Ramesses Stereo Upgrade - Phase 1

[WhiteExpress]

Well, I avidly hated the UConnect 3.Junk so I decided it was time.

Phase 1 Includes:
Pioneer Single Din DEH-X9600BHS
Kicker CX 600.1
Kicker SoloBaric 10"

Required Harness for Install:


Wanted to retain the factory sat radio antenna... Had to remove the clip:


Then a piece of shrink wrap (not required, just my style) and it slips right into the Pioneer SXM box:


Here's the deck all installed (note adjustable bass knob):


1/0 Power Cable at the battery:

 

[WhiteExpress]

That big fatty runs to a dist block under the rear bench which feeds this:


It is mounted under the rear seat, along the cab wall on the pass side.
I ran 1/0 because I will be adding an amp / components front & co-axials rear.
Just wanted to get power to it all at once.

Then there's the box...

Humble idea to start with:


Template:


Much cutting of wood later (3 layers of 3/4" MDF):


Close Up of router work:


Glassin' Time!:

 

[WhiteExpress]

Never fiberglass when it's cold, trying to keep it warm so it'd set:


Mold Complete, screw holes filled etc:


Bed Lined and ready to install:


Annnd installed:


As you can see, the bed liner has some flaws on it, it'll be re-coated later when it's nice n warm outside.

Overall: I freaking love it. The sub is great, the new deck is a huge improvement over the factory crap deck.
I can't wait to get a 4 channel and new speakers all around.
Going to run components in the front with tweets in the sails (likely) and co-axials in the rear.

Ooo just need more money!

 

[RonJon '06]

Nice work! That's something you'll enjoy every time you get in and turn the key.

 

[WhiteExpress]

Thank ya sir. That's why I went with Stereo over other upgrades.
Because I 99.9% of the time have the stereo on.

 

[monte07]

Nice work...

 

[PSYS]

Damn, that's clean!

 

[Power247]

Looks great man!!! One question...

Did you put some type of filler between the first 2 layers of MDF?? or did you sand all the fiberglass off so the pieces would sit flat?

I am so ready to get started on mine

Sent from my LG 8.3 GPe

 

[WhiteExpress]

Looks great man!!! One question...

Did you put some type of filler between the first 2 layers of MDF?? or did you sand all the fiberglass off so the pieces would sit flat?

I am so ready to get started on mine

I routed a 1/4 round with a lip into the bottom most piece:


This gave the fiberglass somewhere to start. I cut everything that was above this point, glassed in around the whole lip on both the inside and the backside after doing this to assure it was a good strong bond.

Hope that makes sense.

 

[OilCityOperator]

Looks great, good work man

 

[Power247]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!!!

Sent from my LG 8.3 GPe

 

[Etroze86]

Pro work, looks damn good.

 

[WhiteExpress]

Thanks for all the kind words gents! I appreciate it!

 

[BlkRamRt]

nice work. the box came out great.

 

[Cruizer]

Nice write up ******. Surprised you went with a single din.

 

[WhiteExpress]

Nice write up ******. Surprised you went with a single din.

Funny you mention that. I'm debating going double.
I like the simplicity of the single, but the user friendly-ness isn't what I recall.

 

[Cruizer]

Funny you mention that. I'm debating going double.
I like the simplicity of the single, but the user friendly-ness isn't what I recall.

Yeah, once you get used to touch screens and such, nothing quite feels the same. Be like going back to a flip phone, lol.

 

[WhiteExpress]

Yeah, once you get used to touch screens and such, nothing quite feels the same. Be like going back to a flip phone, lol.

I had UConnect 3.junk. No touch screens here.
The display just sucks.

I don't recall this being an issue when I had this deck in my '03 Jetta.
I need to sit down an mess with the settings on it more.

 

[Cruizer]

I like my stock RBZ or whatever model it is, lol. I like touch screens with a few hardware keys for items you might hit without looking at it. The design and layout of the touchscreen could have been better though. I debate on getting an aftermarket touch in there someday but I like my steering wheel functions. I know there are adapters and such to make them work, but more hassle for not a lot of upgrade.

 

[WhiteExpress]

Well, Phase 1.1 I guess. I don't like this single DIN business.
Ordered up a Pioneer AVH-X5600BHS

Glad I already had the harness / kit from Crutchfield from the last one.
Unit is $350 from Amazon Vs $500 from Crutchfield!