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Prius Dash Kit Ordering Battle

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by alexsisk, Apr 5, 2010.

  1. alexsisk

    alexsisk New Member

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    I'm new to PriusChat, having just acquired my Prius II on March 28th. I have unfortunately been fighting quite the battle to get the dash kit, and figure my findings may be useful to others.

    Use Google Shopping, and you will discover that the only places that "carry" the Metra 95-8226B are onlinecarstereo.com and topedgeonline.com. I put carry in quotes because, according to Tom Comenole, a regional sales manager who works for Metra, they JUST started manufacturing them and nobody has them yet at all. (Yes I've seen the other threads and I know you guys have been waiting for this, but I figured I'd let you know that even still as of April 2010, they aren't available)

    The only place Google Shopping says sells the Scosche TA2105B is Sonic Electronix. These guys are great, except for the fact that they're in California. For anxious people like me here in Florida, that sucks. If you order directly from Scosche.com, they will ship same day, and they ship out of a warehouse in Alabama. Unfortunately, Sonic Electronix says it's too late to cancel, which means I may not have my kit until next Monday. If I ordered from Scosche.com, I'd have it Thursday.

    I hope this helps someone. I can't wait to put in my Pioneer AVH-P4200DVD!! The factory FM reception stinks!

    Alex
     
    #1 alexsisk, Apr 5, 2010
  2. rlr66

    rlr66 Junior Member

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    Hey Alex. Congrats on the car. I've been seeing a lot more of them around here. Good to hear about one more!!!
     
    #2 rlr66, Apr 5, 2010
  3. alexsisk

    alexsisk New Member

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    Thanks! I'm seeing quite a few of them in the Orlando area as well. But of course part of the reason I'm noticing more is because I'm now driving one... Just got mine tinted yesterday, I'll have pics up soon!
     
    #3 alexsisk, Apr 6, 2010
  4. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    I just installed a Nav unit using the Scosche kit. Some pointers:
    1) Don't remove the metal brackets from the old radio and attempt to re-use them. It won't fit correctly.

    2) The Scosch fit is "ok". Unlike the factory plastic, it doesn't have an interlocking lip around it. It will take some patient trial and error to get the fit perfect. The head unit attaches to the dash with four bolts. You can adjust the fit of the faceplate by removing the other plastic, loosening, adjusting, and re-tightening those screws. So, don't put everything back together --- just attach the plastic piece that surrounds the Scosche plate on your dash, take a careful look, remove, adjust, repeat. (Boy, I hope that makes sense.) You'll get a pretty good result that way.
    3) If you over-tighten those bolts, you're a bonehead. Be careful, it's plastic.
     
    #4 Rebound, Apr 7, 2010
    1 person likes this.
  5. alexsisk

    alexsisk New Member

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    I'm sure it'll make sense once I've got the dash apart and have the Scosche piece. I found out it's coming Friday, so I'll be getting this done Friday evening. I will definitely reference your post again then, because I'm gonna freak if there are gaps once this thing is installed. Thank you for the advice!

    I may order the Metra once it becomes available if I'm not satisfied with the Scosche. I spoke again with the guy from Metra yesterday (4/6), and he says it will not be shipping for 30-45 days still. Lame.

    The larger struggle I anticipate facing will be placement of my Sirius components, which I put under the passenger seat in my previous car. And the Sirius antenna... I don't want to get too hardcore running the wire, because my Prius is a lease and I don't want a lot of uninstallation work when I turn it in in 2013.

    Alex
     
    #5 alexsisk, Apr 7, 2010
  6. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    Alex,
    I installed the Bluetooth mic and gps antenna by running the cables behind the glovebox, up the right windshield pillar, across the headliner to the overhead console. Easier than it sounds.
     
    #6 Rebound, Apr 7, 2010
  7. alexsisk

    alexsisk New Member

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    If you could show me a pic whenever you get a chance of exactly how you've placed your bluetooth mic in the overhead console, that would be really cool. I anticipate purchasing the bluetooth adapter for my Pioneer head unit within the next few weeks.

    Even though Sirius recommends against interior placement for the antenna, I think I'm going to set the antenna at the front of the dash (where the windshield starts). I think that with the Prius' steep, relatively long windshield, it won't have any trouble catching a signal. This way, I don't have to run my wiring to the trunklid like I did with my Scion.

    Alex
     
    #7 alexsisk, Apr 8, 2010
  8. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    First, let me answer the origional question, in case somebody stumbles across this thread: I ordered the Scosche faceplate directly from Scosche, and it arrived in three days in California, using the cheapest shipping method they offer.

    I think that if you place the antenna on or under the dash, as far forward as possible, reception will be great. The "Euro Nav Install Guide," which I'll link to later, shows how to do this, but I'll take some pics or shoot some video of my install for you when time (aka "wife") allows.
     
    #8 Rebound, Apr 9, 2010
  9. rrolff

    rrolff Prius Surgeon

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    You might look at 'over/next to' the front 'squaker' tweeters. It's an easy to access location, and easy to run the cable. Also a great location for the GPS antenna...
     
    #9 rrolff, Apr 9, 2010
  10. alexsisk

    alexsisk New Member

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    Tried the dash... I'm getting horrible reception. I think there's a reason that Sirius explicitly states the need to mount the antenna externally. I'm going to take care of that in the next couple of weeks.
     
    #10 alexsisk, Apr 20, 2010
  11. Crazy Canuck

    Crazy Canuck New Member

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    Mine is installed up under the dash, and while the reception isn't as good as in my previous car where it was roof mounted, reception doesn't cut out very often. I'm a lease too, and didn't want the crazy wiring :)
     
    #11 Crazy Canuck, Apr 20, 2010
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