Clarion sound/nav system

[bronzebird]

I have made the decision to add the Clarion NX 409 system to my Bronzebird. I have looked at several options and think this is the best for my needs. I really liked the Eclipse unit I saw in DavidA's car but this company is apparently out of business now. I compared the Clarion to the Pioneer, Kenwood and Alpine systems and I think the best value for me is the Clarion at $1,100 installed and complete. That gives me a Nav system w/ 2GB flash drive memory map storage, text to speech, the steering wheel controls, direct control for my IPod and I Phone, Bluetooth, a USB port and is Satellite ready.

There is one problem I haven't solved as yet. I have a Bird's Eye Maple dash kit on the T-Bird and can't find a wood grain double DIN NAV piece for the T-Bird as that was never offered as a factory option. I found the piece I need in a Lincoln LS kit but not in the wood to match the kit I already have.

So I will probably have to replace the entire wood dash kit. Unfortunately I can't find a kit that offers the same wood grain colors for both the T-Bird and the Lincoln, nor can I find anyone who will sell me the single NAV cover piece for the Lincoln kit, even if I could.

Has anyone faced this dilemma and if so, how did you solve it?

Bronzebird

[doubutsu]

Re: Clarion sound/nav system

Rick, superior dash can take care of you. They offer both. They will sell you the pieces you need for twenty dollars more. Thats where I got my dash kits (see my gallery) Superior dash is great to work with.

[Black Bird]

Re: Clarion sound/nav system

I also have the Elicpse in my car and have the burlwood marble grey dash. As for the double din face plate,they had plenty of them on ebay that you could buy for about $15.00. It is just a face cover all black that fits right into the dash opening. Also I had the piece left when I had installed the dash kit that was where the heater seat controls are. My 03 has the heated seats so I used that piece and they usually include the plain on in these kits also if you have an 02 with no heated seats. I just cut two pieces to fit on each side of the face plate and installed them. Looks like it has always been there OEM.
Lou

[bronzebird]

Re: Clarion sound/nav system

Rick, superior dash can take care of you. They offer both. They will sell you the pieces you need for twenty dollars more. Thats where I got my dash kits (see my gallery) Superior dash is great to work with.

Charles.... thanks. Where did you get the wood grain steering wheel. Is that a kit or is the wheel out of a Lincoln?

Bronzebird

[doubutsu]

Re: Clarion sound/nav system

Rick, the steering wheel and shifter is from a LS. If you call superior dash ask for Chrissy, she will know what to do.

[DavidA]

Re: Clarion sound/nav system

I don't know where you got the idea that eclipse is out of business. They are very much alive and well. Try this link.

[Black Bird]

Re: Clarion sound/nav system

Yes I believe they are out of Business. I just called the car electronics store where I bought and had my unit installed. They verified that they had received a bulletin Monday from Eclipse that they were no longer in business. They explained that Eclipse is owned byToyoto and have been in business for over 21 years but due to low sales Toyoto decided to close them. He also said that all warranties would be honored but did not know about updates. You would just have to call for that. Well my unit is not even a year old yet so I am not worried about updates ......yet. He gave me this phone
# to call to find out if there were any updates for the navigation system for the
unit 1 800 233 2216 and ask for Tech Support. I have not called. Lou

[jayred1]

Re: Clarion sound/nav system

Found this via Google News ...
http://www.twice.com/article/442738-Eclipse_Leaving_Car_Electronics_Aftermarket.php

[bronzebird]

Re: Clarion sound/nav system

I don't know where you got the idea that eclipse is out of business. They are very much alive and well. Try this link.

David.... sorry.

Here is their presidents speech. Item three is corporate speak for folding our tent in those markets and stealing away.

Bronzebird

Happy New Year. I would like to gratefully express the greeting to mark the New Year.

2009 was a year of massive changes and reforms in various aspects. As for our automobile sector, due to the effects of the economic crisis which originated out of the Lehman shock, the industry struggled.
However, we embarked on a constitution capable of responding to change in these harsh circumstances. In our respective positions and fields, we have boldly challenged efficiency improvement, cost cutting and activities for securing and expanding sales, etc.
As a result, we managed to remedy the situation enough so that we can now anticipate a profitable year overall.

＜2010 - A year for taking the first step firmly with the future in mind＞
This year, I want to take concrete steps towards making that future.
Automobiles are now on the brink of major reform. The automotive engine is converting from gasoline to hybrid and electric motors, and automobiles are starting to evolve to one part of a social system connected to the infrastructure; a new social system in which cars are expected to create new value.
Also, as was typified by China’s emergence as the world’s top car producing nation, the core of the market is definitely shifting from the advanced nations to the emerging nations and construction of automobile-oriented societies is advancing according to conditions in each respective area.

1. Provision of good quality, low price products
Now we are witnessing that the values demanded by customers diversify according to purposes or regions. In order to meet various needs, I think it is necessary to build a global platform which will enable us to compete throughout the world on all fronts of quality, cost and delivery.

2. Building of Systems for Connecting Cars, People and Society
Our second issue concerns the construction of a business model for establishing social systems in harmony with infrastructure. For this purpose, we need to accelerate collaboration with the FUJITSU Group and Toyota Group and promote cooperation with network-related enterprises too.

3. Reform of Business Structure in Emerging and Existing Markets
The third issue we face concerns the regional one, “reform of our business structure in emerging and existing markets.” In particular, concerning China whose economy is growing remarkably and North America which has big market size, it is necessary to greatly change our planning, development, procurement, production, retailing and service setups according to market conditions.

[bronzebird]

Re: Clarion sound/nav system

I also have the Elicpse in my car and have the burlwood marble grey dash. As for the double din face plate,they had plenty of them on ebay that you could buy for about $15.00. It is just a face cover all black that fits right into the dash opening. Also I had the piece left when I had installed the dash kit that was where the heater seat controls are. My 03 has the heated seats so I used that piece and they usually include the plain on in these kits also if you have an 02 with no heated seats. I just cut two pieces to fit on each side of the face plate and installed them. Looks like it has always been there OEM.
Lou

Lou:

Thanks.... I don't need the face plate, I have that item. I need the wood trim to cover it but I think that doubutsu has solved the problem.

Bronzebird

[2K2BIRD]

Re: Clarion sound/nav system

Rick,

Found this link on slickdeals.net for the unit you are talking about. Not sure if it is a better price than you are getting but it looked like it might be.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-AYMRJf7...ion-NX409.html

Applying coupon code 3A825 lowers the price another $20 dollars per Slick Deals.

[bronzebird]

Re: Clarion sound/nav system

Rick,

Found this link on slickdeals.net for the unit you are talking about. Not sure if it is a better price than you are getting but it looked like it might be.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-AYMRJf7...ion-NX409.html

Applying coupon code 3A825 lowers the price another $20 dollars per Slick Deals.

Paul:

Thanks, I had already checked this out. Good price for the base unit BUT

-I Pod Cable
-Harness/antenna adapter
-Satellite connection
-Steering control kit

are all extra cost and when they are added in plus installation it works out about the same.

Bronzebird

[2K2BIRD]

Re: Clarion sound/nav system

Figured you had it covered, Rick, but just wanted to make sure to help if I could. It's always the "extras" that get you with electronics.