Changing head unit-easy or hard?

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Big McLargeHuge

New Member

Apr 8, 2006

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Jan 18, 2007

#1

• Jan 18, 2007

• #1

I have an 06 GT with a Shaker 500, and I've been thinking about changing to another head unit so I can get real iPod integration. Is this a relatively simple thing to do? I'm not sure I feel comfortable doing it myself.
Also, has anyone used Crutchfield's professional installation service? Any good?
Thanks!

 

Marine One

New Member

Jan 28, 2004

276

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North Topsail Beach, NC

Jan 18, 2007

#2

• Jan 18, 2007

• #2

Before you do anything, you might want to look at the Crutchfield removal/install instructions here:
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/graphics/download/sample_0190011-a.pdf
I used these to gain access to the mounting bolts for my Shaker 500 last weekend to tighten them up to quiet down an annoying rattle. Removal of all trim pieces and access to the head unit is very straightforward. It requires nothing more in the way of tools than a phillips head screwdriver, a 1/4" drive ratchet with extension, & 7mm socket.

 

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stanmckinney

10 Year Member

Mar 30, 2005

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Jan 18, 2007

#3

• Jan 18, 2007

• #3

I am not confortable doing this. My dealer scratched my dash when he replaced my first Shaker 500. My local stereo guy put in an Alpine and satellite radio with no problem.
You'll love the ipod controls in the head unit. Even the new Mustangs which let you plug in an ipod don't have the controls in the head unit. My ipod is hidden in the console and I only need it when I add songs to it.
Everything is visible in the display of my head unit and I can search for songs, artists, etc. It's the only way to go.

 

tr7driver

Member

Sep 5, 2006

117

3

19

Illinois

Jan 19, 2007

#4

• Jan 19, 2007

• #4

Marine One said:

Before you do anything, you might want to look at the Crutchfield removal/install instructions here:
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/graphics/download/sample_0190011-a.pdf
I used these to gain access to the mounting bolts for my Shaker 500 last weekend to tighten them up to quiet down an annoying rattle. Removal of all trim pieces and access to the head unit is very straightforward. It requires nothing more in the way of tools than a phillips head screwdriver, a 1/4" drive ratchet with extension, & 7mm socket.

Click to expand...

Did you find/fix the rattle?

 

Marine One

New Member

Jan 28, 2004

276

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North Topsail Beach, NC

Jan 19, 2007

#5

• Jan 19, 2007

• #5

tr7driver said:

Did you find/fix the rattle?

Click to expand...

Sure did! Each of the four mounting screws/bolts took between 1/4 - 1/2 of a turn. The rattle is now completely gone!

 

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french2812

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Oct 12, 2006

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Olympia, WA

Jan 19, 2007

#6

• Jan 19, 2007

• #6

For about $90 and an hour of your time you can install an interface unit that will allow you to use your iPod or any other MP3 player. A company called Logjam Electronics markets a device made by PIE (Precision Interface Electronics). You can get info at logjamelectronics.com.

 

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stanmckinney

10 Year Member

Mar 30, 2005

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Jan 19, 2007

#7

• Jan 19, 2007

• #7

A new head unit is not much more. And it will control the ipod.

 

A&B 06GT

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Jul 11, 2006

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BAY AREA

Jan 19, 2007

#8

• Jan 19, 2007

• #8

I swapped out my shaker 500 days after i got the car and when i purchased the install kit that you need it came with the instructions on how to gain access it was really simple.

 

mustangmike6996

5 Year Member

Nov 10, 2005

483

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29

clinton twp, MI

Jan 28, 2007

#9

• Jan 28, 2007

• #9

what head units are you guys installing in place of the shaker 500/1000

 

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stanmckinney

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Mar 30, 2005

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Jan 29, 2007

#10

• Jan 29, 2007

• #10

I have an Alpine 9857. Alpine has head units for as little as $150 that will control the ipod. Mine cost $350 but it has a fancy display. I also added Satellite. I do not miss the Shaker at all. It's my understanding, according to my local stereo guy, that Alpine is also working on a unit that will display video from the video ipod.

 

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LeftOvers

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Nov 27, 2005

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Jan 30, 2007

#11

• Jan 30, 2007

• #11

I have a Valor Multimedia dvd player that i will be installing in my car once winter is done and i bring it out of hiding

 

A&B 06GT

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Jul 11, 2006

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Jan 30, 2007

#12

• Jan 30, 2007

• #12

I replaced mine with a Alpine IVA-W200 double din with monitor with opt to put in a back up cam and nav and everything else you can think of

 

iskwezm

10 Year Member

May 24, 2005

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Rowland Heights,California

Jan 30, 2007

#13

• Jan 30, 2007

• #13

LeftOvers said:

I have a Valor Multimedia dvd player that i will be installing in my car once winter is done and i bring it out of hiding

Click to expand...

I have the Valor double din unit, with after market amps,stcok speakers and JLW3's in the stock dual 10" trunk enclosure.