| Curtsan |
Rather than plugging up the electronics thread, I thought I would post all my installation pictures here.
Remember, the thrill is in the build!!
This picture is "virgin" MDX with side panel off with factory sub out |
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| Curtsan |
| Factory Bose Sub and my Alpine replacement...12" DVC R series |
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| Curtsan |
| Quite a difference in depth to work with |
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| Curtsan |
| Time to build a faceplate - MDF, body filler, and lots of sanding to get the right curvature |
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| Curtsan |
| The Back area is fibreglassed to fit in factory sub hole and allow for magnet to fit in...(*needed about 8 inches of minimum depth..total cubic feet about .70 |
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| Curtsan |
| Install plywood floor under carpet to mount amps to-soundproofing also welll underway |
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| Curtsan |
This took the most time....properly applying the fatmat (like dynamat, just different company)
Looking at trunk area towards jack area |
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| Curtsan |
| I applied the fat mat inside the door to outer skin of vehicle, as well as the inner panel prior to reinstalling platic door panel. 6" Alpine coaxial speaker can be seen, needed some build out work to fit |
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| Curtsan |
more soundproofing on floor and laying some wiring and cables
under middle seat area |
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| Curtsan |
| Same process, with lining inside of actual door on outer panel, then inside of door wall prior to trim piece going back on (speaker not yet installed) Alpine 6" SPX component series |
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| Curtsan |
And trim panel back in place, note the fibereglassed build out which
utilizes the space within the wall of the vehicle for factory sub location....only comes out as far as wheel well |
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| Curtsan |
| Most of the cables and wire is under the carpet, including new 12 gauge speaker wiring through to door speakers. this is what is left to connect on top of carpet to A/V switcher, processor brain, and head unit brain....lots of fun....(this is all under middle seat area) |
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| Curtsan |
For each headrest monitor, I've wired in a power on off switch in B pillar, as well as a selector switch for the A/V source (4 total) This picture was taken prior to painting them to match the beige interior
The idea is that the passengers to not have to use any form of remote controls to turn on monitor or select source...These are push button switches |
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| Curtsan |
| I've wired in two extra inputs, so I'm running DVD Changer, Hi FI VCR, and these two inputs - Playstation 2 and Camcorder when needed...I've also mounted the face of power inverter. |
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| Curtsan |
| Just another shot of console area |
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| Curtsan |
Actual Inverter unit is mounted under driver's seat, with a seperate dedicated line in from battery complete with its own fuse, etc...
(there is also a fused line in from battery to amp districution box and one for sub amp as well) All 4 gauge wire used from battery.
Face of inverter was removed, wires extended and mounted in console as per previous pictures |
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| Curtsan |
| I've mounted a IR transmitter for the wireless dual input headphones....each side is tied in directly to correspond with the A/V source selected in the screen in front of that side...very easy for kids to work things... |
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| Curtsan |
| I soundproofed tailgate |
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| Curtsan |
| with speakers installed ...I used some MDF baffles first mounted to tailgate, then mounted speakers to the MDF, |
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| Curtsan |
| speakers in, and grilles using the MDX subwoofer grille cloth for a perfect match, (bought an extra sub grille from Tim to get the cloth,...Thanks Tim!) |
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| Curtsan |
| Alpine Slide out Screen head unit closed, mounted with Alpine Surround processor and EQ underneath |
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| Curtsan |
| Head unit now open....yes, I give up seeing some of the LCD screen, but ...no big deal...the higher viewing position is better this way... |
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| Curtsan |
| Final baffle of MDF installed and carpet installed- total frontal thickness 1.5" of double layer 3/4" MDF (sub will recess into the front now) Fibrefill also used to help sub think its in a bigger box |
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| Curtsan |
| Hey, it actually fits too! (the line in the picture on the right side of box front is reflection of flash) |
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| Curtsan |
| I am using a 12 inch grille for protection--gotta have "protection" ! |
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| Curtsan |
| Since I am doing as much stealth as possible, I used the factory sub grille cloth to cover my grille and get a better factory look....The little piece in the upper right corner of box is the factory cargo hook anchor that is now covered by the box, so I am using it here... |
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| Curtsan |
| You can see the tailgate speakers also |
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| Curtsan |
| MDX emblem in bottom right corner, and sneak peek at the amps |
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| Curtsan |
| Everything still functional, no real space taken up by the box |
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| mdxxxx |
| :6: Very impressive...:29: Nice going Curtsan! |
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| Curtsan |
Amplifiers needed a home, so from left to right...
bottom left, front amp...middle sub amp....right, rear door amp...
upper left, center channel amp for center speaker not quite done) and top right rear tailgate fill amp....two hidden fans , to pull any excess heat out - I may at some point cut the lid and do a plexiglass viewing window???? stealth no more though??? |
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| Curtsan |
| Alpine DVD changer mounted under front driver's seat - remote controlled through head unit |
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| Curtsan |
| Alpine VCR mounted under passenger seat, remote controlled also through headunit |
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| Curtsan |
So, I am using the glovebox (about 2/3rds of it) for my CD Changer, even though DVD would also play CD's, save wear and tear on it/
I used a matching vinyl, which looks bang on in person, although picture makes it look lighter colored |
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| Curtsan |
| Very easy access to change CD's |
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| Curtsan |
| Ok, it sounds pretty good....now to tweak it all up... |
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| Curtsan |
| The quality of these monitors and headrests are awesome...get some before prices gets out of reach! |
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| Curtsan |
| Yes, that is Liz Hurley on the right in Bedazzled....not much of a shwo, but a good source for showing off monitor (DVD on right, VCR on left, CD changer display on dash) |
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| Curtsan |
The sound is clean and loud if need be....The video is great for travelling.
About two months off and on (more on I hate to say) but I am a bit slow at this....I am now working on my center channel speaker pod, as a final step to fill in the sound in the middle of dash a bit...just a subtle addition. I also wired in a set of A/V outputs in trunk area near amps (right corner) for those tailgate parties where you can just plug in a big screen and go all night!!!
Thanks to everyone who did upgrades in the past, from which I stole a lot of your ideas and tips...VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!!!
Curtis |
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| HARDROCK |
Awesome! I'm in the process of designing how I'm going to upgrade my truck next month and EVEYTHING you do I want (but can I afford it as I need to pay someone else for the labor...). Thanks for the wonderful post - I'm going to steal as much as I can and promise to post my own pictures when done.
One question - where did your headrest monitors come from? |
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| TheWorm |
| Wow -- nice work! Really impressive :29: |
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| BklynMDX |
WOW! :eek: I'm at awe of your work. What I'm completely amazed with is how everything looks like it was factory installed.
Excellent install Curtsan! :4: |
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| hockeyplayer |
| DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN!!!!:eek: :eek: :29: |
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| Warzau |
| I think we now have a leader in the coolest A/V install, the only critque is, I dont like the way you put the power inverter. Looks as if you were near the end and you said, "oh screwit" But all in all awsome!!!! |
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| EXCALIBUR |
Curtsan,
A very outstanding and impressive system. What was the name of that OEM system again? Bozo or something like that?:29: |
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| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by Curtsan
Rather than plugging up the electronics thread, I thought I would post all my installation pictures here.
Remember, the thrill is in the build!!
This picture is "virgin" MDX with side panel off with factory sub out
Very impressive installation!!! |
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| Curtsan |
Hey, thanks alot...
HARDROCK:
The headrests and monitors were from autobarn.com.
WARZAU:
Were you thinking the outlets , or the inverter unit itself?
As far as the inverter unit, I wanted a location close to the console where the outlets are mounted, so the extension of the wiring wasn't too long and lose some of the power. The picture shows it with the seat in the most forward position, however, when back to normal position, it is almost completely hidden, and you need to get quite low to see it at all.
The console mounting of the outlets was chosen for convenience of plugging in for the middle row accessories of any kind, including a PS2 which will not be a permanent installation aspect.
That particular spot in the console seemed to have the most room for the wiring , etc. in behind as well.
What thoughts did you have? I'd be interested in hearing...Thanks again for your remarks |
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| Wazowski |
 :29: |
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| OP MDX |
| How loud is the inverter? Mine is pretty loud. I really only use it when charging digital camera batteries while on the road. Just wondering how it might alter a/v experience, although you can always turn it up! |
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| slackass |
| Simply awesome Curtsan. Everything looks great. |
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| hammermdx |
| WOW, great job, enjoy! |
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| phins2rt |
| Holy crap!:eek: Awesome install Curtsan!! It takes a lot of b@lls to rip everything out and put it back in. I'm sure this will provide a lot of inspiration to future a/v endeavors! Excellent job!!:18: |
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| Curtsan |
None what so ever....I thought it might filter into the systenm somehow, but I ran a seperate power line in, as well as used a totally different location fro grounding of it, from the rest of my components.
There is no alternator whine, or hiss of any kind.
I fooled around with it with two fairly high wattage items for a prolonged period to make the little fan within the inverter cut in, and still no additional noise while parked or on the road....I guess I got lucky?? |
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| OP MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by Curtsan
None what so ever....I thought it might filter into the systenm somehow, but I ran a seperate power line in, as well as used a totally different location fro grounding of it, from the rest of my components.
There is no alternator whine, or hiss of any kind.
I fooled around with it with two fairly high wattage items for a prolonged period to make the little fan within the inverter cut in, and still no additional noise while parked or on the road....I guess I got lucky??
That must be the problem with mine, the fan is on 100% of the time. You constantly hear it. |
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| DubbedSSmdx |
Very nice install...
my questions are in regards to the face plate... please lists specs such as manufac, where you got it, price, etc... also how much work did you apply to the face plate to get such a great match; from the pictures it looks like a perfect match to the rest of the surrounding housing.
- dubbed |
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| Warzau |
quote:
Originally posted by DubbedSSmdx
Very nice install...
my questions are in regards to the face plate... please lists specs such as manufac, where you got it, price, etc... also how much work did you apply to the face plate to get such a great match; from the pictures it looks like a perfect match to the rest of the surrounding housing.
- dubbed
From the description, he made it.
"Time to build a faceplate - MDF, body filler, and lots of sanding to get the right curvature" |
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| AikiMDX |
| Impressive! Very nicely done. It's even more amazing to me knowing that you did the work yourself! :eek: |
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| jj_mdx |
Holy sh##!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
:6: |
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| ImOnlyTen |
| Whoa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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| Curtsan |
The faceplate was built entirely from scratch.
I started by removing the factory cd player, then removed the face from it, this way, I could easily work with the shape and curve aspects. I also used the plood trim as a pattern, sinc eth two pieces have to fit perfectly together.
I started with a piece of 1/2" mdf and cut out the pattern as per the plood outline. Then added about 3/16" all around the sides and bottom for some extra wot work with incase I messed up. (better a little bigger, than a little smaller) Then made the edge with basically a knife and chisel to copy the exact profile of the face of the Factory CD player, since it needs to recess back a bit and allow the plood to slip over the edges. There are some tabs and little tips to duplicate
for an exact match.
Then, I carefully measured where the top headunit would be cut out, based on the mounting bracket that was left in place from the factory CD player. The Alpine holes lined up perfectly.
I cut this one out, then cut out the bottom din piece for the EQ/Processor. There wasn't much room for error here, as the middle piece between them is pretty narrow, but I liked this look rather than stacking them up together with no separation in a typical double din arrangement.
Then I applied body filler/bondo to the entire face to build it up about 1/4 inch in the middle, tapering to the edge with virtually none, so that it was a perfect shape match to the factory faceplate.
When I got it close I would sand , then re-apply some bondo, and sand...and so on until after about 4 minor applications of bondo, Idid the final sanding and shaping. I test fit everything at this point and it was good, so I primed and painted it
the painting was more tedious than I thought, since the black in the MDX is more of a dark grey, so I experimented with several different blacks to get it close. It never really looked that good, so I basically took a can of dark grey paint in one hand, and the black which was
the " black plastic match" and sprayed them at the same time in very light coats. This ended up with a very close match. Be careful not to "blob" on the paint, as this will show...very light misting only.
I sanded this again lightly and recoated a total of 3 times in the same manner, then gave a final coat of flat spray on varathane to give it a dull finish. End result was pretty close, although the pictures make it look more distinctive than it is, and accentuate the joined area to the LCD screen. In person, it is very close and nearly impossible to tell where the factory plastic starts and ends.
Total cost , less than $20 bucks (scrap MDF, paint, small amount bondo) Total time- 10 hours approx. (and my wife can verify this....)
Its not that tough if you have the time....Go for it...you will probbly suprise yourself with the result...I know I did... |
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| shootist |
| Absolutely amazing work. |
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| Arzoo |
| Definitely the most impressive install I've ever seen! YOU WIN! :D |
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| tnguyenmdc |
| The BEST I've ever seen. Holy cow!!! Quick question. What is the brand of your power inverter? I have a Coleman, and the fan is on ALL THE TIME...:mad: |
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| Wazowski |
| Amazing work! Great job! |
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| Curtsan |
This power inverter is sold exclusively at a National Department store up here in Canada called Canadian Tire. (like Walmart) The brand is Motomaster Eliminator. Website is Canadiantire.ca
They carry various models ranging from 175 watts ($39.99 Cdn) , the 400 watt model like mine with dual outlets and cooling fan ($59.99 Cdn) to huge ones up to 1750 watts.(see link below)
The manual says the fan will come on when there is a large surge required, or running at maximum output for an extended period of time. It also has a fuse and circuit breaker built- in, and a small on / off switch on the face. It was a little tricky removing face and extending all the wiring for switch, outlets andindicator lights for power on, as well as overload, but a little patience and it worked out fine.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortme...ortment=primary |
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| R Stevens |
Curtsan,
Congratulations. You did an amazing install. Looks really good and I bet it sounds great too. Seeing your pictures brought back memories of my MDX when the entire interior was taken out. Wow--it takes a lot of courage to do this yourself. Amazing that it only took two months.
Which Alpine processor are you using? I'm still waiting for release of the PXA-H700 to complete my install.
Again, an excellent system.:cool: |
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| stumpie |
| ..........better than average ........... when can you come down to the SF Bay Area and do EXACTLY same to mine........you may have created a nice little 'total entertainment upgrade' kit that could keep you in $$$ for years........what is your total $$ investment (not hours)? :2: :2: :2: |
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| Curtsan |
At this time, I am using the G320, which doubles as a processor for surround modes (not dolby 5.1 though) such as hall, studio, live,etc, although normal stereo is all I really use.
It was a piece I had from before, and will use it until I decide on what is next. I had been using an alpine dolby 5.1 processor for a while in a previous vehicle, and never really liked the sound it produced...always sounded too "artificial", and not true and warm, so I sold it and bought the G320. Straightforward , 14 band eq and easy to save different settings. For now, it fits perfect.
I am contemplating the new Alpine IVA 900, which is an indash screen and DVD player...it has full control for rear screens and back up camera built in, but right now, even on ebay, its about $2,000...too much at this point in time, when I have all I need right now.
Estimate on total Cost (CDN Dollars) when purchased:
Alpine Multimedia Head Unit $1900 (previous)
Alpine EQ/Processor $800 (previous)
Alpine Front Door Speakers $500 *
Alpine Rear Door and Tailgate Speakers $400 (previous)
Alpine Sub $200*
Alpine CD Changer $350 (previous)
Alpine DVD Changer $1500*
Alpine VCR $300 (previous)
Alpine Wireless headphones $250*
Alpine Amps (total about $1100) (previous)
Pair Vizualogic Headrests $1300*
4 Way A/V Switch Box $350*
Santeca Backup Camera $225*
Fat Mat Soundproofing (approx 200 sq ft) $600*
Hi end Cables/ Heavy gaugeWiring/fuses, etc $450 (previous)
Misc supplies (carpeting/mdf/paint/vinyl, etc) $200*
Extra pieces from Tim to salvage grille cloth, etc $60*
Inverter $60*
Some of the equiptment I had from my previous vehicle and
was purchased over the last 2 years or so, other pieces are new for the MDX. (*)
Much of the same stuff can be bought on places like ebay for cheaper now, given it is a couple of years old.
I would estimate about $5k US worth of stuff in there right now.
Thank goodness I didn't have to pay for the install, or my wife would have had me sleeping in the MDX watching movies....permanently "down by the river..." |
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| nyc |
holy ****..
off the hook. good ****! |
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| Curtsan |
| Thanks NYC, it was a blast to do....now just need to decide between PS2 and gamecube? Hey, maybe this would make a good new thread? |
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| MDXtrous |
| My vote is PS2 in the glove compartment. I think it fits... or you could somehow break it up and also fit it in the center console!! |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by Curtsan
Thanks NYC, it was a blast to do....now just need to decide between PS2 and gamecube? Hey, maybe this would make a good new thread?
PS2 :4: |
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