Making a hole into the side of the Auxiliary Box under the CD Player

Yes, people have done it (and i will be when i get my Dice unit). Did you just look at the sides, or is the back included in that metal cage?

One suggestion i would have is don't make the hole the size of the iPod connector, make it the size of the end that plugs into the Vais (which, i believe, is round and smaller).

Also, i'd go with the drilling method rather than the melting method. the fumes from melted plastic aren't good for your lungs, for one, and a drilled hole will be more accurate to the minimum size you need.

 

I did while installing my Sirius Starmate (here).



I used a Dremmel. (It was closer than my drill.)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Skwyre7 @ Oct 11 2006, 03:03 PM) [snapback]331391[/snapback]</div>

I did the same thing, except on the right side of the cubby instead of left. It's plastic only - no metal where I drilled. I felt up behind it to make sure I wasn't going to drill into anything important. I used a 1/2" dia. drill IIRC. Just big enough for the round DICE connector.

 

DH installed our drive and play ipod adapter screen in that little box. pretty sure he removed the box, drilled the holes, mounted the screen and put it all back in there.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dgstan @ Oct 11 2006, 06:44 PM) [snapback]331420[/snapback]</div>

I drilled the right side also. Please don't melt or dremel, its going to look crappy and make a mess. Use a bit that is just slightly larger than the smaller plug.

 

I would remove the box, then drill through the top, then put it back in.

These boxes are dirt cheap (under $20) and most techs at the dealers each have a spare they'll give you for free from some sort of upgrade.

Nate

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(exhuman @ Oct 11 2006, 06:28 PM) [snapback]331411[/snapback]</div>

I had removed the CD tray when I dremmeled. I don't recall seeing any metal that you would have to drill through. There will be metal on the sides, but there might be some places that aren't covered by metal.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yakky @ Oct 11 2006, 08:20 PM) [snapback]331465[/snapback]</div>

Dremmeling did make a mess, so the drill with proper bit size would have been a better choice.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(naterprius @ Oct 12 2006, 12:45 AM) [snapback]331565[/snapback]</div>

That's a good idea.

 

In the attached .pdf file (from Metraonline.com) there are directions for
putting in their aftermarket radio adapter kit. In it, there are diagrams that
show you what the metal brackets (that hold the radio & pocket) look like.
You can clearly see that there are parts of the pocket that are not aligned with
the metal brackets that you're worried about hitting.
If you're still not confident, there's also directions for taking apart the dash
so you can get the pocket out & drill it from the safety of a workbench.
Enjoy!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(exhuman @ Oct 11 2006, 06:06 PM) [snapback]331479[/snapback]</div>

I drilled right through the back without removing anything. I distinctly chose that location because there was nothing behind it - no metal or wires.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GeoGeek @ Oct 12 2006, 02:10 PM) [snapback]331806[/snapback]</div>

Revision:
Although the diagram in the Metra manual shows the pocket extending beyond
the metal bracket, I had occasion to pull my stereo this weekend and found
that not to be the case. See the attached piucture to get a feel for where the metal
is relative to the pocket.
Good luck!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GeoGeek @ Oct 15 2006, 06:55 PM) [snapback]333167[/snapback]</div>

Geo, in your estimation, is there enough depth behind the pocket to install an aftermarket stereo and still have the door close? (Assuming you remove the pocket)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PrimeRisk @ Nov 11 2006, 05:47 PM) [snapback]347574[/snapback]</div>

Since taking that picture I have installed a half-din EQ (the Audio COntrol Three.1) in that space.
It's definately a full din space and I have read of others here on PC who have installed full din
slide-out monitors etc. in that space. Depth toward the back shouldn't be an issue, but depending
on which unit you're installing, it may be tight keeping the face behind the smoked plastic door.
The screw holes in the metal side brackets that hold the plastic pocket in also line up nicely with
the mounting holes on most aftermarket head units/eq's.
Good Luck!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GeoGeek @ Nov 11 2006, 08:50 PM) [snapback]347635[/snapback]</div>

Thank you for the quick reply. I'm hopeful that the unit will fit behind the door. I currently have a Rockford OmniFi MP3 faceplate mounted on the front of the existing pocket and the door still has plenty of room to close without touching the faceplate.





My intention is to remove the OmniFi faceplace and replace it with the JVC KD-DV6200 In-dash DVD receiver connected to the MFD through the CoastalETech ultimate lockpick and I'll throw in Sirius satellite connected to the JVC while I'm at it. Unfortunately I can't seem to find one in the local area, so I'll have to order it in and hope that the control knob on the front doesn't stick out too far.

Take a look at the features of the JVC KD-DV6200 it looks pretty full functional. If you search for the price, you can get DVD Video, MP3/WMV playback from CD or DVD, Sirius, and XM in your Prius all for about $450. You can add an ipod and HD Radio interface to the JVC if you like too.