Steath V1 install

[Dude]

Hey all, newbie to the forum. Selling my '02M3 next week (Boohoo Thai, I know you feel my pain!) and picking up a new 4 Runner. I'm starting to think about some stereo upgrades but was also thinking about a stealthy Valentine 1 install.

Anyone else here done an install....I'm thinking about tapping into the power in the in a front map light or maybe pre-wired power for homelink. Then placing the V1 unit high up in the winshield area. Then getting a remote readout and do a custom install in what will be the space under an aftermarket headunit. My concerns are where to tap into the power (so I don't have to run it from a fuse box up the A-pillar) and should I be worried about tucking in the remote wire down the A-pillar trim if I have side airbags?

Anyone else try it out? Maybe we can get a DIY thread for those interested.

Kool site all....look forward to seeing some mods and sharing mine.

Dude

 

[Thai]

Dude,

Why are you selling your M3?? A lot of problems with it?? I am crossing my fingers with my M3!

Actually, i just got V1 too. However, i am not doing anything special with it.

Good luck in getting your new 4Runner!

 

[Dude]

Selling my M since we are getting ready to have our third (and slightly unexpected...at least this soon after the last) child. I have always wanted a 4 runner and now I have a real good excuse, family and one really cool ride.

Actually had really good luck with the M, not a single problem in a year of ownership. The car has been a blast, but a tad bit impracticle when it snows and I strand my wife at home when I take her minivan. My only regret....I never got to take it to the track....that is where it shines.

 

[Neech]

I did a stealth V1 install. I'll snap some pics tomorrow but they won

 

[Neech]

I completely forgot I had images already posted here. Anyway, here they are again.

There's a perfect little indent for the 'cd' as ya can see. The unit at the bottom is the HU for the Bel laser jammer.

V1 wired up next to the mirror but slightly below the tint band.

.

I even had the Remote Volume Control install below my radio but I found it easier to hit the mute button on the V1 so out it came and I had a new faceplate cut just for the radio. Now there's a blank spot below the radio but it leaves a nice option should I decide to put in a Navi.

It's a perfect setup, easy to read and work while driving. Having the 'cd' there allows my eyes to pickup the lit warnings should I have the volume to low or the radio to high to hear the V1.

Hope this helps!

 

[Dude]

Nice install...How did you route the remote wire? Did you have to remove part of the dash?

I'm debating the remote a bit after hearing your comments about the headunit area....thinking w/ airbags that maybe I just go with the unit by itself and find a power source up by the mirror. Thanks for the comments.

Anyone have access to the wiring for this area....I was thinking about the power for homelink. Is there a source for obtaining wiring diagrams?

 

[Neech]

Nice install...How did you route the remote wire? Did you have to remove part of the dash?

Thanks!
The dash did come off somewhat, but just the plastic around the dials. My friend, who's a pro-installer for car audio advised me on that one. I was a little hesitant of taking it apart but it wasn't too bad.

We had pretty much everything off because the stereo install required it. It was a mess to me, to him it was cake! lol... Everything snaps off and on so it's not to bad.

If you're not comfortable doing it, I'd seriously recommend having a local installer do it. It's worth the $40-50, trust me. Just be very descriptive on how and where you want everything. Don't be afraid to ask if you can be around during it in case they have a question about how you want something. It's better than having to change it later. Plus you can have them put in the 'c-d' too and if anything should go wrong with the install (if they're a good place) they'll take care of it. And tip the guy $10 or something. They'll remember you next time.

PS, leave some slack on the cable running to the V1 in case the connector breaks (which it will) and you need to put a new one on.

 

[jacket101]

I dont see any pictures

 

[JGRIMBALL]

I dont see any pictures

:worthless