Radio changeout

[Larro]

Hi fellow 'Birders! I'm new here and also a new owner of just a few weeks. I love my 'Bird, but I'd like to update the radio to a double DIN in-dash navigation unit that will play my Ipod and give me an auxiliary input for my XM Roady, and also look really nice in the dash.

I've tentatively narrowed it down to the Alpine W900BT. Has anyone here had any experience with this or any similar units? Any input on this would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[PaulD]

Re: Radio changeout

Larry,
Yes...that has been done by multiple members. I installed a Kenwood DNX6960 in mine. Check out following threads for starters

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...gation+systems

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ad.php?t=25023

[DHartwell]

Re: Radio changeout

For a Face-Plate, I used the Metra 95-5000B and it appears to blend in perfectly with the rest of the dash.

I got the JVC KW-NT3HDT DVD/Navigation Receiver, good price for something with Sat-Nav. I definitely think putting in a double-din system is useless without Sat-Nav.

This unit plays my Ipod (Iphone 4) perfectly via Bluetooth (also can make phone calls through the unit), But I had them put an aux jack in the glove compartment anyway.

Spring the $100 for the XM tuner if the radio you decide on is XM ready... It's one less thing to have cluttering things up. I got the XM for my aforementioned unit and it works great. They hid the antenna under the plastic piece thats right near where the hood hinge is. They put the GPS antenna right on top of the unit (below the center a/c vents). No problems with either antenna's placement.

also don't forget to get the thing that allows the steering wheel controls to continue to function!

what I got was:

JVC KW-NT3HDT DVD/Navigation Receiver
PAC SWI-JACK JVC/Alp/Clari/Ken Steering Wheel Radio Control Interface
XM Satellite Radio CNP2000UC XM Direct2 Tuner Kit
XM Satellite CNPJVC1 XM Satellite to JVC Adapter
Ford Wire Harness receiver, 1998-up

Maybe I can post some pictures tomorrow

-Doug

[Larro]

Re: Radio changeout

Thanks Paul & Doug. Those were the threads that got me thinking seriously about this. I'm hoping there are some more members who have gone this way with some of the newer units. Some of the products listed are no longer available.

[PaulD]

Re: Radio changeout

Thanks Paul & Doug. Those were the threads that got me thinking seriously about this. I'm hoping there are some more members who have gone this way with some of the newer units. Some of the products listed are no longer available.

Everything you need is readily available even though modle numbers roll. I got everything I needed at Chrutchfield and they were very helpful.