Changing head unit on stock stereo...

[ShaneXman]

Well, this is a question directed at those of you with some audio knowledge...

Basically, I have a nice head unit that has been tucked away in my garage for a number of years now...but was the best of the best at the time, and I am wondering if it is even worth swapping out to? I currently have the "smart premium sound system", so it isn't terrible. However, can I just pull my stock unit...put this one in, and I will be fine? Is it possible to retain the iPod jack in the glove compartment with this unit?

Sorry for all of the questions, I'm not the best when it comes to the audio/video side of things. Any and all help/advice/suggestions/input/etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Here is the head unit: Alpine CDA-9835 CD/MP3/WMA receiver with CD changer controls at Crutchfield.com

[Napoleon12]

here is the info for the kit and harness.

the American International dash kit is the best one i have see so far. SM-K108 NPR

i ordered a bunch of the kits directly from AI. if you look around u can find them at local mom and pop stereo shops. AI also sells kits under the name best kits. the kit from AI will do a double din or single din stereo. u can find it much cheaper if you look around then the ebay link.

you can also order a harness from AI for the smart so don't have to repin a few pins. http://www.americaninternational.net...asp?NewsID=126

swaping out the stock radio for a new one will help a ton. have swaped out 25+ radios in the smarts for new ones. i am not a fan of stock speakers. only a select few cars have good stock speakers.

[Smart Car Geek]

Originally Posted by Napoleon12

the American International dash kit is the best one i have see so far.

Yeah AI did a nice job on this. I'm planning on installing a Apple Mac Mini in the bottom DIN

[ShaneXman]

Originally Posted by Napoleon12

here is the info for the kit and harness.

the American International dash kit is the best one i have see so far. SM-K108 NPR

i ordered a bunch of the kits directly from AI. if you look around u can find them at local mom and pop stereo shops. AI also sells kits under the name best kits. the kit from AI will do a double din or single din stereo. u can find it much cheaper if you look around then the ebay link.

you can also order a harness from AI for the smart so don't have to repin a few pins. http://www.americaninternational.net...asp?NewsID=126

swaping out the stock radio for a new one will help a ton. have swaped out 25+ radios in the smarts for new ones. i am not a fan of stock speakers. only a select few cars have good stock speakers.

That's exactly what I need, but I can't figure out how to order it from their website. It appears as though they sell to distributors, and I need to find a retailer to purchase from. Do you know where I can purchase these pieces online? Please let me know. Thanks for the helpful information.

[Smart Car Geek]

Any best buys or circuit city should stock them, as well as any mid level install shop. You can also order them online.

[Napoleon12]

Originally Posted by Smart Car Geek

Any best buys or circuit city should stock them, as well as any mid level install shop. You can also order them online.

i would not go that far. a little bird told me that best buy will not carry them till august. cc carries metra products. they might be able to get them but i know that metra is in short supply for thoses kits. when i called them to order a bunch they did not have them.

[Smart Car Geek]

Originally Posted by Napoleon12

a little bird told me that best buy will not carry them till august.

Seems the little birdie was wrong. All Best Buys can order the kit and have it in 3-5 days. They don't carry it now simply because of the limited availability of Smart car sales. This is to be expected

[oldmike]

what's the name of that guy from canada?
1LS TRK, anyone?.

Any way, he bought a face unit in canada and fitted a unit with blue tooth and all the whistles.'

I saw it, it's true!!!

[ShaneXman]

Just ordered from here...

• AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SM-K108 (SMK108) <br>2008-Up Smart Fortwo In-Dash Mounting KIT

• AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL EWH-2100 (EWH2100) <br>2008-2009 Smart Fortwo Wire HARNESS


Thanks guys!

[Napoleon12]

good to see u got the kit and harness. the prices u got them for are really good.

fyi best buy does not carry AI anymore. they will be able to order the kits from scosche.