Stealth install an aftermarket stereo in Prius

F8L

*EDIT* Please see page 5 of this thread for an alternative wiring option AND how to mount the stereo to the factory stereo bracket assembly!

I thought some might like to see the pics of my latest mod.

The install is a breeze and uses the factory ISO mounting hardware. This makes for a solid mounting base and makes it near impossible to steal!

The only aftermarket pieces required are a standard Toyota BHA-1761 wire harness and possibly a single 68 ohm resistor. In my install I opted to do the 68ohm resistor but I do not think I needed it. Simply plugging the "Climate Control" 20pin harness back into the factory radio probably would have solved any problems and I would not have needed to do the resistor. There was no cutting, bending or and amount of "custom" work done during this install if you don't count the resistor.

I'm rushing off to class but here are some pics. I can answer any questions when I get home later tonight.

With the cover open.




Cover closed (this is how bright it looks at night) It is MUCH dimmer than if I drove with the cover open.




cover closed (I included this pic because I forgot to take a pic with the stereo off so you could see how well it is hidden) One could easily add some window tint to the inside of the cover to make it even darker and thus more stealthy.

__________________
2005 Prius - Upgrades: Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X993, Diamond Audio D9800.2 and D61500.1 (1900w RMS), Diamond Audio D971 7" component set, 2 Diamond Audio D910D4 10" subwoofers (600w/ea).

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Presto

Very slick install. Good stuff, man.

hycamguy07

Thats one slick instal....

How ever if Mr. Bad Guy wants it he will tear out the dash to get it.. Ive seen were the Bad Guys tear out complete dash boards in minutes to remove speakers and radios..

What was wrong with the stock radio? Dont they make a kit to remove the old unit so you can instal a different model?

F8L

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hycamguy07 @ Oct 16 2007, 08:36 AM) [snapback]526366[/snapback]</div>The chances of them breaking into a Prius in the first place is slim, especially if there is no visible signs of an aftermarket stereo. I realise that someone may have heard my stereo playing and recognized my car so they know I have something worth stealing but that is what insurance is for. I'm not going to limit my convenience because of a "what if". I've done high end car stereo for 10yrs now so I have to agree with you, they will get it if they really want it.

The reasons for a new unit are as follows:

• The stock stereo only played standard CDs (not MP3s).
  
• It had no provisions for USB (flashdrives to store thousdands of songs/books on cd or iPods).
  
• Had no frequency filtering which I required to make my system sound cleaner.
  
• The factory unit also had a habit of not accepting my cds at times and it would take 4 or so tries to get it to read a cd without kicking it back out of the unit.
  
• No factory bluetooth options (the possible 2008 law change regarding cells phone makes this important)

Metra does make an install kit that requires the removal of the factory stereo but then you have a VERY visible aftermarket radio installed in the dash that is mounted on an ugly (opinion) plastic kit that does not match the rest of the dashboard scheme. The install kit is an added expense ($20-$30) The unit is also MUCH easier to remove via theft AND you are definately required to do the 68 ohm resistor mod. So while the factory stereo removal is an option, the advantages of the hidden install fit my needs/wants better.

Thanks for the responses you two.

Rest

But that is the spot where my Scangauge2 is!

priusFTW

I didn't see the brand of unit that was installed... or did i miss it?

priusenvy

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusFTW @ Oct 19 2007, 05:52 AM) [snapback]527701[/snapback]</div>One pic is named "Kenwood in Prius2.JPG" (and it looks like a Kenwood).

F8L

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusFTW @ Oct 19 2007, 05:52 AM) [snapback]527701[/snapback]</div>Sorry I forgot to mention the brand. Any big named aftermarket deck will install the same though. The only potential problem would be with motorized faceplates. Sometime the face plate kicks down enough that clearance may be an issue. My faceplate is manually rotated so clearance is not an issue.


The unit is a Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X591. Retails for $239 but most stores sell it for $199.99

Presto

Since it's a stealth install, do you even bother to flip the flaceplate around when you park the car?

F8L

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Presto @ Oct 19 2007, 05:52 PM) [snapback]527990[/snapback]</div>The new Kenwood units no longer consist of a flip around faceplate. The use security code feature and detachable faceplate.