Well,

I took most of the weekend...and a lot of patience, but the new JVC-KDX44J is in and the Center Console/Wheel LED's are done as well. Bluetooth, IPod, DVD, the whole 9 sans Nav (which I have on my PDA), I actually really like the unit, and it weighs 1/2 of what the stock beast did (Anyone want a stock Shaker 1000 Head Unit?). Below are some pic's for you...not bad for my first "Non-Performance" mod if I do say so myself. The Bluetooth hands free device is the Parrot 3200. LED's were a pain, but just time consuming. Did have to run to Radioshack for a T9 Torx, but other than that pretty unventful.

BIG Kudo's to Tacobill, GTstangB.F.D.M., and Deric (from another un-named forum). Their VERY detailed walkthrough's were absolutely fantastic! I did not do the stock radio but I did take it apart to see what it would take. Justa note for anyone looking to do it; there are 5 hex screws on the circuit board, and they are tiny! I don't know what they are but 3mm is too small and 4mm is way to big, so I am guessing that it is a rather odd American Standard size < 3/16. Just thought I would mention it.

~Matt


http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc301/fullsayl/100_0680-1.jpg

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc301/fullsayl/100_0679-1.jpg

That's very cool. Nice touch. I always thought all those green lights looked silly when you use the My Color lights.

All that hard work and no hardwire for the radar detector? It only takes 20 minutes to do and you will get rid of that annoying coil cord swaying around everywhere when you drive. Other than that it looks awesome!

ORIGINAL: jahudso2

All that hard work and no hardwire for the radar detector? It only takes 20 minutes to do and you will get rid of that annoying coil cord swaying around everywhere when you drive. Other than that it looks awesome!


LOL, don't I know it[8D] Actually only had the Passport 8500 fora couple of weeks, my buddy's Honda Accord got jacked and when he got it back the 8500 was in there. He figured I needed it more than he did :D I have to order the hardwire kit I suppose, I just have been too busy with other stuff LOL.

Thanks for the compliments u2, appreciate it! I should have the doors etc. done this weekend, so I will update again when done.

~Matt

Very nice, I love the blue looks much better than the green. I have been thinking about doing the same thing for a while and I'll be the first to admit that Iam not as good in the electronics department as a lot of you, so I will have to study the write up that I found a while before I even think about trying somthing like this. Do you have a lot of experience soldering, because I was wondering how good you have to be to do something like this.

Soldering is really really easy. It takes about 5-10 minutes to master.
just to give you an idea, get the tip hot, use the soldering wire to melt ontop of the two metal parts youare about to solder. Practice with some wires that you might have hanging around in the garage somewhere, then go for the stang. I'll do this mod soon, though I'm going to go two tone.
I'll make the doors, steering wheel and the ( reset, info ... ) ( TCS ) red
and the rest blue.. I use both blue and red on my color, so I want to have both.
Sometimes next month, but I'll post pics. I'll try to do some detailed soldering pics so anyone can see the process. it's really easy.

Looks awesome!

ORIGINAL: CBSTANG

Very nice, I love the blue looks much better than the green. I have been thinking about doing the same thing for a while and I'll be the first to admit that Iam not as good in the electronics department as a lot of you, so I will have to study the write up that I found a while before I even think about trying somthing like this. Do you have a lot of experience soldering, because I was wondering how good you have to be to do something like this.


CBSTANG: I do not have a lot of experience soldering, but there is really not a lot to this if you have the basic skills down. I would recommend using a 15w Iron with a fine tip (the standard tip that they come with is HUGE). You will also probably need a soldering station with clips and a magnifying glass. Make sure to get the correct solder (w/ a flux core) and just be patient. A solder sucker is also a neccessity, but overall you can probably buy all of the equipment you need for about $45.00, the LED's will cost you another $35.00 or so. The LED's and components are tiny, so I just was careful and went slowly. Not a big deal at all. Just don't overheat the board, and don't use a highpower Iron...you should be fine. Tacobill's writeups are great for getting the dash uninstalled, and the rest is easy...just follow the walkthrough.

~Matt

ORIGINAL: Kara

Looks awesome!


Thanks Kara. I just did the window switches over the weekend and custom mounted and cut an access port for the USB/IPod connection in the center console as well. I will take some pics as soon as I can. Door locks are on the schedule for this week, as well as hardwiring the 8500, but we will see what else comes up LOL.

~Matt

Iwant to add a 2.5mm adapter to the console of my 06 GT. I will have to take off the center console and run the wire inside up to the AUX port on the radio. I will look forward to your post.

Wow, wanna do mine? lol Love the looks.


ORIGINAL: jahudso2

All that hard work and no hardwire for the radar detector? It only takes 20 minutes to do and you will get rid of that annoying coil cord swaying around everywhere when you drive. Other than that it looks awesome!


Id like to hardwire mine, any links for the procedure?

ORIGINAL: ResQman

Iwant to add a 2.5mm adapter to the console of my 06 GT. I will have to take off the center console and run the wire inside up to the AUX port on the radio. I will look forward to your post.


Good luck. I am in the process of dismantling a Dynatek USB hub and re-wiring it to accomodate a throughput connection so that I can use the blue back-lit housing in place of the stock factory access panel in the center console, under the armrest. If you are looking for a good "permanant" solution, I would look for wrecked 07's in the local yard and see about stealing their floor console, it would probably be easiest if your stereo has the aux in ability. If you need a new "factory" head unit, I will sell ya my Shaker 1000 for cheap (just the head unit though). I will post pics as soon as I finish...which was planned for last weekend, but life got in the way LOL.

~Matt

ORIGINAL: Stoenr

Wow, wanna do mine? lol Love the looks.


ORIGINAL: jahudso2

All that hard work and no hardwire for the radar detector? It only takes 20 minutes to do and you will get rid of that annoying coil cord swaying around everywhere when you drive. Other than that it looks awesome!


Id like to hardwire mine, any links for the procedure?



LOL, I would love too...though the shipping costs from Cub City to OR might be a little expensive [8D]

I will be doing the hardwire to the 8500 after I finish designing/mounting the USB, which hopefully will be this weekend...if I can keep my family from having weekend long BBQ's at my house LOL. I will post pics and a walkthrough once I am done...if it works LOL. Thanks again for all of the compliments guys/gals!

Do guys have a how-to on changing the LED's to blue? I would like to do this mod or a little source help would be appreciated.

cobraT,

There is a link to the DIY under one of the How-To stickies at the top of the 2005-2008 section. If you can't find it, PM me and I will send you my link to another forum where I found it.

~Matt

OK, I now have a PHD in wiring...as in PHinally Done LOL
The 8500 is wired up, the overhead map lights have been replaced with a couple of 1600mcd LEDs, and the LCD rails have been mounted underdash to provide footwell lighting. The doors are done, and the USB connection for the Ipod is wired up as well as the Mini-USB connection for my PDA, pictures below....

First, a quick pic of the remote Escort Unit, low on the dash...and the lights are blue (of course)...
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc301/fullsayl/100_0733.jpg

Blue Map Lights Anyone?
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc301/fullsayl/100_0735.jpg

Footwell lighting... 'cause if you own dogs you KNOW you have had to check your shoes and gone "damn...NO LIGHTS DOWN THERE!"
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc301/fullsayl/100_0738.jpg

And a shot of the USB port in the center console...
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc301/fullsayl/100_0740.jpg

And a shot of the cup mounted PDA holder and Mini-USB connection (which comes out of the "Secret Compartment") LOL
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc301/fullsayl/100_0743.jpg

So there it is....finally done after 3 weeks. Total expenditure in parts $73.06, so a fairly cheap upgrade all things considered.

Now go do your own!
Good Luck!

~Matt

looks great.

Damn,

I have not logged in for a while and was shocked to still see this on page 1 LOL.
Thanks for the props 06elnr!

~Matt