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've also added the Metra stereo installation pdf as an attachment for those interested in the resistor modification in case you don't want to use an additional wiring harness like I did. Or watch the videos below...

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 a single 68 ohm resistor. The alternative, and preferred method, is to use the BHA-1761 (OEM to Aftermarket) harness and the BHO-1761 harness (OEM to OEM). You MUST use one of the two methods in order to eliminate the dreaded orange triangle or MFD errors regarding the AC system.

In my original install I used the first method and while everything worked fine, I was not happy with the install so I switched to the second method and it is the one I recommend. There was no cutting, bending or and amount of "custom" work done during this install if you don't count the resistor.

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.


This "How To" slideshow created by Jeffvk clearly demonstrates how to connect the 3 wiring harness together properly. His project was the result of a "magic penny" being fed to his OEM stereo.

2004-2009 Prius Stereo Install "How To" - YouTube

See photo attachments below to see what the wiring harnesses should look like when making connections:


Install videos. These videos take you through the whole process of taking the dash apart and installing the stereo. The wiring shots are not very clear so please refer to the Magic Penny video above.

YouTube - ‪Prius Stereo Install Part 1‬‏

YouTube - ‪Prius Stereo Install Part 1‬‏

YouTube - ‪Prius Stereo Install Part 2.mpg‬‏

YouTube - ‪Prius Stereo Install Part 2.mpg‬‏

YouTube - ‪Prius Stereo Install Part 3.mpg‬‏

YouTube - ‪Prius Stereo Install Part 3.mpg‬‏

[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>

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?
[/b]

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>

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

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>

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

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>

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

The new Kenwood units no longer consist of a flip around faceplate. The use security code feature and detachable faceplate.