AVIC-F90BT Install (DUW)

[illwood]

This past Friday (8/8/08), my Pioneer AVIC-F90BT from John's Stereo showed up. Saturday I had a few hours to get the install started (solder the harness and take out the factory head unit). Then Sunday, I took the dash apart and finished up the install. Here are the pics.

The dash apart:

Driver's view of the open dash:

Dash bezel and AVIC on couch:

AVIC being fit up:

I used a different method than Rich (Magindat). I cut the plastic tabs on the top and bottom only, then I used the side supports from the Scosche kit (you have to remove the vents). They have u-channels that fit into the side tabs pretty snug. It makes for a much more difficult install for the bezel with the wires, but I prefer the solid fit.

Vents snapped on:

Other view:

AVIC Installed:

The splash screen I made up:

This splash screen is way more clear in person. Taking the photo at night and having the flash from the camera drowned it out a bit.

AVIC home screen:

Was curious and took out the illumination bulb for the headlights. Yikes!

The install wasn't easy, but I didn't have any major hitches. If anyone is interested in one of these stereos, contact John. He'll put together everything you need (head unit, harness, install kit, and remote box for keeping the steering wheel controls).

If anyone likes my splash screen, I would be willing to provide it (or do some custom ones).

 

[MeadeRaudeR]

So did you put in new speakers as well? Let us know how it sounds, looks awesome!

 

[illwood]

So did you put in new speakers as well? Let us know how it sounds, looks awesome!

I haven't upgraded the speakers yet. I'm going to wait and save up a bit of money before diving in again. My plan is to run a 4-channel amp for some component speakers and a single channel amp for the sub.

Even with stock speakers and using the amp in the headunit it sounds better than stock.

 

[ctrlraven]

Nice job on the install.

 

[MM_BKK]

I love that splash screen!

 

[TAKEDOWN]

Now that's nice! How did you do that splash screen thingy?

 

[Makadamian]

I dont see any pre-outs on the back where are they?

 

[illwood]

Now that's nice! How did you do that splash screen thingy?

I used a free photo program (GIMP) and took the jpg of the avatar from the forum doubled the size, put it on an 800x480 image. Then I added the "MARAUDER" with the font on "bold" and "italics".

Everything was on a white background and was too bright, so I put a layer of black over the whole image and adjusted the transparency.

I dont see any pre-outs on the back where are they?

The preamp outs, AV1-in, and backup camera-in, are all located on a plug-in harness. Right now, mine are below the HVAC controls.

 

[Pops]

Very nice! Thanks for the write up.

 

[magindat]

I started with the tab cutting before the scoche kit was available. Your install method is spot on and may be easier for many!!!

Very nice.

 

[Pops]

I started with the tab cutting before the scoche kit was available. Your install method is spot on and may be easier for many!!!

Very nice.

Rich this is a good way with the Scoche kit and works nice.

 

[24shofast]

Very clean install...I have never liked the texture of the Scoche kits however, you would think they would offer a smooth face plate as well...

Good work tho

 

[illwood]

Very clean install...I have never liked the texture of the Scoche kits however, you would think they would offer a smooth face plate as well...

Good work tho

Well, if I decide that I need to have it better match the dashboard, I could just un-snap that trim piece, sand and paint it, then put it back on. That front trim piece is not structural.

John & Rich - I'm glad you liked my install.

 

[CRUZTAKER]

Bear with me here...as I have never had the dash apart, and up until most recently, never thought of replacing my head unit...

Is it required to remove all of those dash parts to install this unit?
Or did you do it for convienence?

I will be doing an AVIC install myself this fall.

 

[illwood]

Bear with me here...as I have never had the dash apart, and up until most recently, never thought of replacing my head unit...

Is it required to remove all of those dash parts to install this unit?
Or did you do it for convienence?

I will be doing an AVIC install myself this fall.

Well, this is the first time I've had my dash apart as well. I don't think it is *required*, however, I think it is the best way to do it. You can cut all 4 tabs off, but then the AVIC will only be held in by friction. If you take it apart as I have, there are mounting plates and screws that will hold it in.

If you're still not sure, you should see if Rich or John have a preference.

 

[HiHo]

Looks great!! I finally got mine installed today... Fought with the wire bundle for awhile, finally got everything arranged right without additional cutting of the enclosure. The bypass (available on AVIC411.com) works like a champ also. I've got a 16GB SD card full of MP3's that works well. Not sure about the IPod because mine is not supported. Bluetooth is not right. Likely my phone. I have a Chocolate. May not be supported, but I haven't found documentation of that yet.
One thing I have observed is that
1. Bootup is rather slow. Hopefully they will fix this with further updates. I would be particularly annoyed if I had gotten the backup camera.
2. touchscreen and steering wheel controls are spotty... sometimes a press (or multiple presses) won't elicit a response.

Display looks great... except for that gnarly scratch I put in the screen. Live and learn.

 

[illwood]

For anyone that is interested, here is that wallpaper that I made for the splash screen.

At first, I thought that it might have been too simple, but seeing on the unit it seems just right.

 

[Vortech347]

Is it a GPS unit too? Can you utilize the factory wheel controls?

 

[magindat]

Yes on both

Is it a GPS unit too? Can you utilize the factory wheel controls?

 

[DOOM]

Papa john is da man :up: . I wont buy from ANYONE else!