pure highway 600 looks like an easy install if the headunit has aux in and offers DAB, bluetooth and streaming.

[Mud_]

Codswallop said:

Is there an aux in on the back of the standard headunit?

The Pure highway 600 looks like an easy install if the headunit has aux in and offers DAB, bluetooth and streaming.

One can be added...seems to need a blank CD playing though: http://www.thelug.com/radio/gtoradio.html

Bohnman offers it as a service: http://www.bohnmancustoms.com/GTO_Radio_Aux_Input/...

[Mud_]

This way looks loads better, but lots of work: http://www.gtoforum.com/f41/diy-aux-w-pics-16792/

I'd get aftermarket everything, it's not super expensive and better speakers make a big difference. You can also make my sub rings: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1847741

[Codswallop]

Thanks Mud. Looks like a handy guide. Might be a good DIY project, though I'm still on the fence considering I barely use the radio as it is...

[vxr2010]

The bluetooth just plugs into original loom i think it was a parrot CK3100 or some thing on those lines , i would not change the stereo as it's part of how the car is , on my subaru i did change but it would not pick up normal uk stations with out a bit of fiddling and an adaptor , modern double din can be had for about 105£ plus even at halfords , plus built in bluetooth but you need a different facia a route i did not want to do on the monaro

[MarvinTPA]

Mud_ said:

This way looks loads better, but lots of work: http://www.gtoforum.com/f41/diy-aux-w-pics-16792/

I'd get aftermarket everything, it's not super expensive and better speakers make a big difference. You can also make my sub rings: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1847741

The method here will give you mono sound as the guy has shorted left and right inputs together. This will sound rubbish for music. It's ok for a telephone as they're not stereo anyway.

[Mud_]

MarvinTPA said:

The method here will give you mono sound as the guy has shorted left and right inputs together. This will sound rubbish for music. It's ok for a telephone as they're not stereo anyway.

Good spot... What caused me to go aftermarket was the constant retuning of the radio on longer journeys, but it's just much less compromised overall. Anyone at thunder road should be able to try mine if interested.

[MedwayMonaro]

Aftermarket radio is a good route to get the functionality that is needed. The double din stereos fit nicely and you'll also need an adapter if you want to retain use of the steering wheel buttons. The fascia adapter is an ok fit but colour match is poor so I sprayed mine with matt black paint. I'll try and upload some pics of mine as I think it works quite well.

[selym]

MedwayMonaro said:

Aftermarket radio is a good route to get the functionality that is needed. The double din stereos fit nicely and you'll also need an adapter if you want to retain use of the steering wheel buttons. The fascia adapter is an ok fit but colour match is poor so I sprayed mine with matt black paint. I'll try and upload some pics of mine as I think it works quite well.

Pics would be appreciated, I'll price up all the options and make a decision once the car is here.

[Mud_]

[selym]

That looks excellent, OEM as some might say. What did you have to buy?

[Mud_]

head unit
head unit removal tool
fascia (which I sanded and painted, Halfords satin black IIRC)
Ferret's aluminium head unit brackets (ideally)
speakers - tweeters, doors, rear passenger panels
rear shelf subs
sub amp
I made rings to make 8" subs fit
SWI PAC for the steering wheel controls (currently not being used)
some adapters? - I remember one to use both aerial connections, can't think if there were more. There are ISO adaptors on the market, which I don't understand as IIRC you don't need one.

If you go aftermarket then the OE 2 ohm speakers will really limit your choice and sound quality. If you go to subs and sub amp then you're running wires the length of the car (and might want to consider a reversing camera while you're in there if the head unit supports it). The above adds up a bit, so I can see why a low effort solution would appeal...but even cheapish 4 ohm speakers should make a big difference.

[JAMESHSV1]

MedwayMonaro said:

Aftermarket radio is a good route to get the functionality that is needed. The double din stereos fit nicely and you'll also need an adapter if you want to retain use of the steering wheel buttons. The fascia adapter is an ok fit but colour match is poor so I sprayed mine with matt black paint. I'll try and upload some pics of mine as I think it works quite well.

The unit you sold me also works well m8