2004 Head Unit Pics

[s6skuzy]

Looking to upgrade a 2004 EXL Sound System and going back and forth on a single or double DIN unit. Had a double DIN to Single on an older Celica and it didn't seem to fit real well and rattled a bit. Any recommendations on single or double DIN units? Also, does anyone have pics of the installed unit? Looking at a couple units from Crutchfield. They supply the install kits. Anyone also have experience with the Crutchfield install kits???

Thanks

[davebutch]

I replaced my head unit recently with a Kenwood Excelon unit, model KDCX395. It's a single-DIN unit. I believe it's the least expensive Excelon unit but is loaded with features and sounds fabulous. I bought it from Crutchfield and it was delivered the next day. Crutchfield is about the best when it comes to taking care of their customers - if you have issues when installing or after, just call them and they can answer the question right away.

I also installed the Metra Axxess steering wheel control adapter. It works great and was easy to install. I had read negative things about the other brand of adapter.

[s6skuzy]

Thanks, do you have any pics of the install? How well did the install kit fit with the single DIN?

[davebutch]

Originally Posted by s6skuzy

Thanks, do you have any pics of the install? How well did the install kit fit with the single DIN?

I don't have pictures of mine but here's a link to the installation mounts that come free from Crutchfield: Honda Kit 2003-up, chassis sizes I & E at Crutchfield.com You end up with a finished look and an extra storage pocket under the head unit to take the place of the "second DIN".

[oejeffrey]

this is my system

[Maniac0908]

Hey oejeffrey how did u put in a car audio battery? And where did u put it? I have the same set up as u. Ill take pics sometime this week.

[oejeffrey]

as you can tell I went with a Xstatic car audio battery. That gave my Pilot 8oo extra crankin amps !!! ZAP baby ZAP!!!



I also went with a Stinger dual amp wiring kit !!! I gotta tell ya...I don't know whose idea this was but it was great. A lot of parts that you don't have to purchase separately and my installer loved having this kit !!



Here are a few shots of where the battery is.












Also do not forget the circuit breaker !!! Spend the money...it is nice to have !!!

[piconut]

OK, stupid question. What is the extra battery for?

[oejeffrey]

Piconut not a stupid question at all.
Once you start adding more than 2 or 3 amps the electrical drain on your system can be pretty severe. If you could imagine a hot summer night with the air conditioning on, the stereo playing, the windshield wipers going back & forth & then the headlights dimming to the bass beat of your music. That's a pretty good drain on your battery & alternator.
The second battery eliminates that severe drain & asks as a buffer. Some people use a capacitor and if that works for them then I say go for it. My installer however thinks of them as a hazard and thinks a extra battery is the way to go.
That extra battery is pretty strong and it does make starting a bit easier.