Stock system removal / fresh install

[jwalker7124]

Stock stereo system removal / fresh install

So I finally took the dive and replaced the entire stereo system(1.4t LT hatch). I will work on getting more detailed pictures shortly.

**ROUND ONE OF IMAGES**
I'm going to take a lot more pictures and organize them into something resembling a step by step. For now, I'll post as I go to my flickr account. This is just quicker for me right now. Enjoy.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic stereo install - a set on Flickr


Full wiring run, aftermarket HU (excelon x995), 6.5 image dynamics compontents in front, 6.5's rear, sound deadened front/rear doors and hatch lid. 10" ID max sub, home made box... kicker sx650.1 and an Audison KAR 400.4 mounted under the panel in the trunk.

Major issues:
-had to build my own deck mount, nothing available.
-Camaro wiring harness did not seem to work. Had to run ACC to fuse panel.
-reasonably sized speaker wire VERY hard to get into door on drivers side.
-cannot get hooked into Chevy antenna for radio or XM yet, nor stearing wheel controls... nothing aftermarket I can find that works. (tried metra universal unit). No Onstar, just hoping I dont press the emergency button while adjusting the mirror because I wont hear anything.

The car sounds good, and amazingly doesn't rattle much at all(except the rear view mirror).

NOT a casual project. I have about 40 hours invested. Voltage seems adequate for both amps.

 

[AndrewGS]

Nice! Can't wait to see it.

Eventually I'll upgrade my audio, but I'm planning on using a Clean Sweep box to keep the factory interface.

 

[wingman]

Grabbin a chair and cold beverage to follow this thread.

 

[jwalker7124]

Nice! Can't wait to see it.

Eventually I'll upgrade my audio, but I'm planning on using a Clean Sweep box to keep the factory interface.

That's probably the best option having now gone through the whole process. I was concerned the deck would not be producing the entire frequency range regardless of what I did, but the stock unit is a clarion... not junk from my experience.

 

[Sonic]

Did you take pics during the process, or just 'after' shots?

 

[jwalker7124]

Did you take pics during the process, or just 'after' shots?

I intended on taking pictures, but I did not. Everything was taking way longer than I expected and I only had certain windows of time to work.

Now that I'm done, I'm going to take apart some stuff and re-shoot the process a bit. I'll fill in the gaps where you won't be able to see me cursing trying to grab wire. I'll be as thorough as possible.

 

[wasteoffilm]

Greetings fellow MA resident/black turbo LT hatch owner! Hope to see you around...

I want to kick the bass up a notch myself, but plan to go stealth when I do. Looking to interface an amp, and upgrade rear doors to "subs" and use fader to balance/tweak. Everything else is good enough for now...

 

[Gimpster]

Dumb question... but what about all the functionality lost from not having the stock headunit? Thats the only thing that keeps me using the stock HU on this car. I'd like to strangle GM for putting the car configuration on the HU!!!

OnStar is fused btw, if you're worried about it just yank the fuse and be done with it.

 

[jwalker7124]

Dumb question... but what about all the functionality lost from not having the stock headunit? Thats the only thing that keeps me using the stock HU on this car. I'd like to strangle GM for putting the car configuration on the HU!!!

OnStar is fused btw, if you're worried about it just yank the fuse and be done with it.

There were some trade-offs for sure. My hope is that over the next year or so aftermarket adapters will be developed. For now, I can go without most things missing. If I need to take the car in to get serviced, I'm looking at 30-40 min to hook up the old deck. Seems manageable to me.

Great point, I'll be pulling that tonight.

 

[Sparkman09]

hey

Did the Stock Radio have plugins for Subs....?

 

[d.p]

your wiring scares me, but your head unit install looks pretty good.

 

[Heckels]

The pic says "pre wire cleanup"...so i hope he cleaned it up...my OCD would kill me if i left it like that

 

[d.p]

Even after it's probably still going to be crazy...

 

[Dragcamaro]

id say when i do an install on mine Ill use a JL audio cleansweep, That kenwood deck is pretty nice though, theres a ton of sound adjustment in it

Metra is usually pretty good at bringing out kits soon, id say within a few months there will be a dash kit and an interface box. You may be able to retain the factory aux and usb like you can with aftermarket radios and the Ford Sync systems.

Everyone does things differently, props to being a pioneer though

 

[d.p]

id say when i do an install on mine Ill use a JL audio cleansweep, That kenwood deck is pretty nice though, theres a ton of sound adjustment in it

Metra is usually pretty good at bringing out kits soon, id say within a few months there will be a dash kit and an interface box. You may be able to retain the factory aux and usb like you can with aftermarket radios and the Ford Sync systems.

Everyone does things differently, props to being a pioneer though

JL ftw!!

 

[kamakiriad]

Full Metra kit available. Even has a harness to keep OnStar and Bluetooth

Metra Online

 

[rc sct racer]

Love the cell phone mount using the CC slot. Would have never thought of using that area for one. I'm thinking of using lexan to mount a suction cup holder to.

 

[Syclone]

Love the cell phone mount using the CC slot. Would have never thought of using that area for one. I'm thinking of using lexan to mount a suction cup holder to.

That was the first thing i thought of when the dealer told me what that slot was for. I have been trying to find a cell phone holder that will go in that slot but havent found one yet