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Topic: New dash audio installation... (Read 465 times) previous topic - next topic
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New dash audio installation...
Replacing dash stereo and the Ford speakers in a 2004 Lazy Daze Front Lounge

I replaced the stock Sony dash radio, AM-FM-Cassette, with a JVC KD-R988BTS single-DIN model that has a single CD drive, a front-panel USB and audio-in jacks, BlueTooth for phone and audio in, and both XM and iHeart radio tuners – and AM-FM. Crutchfield supplies the mounting kit free with the head unit, and I replaced the entire kaboodle. Pulling the old unit, I yanked it straight out of the DIN mount, breaking the plastic rear support bracket. I then removed the whole dash mount unit, and used an old drum-brake adjusting tool to remove the remains of the broken bracket from its slide, and clean off all the adhesive securing it. The new dash kit included a new rear bracket, so I mounted the unit with new rear bracket to the dash kit, then slid it in, engaging the rear bracket to the slide, and snapping the kit into the dash. This procedure meant I did not have to remove the doghouse for the installation.

LD has installed the same 6”X8” duo-cone speakers in the lounge area cabinetry as the stock Ford speakers in the cab doors. To replace the four speakers, I chose the Polk DB572 model, 5”X7” woofer and co-axial 3/4” dome tweeter. These are a direct replacement for the door speakers, and nearly so for the ones in the lounge cabinets. The problem there is related to the way LD has mounted the speakers to the grill, and the design of the speaker cavity in the cabinet. The Polk speakers mount to the grill, but a small area at both ends of the speaker do not quite cover the grill opening. I used some rubber gasketing to seal between speaker and grill, which also covered the openings. Next, the speaker cavities are open to the large wiring raceway between the inside floor and the outside bottom of the cabinet. This provides a large but acoustically oddly shaped resonant cavity, so I crammed a considerable amount of batting material into this area, to dampen a mid-bass peak in the mounted speaker response, which helped considerably.

The JVC provides a considerable amount of equalization options I intend to play with, but as it stands, the bass content is now much 'punchier' than before, as well as extending much deeper without distortion. The midrange and highs are smoother and much more natural sounding, well dispersed in all listening positions.

My intention is to stream music via bluetooth from phone or tablet, as well as hands-free phone. I will probably never subscribe to the paid radio options.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: New dash audio installation...
Reply #1 –
 Wow, sounds like it turned out great. I plan to something similar once I get my LD.
Todd at the factory has told me that he will start calling people on the list in May and June for 2019s. I'm going to compile a list of extra "niceties" that I might sweet talk them into doing during the build. Doubt they would be receptive to much otherwise it would open Pandora's Box for them, Lol. What you've done would be close. Maybe just get them to install upgraded speakers I would provide. The standard factory in dash is the Sony WX-920 BT. I'll see what there is as a possible replacement to suit my needs to do aftermarket. Gotta have MP3 capability in addition to all the rest.

In the meantime, I'll make good use of this bad boy.. SolJam – ECOXGEAR ..while I wait. A bit pricey, but indispensable for me. Bought it for a float trip I took on the Salmon River  I was the hero of the group once we were 40 or so miles into the complete wilderness, Lol. Should lend itself well to RVing and Boondocking.
Re: New dash audio installation...
Reply #2 –
"..."niceties" that I might sweet talk them into doing during the build."

Good luck with that, but were I you, I would not hold my breath for anything of the sort. Many are the good souls who have gone before and abruptly come away short, myself included. Apparently you've had very little experience with Steve Newton's view of what can or will be done. Ask politely for a reasonable change or addition and you might score, anything else is whistling in the wind.   ::)   :'(
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: New dash audio installation...
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
"..."niceties" that I might sweet talk them into doing during the build."

Good luck with that, but were I you, I would not hold my breath for anything of the sort.

Other than adding a few electrical plugs, you most likely are not going to get far with Steve. No one does.
These are NOT custom RVs. 
The extra goodies come after you pick your new rig up.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: New dash audio installation...
Reply #4 –
As others have said, asking Lazy Daze to build a 'custom' rig is futile; Lazy Daze is a factory-direct operation, but not a custom builder. LD does things the way they do things, and although a customer may get a few small variations here and there, particularly if s/he knows and details exactly what a change entails as far as materials and labor and 'production line timing', but custom variations are not going to happen.

LD does offer a short list of options, but I suggest that unless one is very sure of the quality and value of a particular factory-installed add-on, that s/he order the LD in a state as close to naked as possible and customize in stages after taking delivery. That way, one can outfit the LD exactly as wanted, with the latest technologies, products, and installation methods.

2003 TK has a new home
 
Re: New dash audio installation...
Reply #5 –
"Other than adding a few electrical plugs, you most likely are not going to get far with Steve. No one does.
These are NOT custom RVs.
The extra goodies come after you pick your new rig up."

 That's what I meant by "niceties." Maybe an extra plug or two that incorporated a USB plugin. I would think if they aren't receptive to that, then they are edging towards nitpicking. From my conversation with Todd, that's not the case.
 

Graydon