Radio Head unit in a series

[crankin]

Well, if we are throwing ideas out. I have thought about removing the center accessories panel (the one that holds the hazard switch) and using the defender radio holder to mount it to the upper dash on my SIII.

[Clembs]

That is s good idea (sIII) if the deck isn't too deep. I may just do the verticle with D90 box to the seat box. That would give great Semi-dry access to the wiring harness in the under seat storage.

I hadn't even thought about how everyone with a tuffy box has a vertically installed deck.

[Tim Smith]

Mine is still in the prototype stage as an overhead console. Works good but the CB mounted behind has taken some head contact/trail damage and now the little hook thingy is gone. The stereo was real cheap and now the readout doesn't work. I'm planning on tossing it and going with a car-computer type set up with the touch screen going in place of my head unit. Of course the computer would have to reside elsewhere (probably next to the amp) and be hooked up to the screen and inputs remotely. Lots of design ideas flowing.

You can't really see it but I also integrated some LED (12v native) under counter kitchen lights which are great for night time lighting. They can be daisy chained and supply more light to the rest of the cabin later on. Low power and plenty bright when you want to do a little reading at night.

If you go this route, make sure you plan for collision. So in effect, make it out of weak materials that will not crush or cut you if the worst should happen. Mine is made out of 1/8 luon plywood and self wrapped strips of very soft steel sheet. When it is done, I'm planning on wrapping with foam and vinyl sheets. Should collapse nicely in a "head on".



Clicky

[Clembs]

Tim that is lookin good. I might look into something like that later on but it looks like a lot of Trial.

Blue Boy where did you get your box. I like how it is lower profile than the new tuffy boxes seem to be.

[ybt502r]

I installed a CD/radio in a SIII. Got an aftermarket radio case (similar to the ones mentioned, sides and base - just something to slide the unit into) and bolted it to the front shelf, below the tray, above the 4wd knob. It's out of the way to everything (and all knees), doesn't use the middle seat/box, and is still easy to reach from the driver seat. The CD player (a Sony) said that it would not work beyond 60 degrees from the horizontal. I don't know the angle of the front there, but it's got to be around 60. Anyway, it all works fine and only took a few sheet metal screws into the lower part of the tray.

I thought about mounting above my head or inside the centre box, but this seemed like the best option. It's never given me any issues, though one sure has to crank the volume to hear it. That's a given.

[Clembs]

hey that is probably what i'll end up doing but i wasn't sure if it would fit. My rover has the metal air vent under the dash. Wasn't sure about that and the 4wheel drive shifter. I might try and move the vent/windscreen lever to the other side if it can be moved, haven't checked yet.

[crankin]

to rehash...
When wiring... I want the Black and white/orange wires, correct?

[jrd51ox]

I came across some series owners that swear by this company that makes motorcycle speaker set ups. Waterproof, loud, and very easy to conseal. Plus it helps retain the orginal interior look of your rover. These work by using an iPod. It's been on the list for me for some time. Hopefully will do it by next summer.

http://www.motorcyclespeakers.net/shop/stereo-speakers-amplifiers-26-ctg.htm

Good luck.

[kevkon]

Just a thought, but anyone interested in mounting a radio without building a console might be interested in the Sony marine radio. You can mount it anywhere and use the optional remote head.

[navydevildoc]

My buddy did that in his '97 D90... he has a Kenwood KMR-700U marine radio, and a small remote display/control unit up on the dash. The real "radio" hides away.

When I get around to getting a radio in my series, it will probably be that setup.

But for now, I just have an iHome IH13CQS speaker deal that my ipod zips up in, and then I just put the thing on the seat box next to me. Works pretty well, and I can take it with me when I have the top off like I do.

[kevkon]

It's a good way to go in a Series. I do a lot of audio installs and the overhead console has some advantages and some real disadvantages. For anyone intersted in making a custom console I reccomend using PVC trim boards availanble at most lumberyards. It comes in sheets or boards of different widths and thickness. The advantages of it are it offers good support and dampens vibration. Plus you can glue it together without fasteners with pvc glue. It takes any acrylic paint finish or cover it with fabric.

[kevkon]

Here are some pics of my stereo and speakers. They are Polk components and the housing is pvc with upholstery.

[Cutter]

Here are some pics of my stereo and speakers. They are Polk components and the housing is pvc with upholstery.

I like that rear speaker box, doubles as a good pad for reducing blunt force trauma when getting in the back door...

[Lalo88DK]

I installed a DVD/MP3/radio in my SIII. Got an aftermarket radio case (similar to the ones mentioned, sides and base - just something to slide the unit into) and bolted it under the front shelf, below the tray, above the 4wd knob. It's out of the way to everything (and all knees), I do use the middle seat/box, every day for my daugther. It's easy to reach from the driver seat. The DVD player works fine and only took a few sheet metal screws into the lower part of the tray.

I also have a set of small doorspeakers in the back I have a hidden 12" subwoofer and amplifier and 2 x 5½" speaker in a box. The box only takes 2 minuttes to remove, so I can get access to my extra heater (righthand corner).

[Tim Smith]

I like the secondary heater along with the sub speaker. Nice work!