Yet another AVIC-D3 install.

[Frankenstein_Casanova]

Got my new audio system almost all buttoned up. Pics and details at:

http://zenspeed.com/smartaudio.html

Cheers-

Johnny

[MinnySmart]

Hi Johnny. Don't you worry about someone trying to break in and steal the AVIC? I would love to install one of those, but each time I've had an after-market radio (nothing special, either) in any of my cars it's been stolen. I don't live in rough areas, either... I do have the smart alarm system... Your thoughts?

[need4speed]

what is the process to replace the front door speakers? We took a quick look, and there aren't typical "panels" to pull off, it's like all one piece ...

Or, do the speakers just pop out somehow? Wanted to ask someone who had obviously already done it ....before My stereo guy just started taking crap apart .... (he's never worked on a SMART yet)

I have an 08 451 as well ....

thx

[JPaul]

Several posted elsewhere that access to tinker with the door speaker is from the outside, after taking the door outer pannel off. Not from the inside!

Check: http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...61&postcount=4

[Frankenstein_Casanova]

Originally Posted by need4speed

My stereo guy just started taking crap apart .... (he's never worked on a SMART yet

A scary thought.

The outer skins come off, sort of the opposite of conventional cars. An excellent panel removal guide is at http://www.fq101.co.uk/451panels.asp

BTW, tell your installer there is a TON of room for speakers in the lower rear part of the door panels too. I'm mounting my 6x9's in there, along with the 6" rounds in the original door location.

Cheers-

Johnny

[Arch]

Thanks for taking the time to share your tweaks, Johnny. I'm seeing more and more of these Pioneer installs in smarts out in the wild, and am really liking the setup. Looking forward to reading about how the other speakers go into the doors...

Arch

[rrrucke]

Originally Posted by MinnySmart

Hi Johnny. Don't you worry about someone trying to break in and steal the AVIC? I would love to install one of those, but each time I've had an after-market radio (nothing special, either) in any of my cars it's been stolen. I don't live in rough areas, either... I do have the smart alarm system... Your thoughts?

MinnySmart - sorry to hear about your radio theft problems. Where exactly do you hail from in the Twin Cities? I'm very familiar with that town. Thanks, Regina

[Frankenstein_Casanova]

Originally Posted by MinnySmart

Hi Johnny. Don't you worry about someone trying to break in and steal the AVIC? I would love to install one of those, but each time I've had an after-market radio (nothing special, either) in any of my cars it's been stolen. I don't live in rough areas, either... I do have the smart alarm system... Your thoughts?

Nope, I honestly don't worry about it.. Maybe I'm just lucky to live in a fairly crime-free area or something, but I've never really had a problem. Besides, I've got black-out tint on my Smart, so there's really no way someone is going to spot it by looking into the car when the windows are up. Plus, it's parked in my fenced and gated yard with a 140lb Bull Mastiff running around. And then there's the whole issue of who I am... Without too much elaboration, lets just say having that owned a custom chopper shop I've made various friendships and club affiliations; nobody who knows who I am would ever dare to steal from me.

So no, in short, I don't worry about thieves.

Cheers-

Johnny

[CruisingAZ]

I think this is the head-unit I want for my smart.

I found the unit for $688 is that the going price or are there better deals out there?

[Frankenstein_Casanova]

Originally Posted by CruisingAZ

I think this is the head-unit I want for my smart.

I found the unit for $688 is that the going price or are there better deals out there?

Got mine from Crutchfield, like $700 including the iPod cable, Bluetooth adapter module and remote control. The Sirius receiver module was another hundred bucks or so. (The JL speakers were like $225 and the "bumper cam" was another $25, both deals from my buddy Mike over at Daddy-O's) I don't recall what the double din kit from Smarts R Us cost. Oh yeah, I saved myself a bit of hassle by buying one of this guys ( http://www.dbrally.com/451d3x.htm ) preconfigured Smart harnesses for $25.

All money well spent, as the system rocks in every way.

Cheers-

Johnny