Latest mod [Archive] - TrackChat - Any Car! Any Track!

scat2k3

27-05-2008, 09:26 AM

Hi all,

Bout time I posted something......

The old 6 stacker stock head unit came to a sad end a few weeks ago with a "Mechanism Error" when trying to load a CD. I took it out, opened it up and had a look :shock: After checking that error on a few forums, it looked like it was a send away job to fix it and was going to cost a fair bit of coin.

What a perfect opportunity to upgrade :lol:

So, the only 2 criteria I had was double din and the new headunit must be capable of playing DVD-Audio discs.

I chose an Alpine W202E for the job and am over the moon. Along with the head unit, I bought a CAT-10 steering wheel remote "black box" and an after market mounting kit, together with the Alpine Ipod cable.

While I ran the RSA leads back to the amp in the boot, Chris took the dash apart and wired up the head unit and CAT-10. The Cat-10 plugged directly into the head unit and once wired, provides all the steering wheel controls to the head unit. The Ipod cable charges the Ipod and provides full control through the touch screen of the head unit.

I thought the sound was pretty good when I added after market speakers and an amp while retaining the factory head unit. The sound is now is spectacular, particularly when playing DVD-Audio discs.

The unit fits nicely in the dash, although I will have to change the green lights to blue on the climate control to make everything look uniform (scan guages are blue as well).

Heres a few pics:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn224/scat2k3/alpineinstall026.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn224/scat2k3/alpineinstall027.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn224/scat2k3/alpineinstall028.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn224/scat2k3/alpineinstall031.jpg

Cheers,

Scott

HSV271

27-05-2008, 10:14 AM

Nice one... Looks like it was always there from the factory.

NickS

27-05-2008, 10:58 AM

Who is this Scat2k3 fella ?

:confused:

Oh well, whoever you are, nice install ... :thumbs:

:stick:

Dan_

27-05-2008, 11:46 AM

That looks very good. looks factory spec. Do you make your own DVD audio disks or do you buy them?

scat2k3

27-05-2008, 02:32 PM

That looks very good. looks factory spec. Do you make your own DVD audio disks or do you buy them?

Thanks Dan, I buy them. If you're interested, this article from modern home theatre (http://www.modernhometheater.com/howto/dvdaudio/index.html) describes the format.

Cheers,

Scott

BOMI

27-05-2008, 08:46 PM

Hey Scat, nice install, looks great and aslo welcome to the forum :stick:

Troy :D

scat2k3

27-05-2008, 09:00 PM

Lol thanks Troy.

Cheers,

Scott

Pulse Red

28-05-2008, 09:20 AM

Looks fantastic Scott, I am jealous. I wanted the same Headunit but decided against it as the car doesn't get driven enough to warrant it.

BTW you can now buy kits for Holden's to change the dash lights from Green to Blue. The kit makes the job quite easy I am told.

scat2k3

28-05-2008, 10:53 AM

DaveHAT

28-05-2008, 11:17 AM

:shock: My ones flash one aye ... !!!

Looks very tidy Mr Scat. A very comprehensive write up for a forum noob. :D

:stick:

And ... DIY which makes it ever better. :bravo:

:cheers:

EDIT ... forgot the mandatory :hat: and :confused:

:waving:

firebug

28-05-2008, 12:03 PM

Very nice... Looks much tidier that the factory unit... :hat:

Pulse Red

28-05-2008, 04:39 PM

Thanks Daniel.

Do tell on these kits... Do you know who sells them?

Cheers,

Scott

These guys apparently. I cant vouch for the product as I have not used them but I am going on what I was told. I had considered changing my dash lights to Blue but my Alpine HU is green and Blue anyway so I didn't bother as it looks quite good to me. On my car it would look weird I think but with all the blue in your car the conversion would look very good imo.

http://www.asr-audio.com.au/files/BlueDashPriceList.pdf

Edit: I think this guy did it himself too using Jaycar parts.

http://users.tpg.com.au/cobra30/VYCrewman.htm

Also this guy on Ebay sold a kit recently it seems:

http://cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320238324356&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RSCC_Pr8_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=320233148033&itemcount=8&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&usedrule1=StoreCatToStoreCat&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget&_trksid=p284.m183&_trkparms=algo%3DDR%26its%3DS%252BI%252BSS%26itu%3 DISS%252BUCI%252BSI%26otn%3D8

MID02K

28-05-2008, 07:53 PM

if u want DVD Audio media goto Sydney Hi Fi at Mona Vale or try http://www.dtsonline.com

Titles I recommend
Queen - A Night at the Opera
Eagles - Hotel California
Les Brown and his band of renown
Fleetwood Mac - Rumours
Eric Clapton and BB kign - Riding with the King

Dan_

28-05-2008, 08:09 PM

Thanks for the links guys. DVD audio would be wasted on me, im from the ipod generation! http://www.smileyhut.com/hats/bluesbrother.gif

Hethro87

29-05-2008, 06:05 PM

Hey scott

Shit man as usual your installs with the aid of your son are great. Im still so grateful today what you guys did for my car!!!

When i get my new one next year and need some help ill give u a ring and have a case in the boot!

Hethro :thumbs:

scat2k3

30-05-2008, 08:50 AM

Thanks for the links Daniel. Much appreciated.

Alex, any time man. What are you planning?

Cheers,

Scott

Hethro87

30-05-2008, 08:18 PM

Hey scott.

Wont be for another couple of months till i get my new car but new fronts, new rears amp and a sub - so basically everything!

This time ill have a decent amount of cash -$600 or so bucks to spend so i can get some good gear!

Hethro

scat2k3

27-06-2008, 08:11 AM

These guys apparently. I cant vouch for the product as I have not used them but I am going on what I was told. I had considered changing my dash lights to Blue but my Alpine HU is green and Blue anyway so I didn't bother as it looks quite good to me. On my car it would look weird I think but with all the blue in your car the conversion would look very good imo.

http://www.asr-audio.com.au/files/BlueDashPriceList.pdf

Edit: I think this guy did it himself too using Jaycar parts.

http://users.tpg.com.au/cobra30/VYCrewman.htm

Also this guy on Ebay sold a kit recently it seems:

http://cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320238324356&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RSCC_Pr8_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=320233148033&itemcount=8&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&usedrule1=StoreCatToStoreCat&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget&_trksid=p284.m183&_trkparms=algo%3DDR%26its%3DS%252BI%252BSS%26itu%3 DISS%252BUCI%252BSI%26otn%3D8

I got in touch with Greg from ASR Audio and am getting the full treatment of blue this Sunday. I'll post up some pics when its finished.

Cheers,

Scott

Pulse Red

27-06-2008, 10:00 AM

I got in touch with Greg from ASR Audio and am getting the full treatment of blue this Sunday. I'll post up some pics when its finished.

Cheers,

Scott

Look forward to seeing the result. :)

scat2k3

29-06-2008, 05:32 PM

Well, today Chris and I went out to see Greg (phreddy) to get the full treatment of blue lights to finish off the interior.

Daniel, thanks for the link to asr-audio. The entire job took about 3 1/2 hours and included:

Cluster, climate control, ignition key ring, headlight and trip computer control units, sunroof and some amazing little strip neon lights for the footwells.

I also changed the indicator and fog light light to white. NO MORE GREEN :woohoo:

Chris had already done the traction control and window buttons.

I'm rapt with how this has turned out and extremely impressed with the job that Greg did. Watching him work was like watching a jeweler. Real precision stuff working with those tiny lights on those circuit boards.

If anyone is thinking of getting something like this done, PM phreddy. You won't regret it.

Greg, great to meet you and thanks again for putting the finishing touches on the inside of the munro. I can safely say that as far as the inside is concerned, its finished !

You should start a thread and show the guys some of your handy work.

Now for some pics :bravo:

Drivers footwell and ignition key ring
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn224/scat2k3/blue003.jpg

Passenger footwell. Yeah I know, the mat is crooked :waving:
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn224/scat2k3/blue004.jpg

Cluster
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn224/scat2k3/blue005.jpg

Headlight unit
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn224/scat2k3/blue006.jpg

Climate control and trip computer unit on the right
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn224/scat2k3/blue007.jpg

Passenger footwell and centre console
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn224/scat2k3/blue008.jpg

Cluster
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn224/scat2k3/blue010.jpg

Cheers,

Scott

Black VESSV

29-06-2008, 06:11 PM

Looks awesome Scott

WOMBIE

29-06-2008, 07:02 PM

Scott i bet the pics don't do it justice at all but in saying that it looks very very good mate :) For fear of spending more money i will refrain from sending Phreddy a pm...for the moment anyway :rolleyes:

Cheers,
Darren

NickS

29-06-2008, 07:12 PM

:bravo: ... how it should have come from the factory mate, looks sensational.

scat2k3

29-06-2008, 07:18 PM

Thanks guys :cheers:

Darren, you're right mate, I'm no photographer and it does look better in real life.

Nick, also correct mate. It should have come from the factory like this. They went to the trouble of blue dials, option of blue leather, blue everything except the lighting :weirdo:

Cheers,

Scott

Pulse Red

04-07-2008, 01:30 PM

Missed these pics, looks fantastic! I really like it and if I had the same colour combo I would do the same mod. Very nice!

Great to see it all worked out and they did a good job. :thumbs:

WOMBIE

18-07-2008, 03:23 PM

Hey Scott i was only just thinking about this mod just now...can you remember what other colours were available at the time you made your selection.

Cheers

scat2k3

18-07-2008, 07:07 PM

Hey Scott i was only just thinking about this mod just now...can you remember what other colours were available at the time you made your selection.

Cheers

Hi Darren,

Red, amber, green and white come to mind. I got my indicator lights changed to white to be completely "green light" free.

Phreddy's website has some pics of differewnt colours. PM him if you want to find out more.

ASR Audio (http://www.asr-audio.com.au)

Cheers,

Scott

WOMBIE

19-07-2008, 08:00 AM

Thanks mate :D I was thinking along the lines of the red/white set up :yep:

:cheers:

Hethro87

19-07-2008, 03:03 PM

Wow scotty :smiles:

nothing short of amazing!

wanna swap the monaro for the camry and a WHOLE heap of crownies?! :lol:

Hethro :D

Phreddy

21-07-2008, 11:28 AM

Sorry I haven't posted in this thread before now - my arse is still trying to catch up with me....

THANKS for the great write-up Scott - it was a real pleasure and a privilege to work on such a gorgeous car. I'm rapt that you're so pleased with the results.

Wombie - you asked about colours - what Scott said! :) There's also orange of course, although I've never been asked to do one in that colour.

(I reckon your ride would look AWESOME with the red/white scheme - the pix on my website with the red/white are of a VY Exec, but you should get the general idea...)

LOL!! And good luck with your proposal Hethro - might take a bloody lot of Crownies though!! :cheers:

Just in case anyone's interested, I can also run a couple of modifications to the standard Blaupunkt stereo from VY and VZ Commys / Munros. It provides true 4 channel RCA line outputs (NOT like LOCs / hi-to-low converters, which just hang off the speaker outputs), and an Aux Input facility, activated by a push-button switch rather than having to play a "blank track" CD - it over-rides the currently selected source and pipes the Aux Input through the system, but is hard-wired to get around the crappy performance of the FM modulator method. (Everyone who has had one of those, and then had my mod installed, are ASTOUNDED with the improvement in SQ) Those who know which end of a soldering iron to hang on to can possibly install the mod themselves (it involves adding a small circuit board inside the unit, and an additional connector on the cradle), or I can do the full job for anyone who might want it.

Anyhow, I better get back to work! ;)

Take care all, later!

WOMBIE

21-07-2008, 04:26 PM

(I reckon your ride would look AWESOME with the red/white scheme - the pix on my website with the red/white are of a VY Exec, but you should get the general idea...)
I recon it would as well :D I'll pm you tomorrow arvo after i show the Possum what i'd like done.

Cheers

WOMBIE

01-08-2008, 09:19 AM

I spoke to Greg yesterday and had good chat about what i think i want :confused: ,anyways i will have to wait a bit until he gets in some more of the colours i would like....all good.Gives me time to think about it a bit more which is not necessarily a good thing :lol:

NickS

01-08-2008, 10:24 AM

I'm seriously considering having this done to the Coupe 4 after it's had it's little transplant ... I'm loving the blue.

:bow:

Kyle

03-08-2008, 09:28 PM

Blue dash lights own Scott!!! Absoutely love it!

What did it cost? (if it's ok to ask)

scat2k3

04-08-2008, 09:32 AM

I'm seriously considering having this done to the Coupe 4 after it's had it's little transplant ... I'm loving the blue.

:bow:

I think you will be sold on the blue when you see it for real Nick.

Kyle, phreddy's prices are here (http://www.asr-audio.com.au/files/BlueDashPriceList.pdf) I already had the TC and windows done in blue (thanks to chrishsv). All up it cost me $250 installed. Bloody good value IMHO.

Cheers,

Scott

Phreddy

05-08-2008, 10:55 AM

Some good news guys....

I've ordered some more LEDs, they're coming from HK so should be here before too long.

Hang in there - WOMBIE, I'll get in touch as soon as I have the stock.

Cheerz!

VooDoo

05-08-2008, 01:55 PM

once you have blue you will never go black (or red, or white, or silver haha)

scat2k3

06-08-2008, 11:55 AM

But wait... theres more...

I got in touch with Phreddy today as I have a problem with one of the channels on my amp (its basically stuffed in technical terms). Anyway, he can fix that but told me about his latest mod.

Get this...

"..I did an experiment with colour-morphing needles on a VY Berlina - where the needles are lit in blue, but the speedo and tacho "morph" into red at about 5000 rpm / 100KmH. (this is only viable if the needles are coloured white on the backing, as yours are....) Have a look at the 2 youtube vids."

JyfltZ9s5dY&NR

8hKDQfrVhgM

I have to have this mod.

Cheers,

Scott

NickS

06-08-2008, 12:07 PM

That's awesome ... if it will work in my car I want it !!!

Just have to wait till I get the car back now.

Phreddy

06-08-2008, 12:21 PM

G'day Nick - if your gauge needles are currently white (viewed during the day), then this works like a bewdy! Many clusters however have red coloured needles, which won't.

The trick is that there are 2 LEDs beneath each of the tacho and speedo needles. One LED lights up the needle in the "lower end" of the sweep, the other LED takes over at the higher end. By simply fitting a blue LED for the lower end and a red one for the upper, the colour transforms from blue, through purple, and ultimately red. (the fuel and temp gauges only use a single LED for the needle, so it doesn't work for those ones....)

(so that might answer the question in your PM Scott - unfortunately it's not possible to tailor the RPM at which the needle becomes red - it's purely based on the positioning of the LED on the circuit board...)

Anyhow, I'm anxiously awaiting the delivery of the LEDs I've ordered - as soon as they're in we'll be ready to rock! :smiles:

WOMBIE

07-08-2008, 08:37 AM

Some good news guys....

I've ordered some more LEDs, they're coming from HK so should be here before too long.

Hang in there - WOMBIE, I'll get in touch as soon as I have the stock.

Cheerz!

All good here mate,look forward to hearing from ya :)

:cheers:

Phreddy

12-08-2008, 08:17 AM

:woot:

LEDs arrived - all good! Those keen on conversions, we can start we can start working out the wheres and whens.

:smiles:
[peanut butter jelly - peanut butter jelly - peanut butter jelly with a baseball bat...]

mad_HAT

12-08-2008, 10:20 AM

Great job Scott - i have been looking into this for a couple of years - all blue with blue and more blue - awesome!!

WOMBIE

26-08-2008, 04:34 PM

I had Phreddy do his thing last Saturday for the sv8......farking awesome job mate :thumbs: I just gotta take some decent pics that go remotely close to doing his work justice....that may be a while given my night photography skills :yike:

Phreddy

26-08-2008, 05:26 PM

Thanks Wombie - the pleasure was mine Mate, it was great to meet you and your lad, and satisfying to work on such an immaculate car!

When you call around, bring your cam with you - I have a tripod.... (it's really the only way you can get decent pics - you can't use the flash for obvious reasons, but that makes the shutter times way long. The tiniest shake smears the whole thing everywhere... :swear: )

Cheerz! :waving:

NickS

26-08-2008, 05:33 PM

Bring on the pics Wombie !!!

Definitely keen to do this Phreddy, but it will be a while until I have any power in the car again (the engines out ...), once it's back in I'll be in touch.

:yep:

WOMBIE

28-08-2008, 03:57 PM

Bring on the pics Wombie !!!

Definitely keen to do this Phreddy, but it will be a while until I have any power in the car again (the engines out ...), once it's back in I'll be in touch.

:yep:

Will do Nick,i had to install my my pedals first which went smoothly today go figure :confused:

you can't use the flash for obvious reasons, but that makes the shutter times way long.

Cheerz! :waving:

All good mate ;) just means we can have a :beer: between pics :yep:

WOMBIE

28-08-2008, 06:38 PM

Just a sample for those who are keen on doing this mod....

No more green
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/QIK346/Kiama002.jpg

Foot well lighting with new alloy pedals
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/QIK346/Kiama001.jpg

I will post some more/better shots that capture pretty much the entire led change but i will need that tripod Greg so anytime your ready mate :waving:

:cheers:

Phreddy

01-09-2008, 03:30 PM

LOL!! Soon Mate, sorry about that.... (had a bastard of a week last one...)

Cheerz!

NickS

01-09-2008, 05:58 PM

Looking good Wombie ... can't wait to get this one done.

:thumbs:

WOMBIE

01-09-2008, 06:33 PM

Looking good Wombie ... can't wait to get this one done.

:thumbs:
Thanks mate...you'll be glad when you get it done :yep:

:cheers:

LOL!! Soon Mate, sorry about that.... (had a bastard of a week last one...)

Cheerz!

:lol: No probs Greg,just msg when your free for that :beer:

:cheers:

Dan_

01-09-2008, 07:11 PM

Looks great Daz!! Dont worry about the tripod just wedge the camera under the headrest!

WOMBIE

01-09-2008, 08:22 PM

Door open
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/QIK346/blue1.jpg

Door closed
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/QIK346/120009.jpg

You guys get the idea....they shit all over green anyday :werd:

:cheers:

Dan_

01-09-2008, 08:25 PM

Yeah that does look really cool Daz!! I want to get this done to the ute to replace the green as well but i want to wait till its out of warrenty. I think red and white. I love white LED screens

scat2k3

02-09-2008, 07:04 AM

Nice Wombie.

Pictures just don't do it justice. Phreddy did the "morphing" tacho and speedo dial mod a couple of weeks ago. If I get my ass into gear, I'll see if I can get a short movie of it and post up.

Cheers,

Scott

Phreddy

02-09-2008, 09:24 AM

LOL!!! Sorry Scott, we should maybe start a thread on this - seems like we're jackin' yours here! :)

scat2k3

02-09-2008, 11:48 AM

LOL!!! Sorry Scott, we should maybe start a thread on this - seems like we're jackin' yours here! :)

Its all relevant mate. Go for your lives !

Cheers,

Scott

WOMBIE

02-09-2008, 04:10 PM

Its all relevant mate. Go for your lives !

Cheers,

Scott

:cheers: Scott

Nice Wombie.

Pictures just don't do it justice. Phreddy did the "morphing" tacho and speedo dial mod a couple of weeks ago. If I get my ass into gear, I'll see if I can get a short movie of it and post up.

Cheers,

Scott

Your right there about pics not cutting it and yes,you must do a short vid as that would be cool to see :yep:

Yeah that does look really cool Daz!! I want to get this done to the ute to replace the green as well but i want to wait till its out of warrenty. I think red and white. I love white LED screens

How long till then mate?

I was gonna go red/white but changed my mind at the very last sec but it does look very cool as well.The possum liked the change in dash lighting so much that she wouldn't mind getting the Swift done :rolleyes:

Dan_

02-09-2008, 08:33 PM

How long till then mate?

I was gonna go red/white but changed my mind at the very last sec but it does look very cool as well.The possum liked the change in dash lighting so much that she wouldn't mind getting the Swift done :rolleyes:

2 years LOL!! Ill buckle before then but. Its apparant that he knows his shit so im not worried about anything he is going to stuff up, im worried about Mazda lol.

Let the possum go it will tie in nicely with the work it will be receiving next week ;)

DaveHAT

03-09-2008, 08:22 AM

I really like the look of this mod and well done to Scat and WomHAT for getting it done.

:bravo:

I'd consider getting it done on the goon but the green doesn't really bother me ... the beauty of being colour blind. :p :confused:

The "morphing tacho" thingy has me intrigued, in the words of Oliver and directed to Mr Scat ... MORE? :confused:

:waving: