Nav. System in Miata??

[eyeguy]

I know this sounds nuts but I like the Nav. system that comes with the 300C. Well, that's not nuts, but putting it in my Miata might be. I thought about the Eclipse in dash system but a Miata is the last car I'd put something like that in. Would take all of 30 seconds to lose 2 grand of stereo not to mention the top, trim, and wiring that would get cut and broken. I guess the question is, if I can figure out the wiring would it be possible to do this? I know it would be easier to put anything aftermarket in, but the unit would look factory and without a name like Alpine or Eclipse on it I think it just might get looked over. My dash has a double-DIN opening so fitment shouldn't be an issue. Other than that, I've not seen this done before and thought it might be fun to try. It's an expensive idea, but if it works it will be well worth the money spent. I know its probably the dumbest thing you guys have read in a while but tell me what you think. Thanks. Jess

[Simon Templar]

Originally Posted by eyeguy

I know its probably the dumbest thing you guys have read in a while but tell me what you think.

Not at all. The GPS systems all can be quite useful. I'll never again take a trip without one.

However, instead of attempting to fit the 300 Eclipse system, why not just add one of the Garmin StreetPilot units? I have two such units which I have used frequently over the past six or seven years (until purchasing my 300, that is) and have found them to be every bit as accurate (more accurate, actually) and they are easier to use than the OEM 300 unit.

Indeed, I rather like the Garmin units a little more than my OEM. They will offer you more information (technical information, anyway) than the OEM and the available scales of their map are much finer. (That has been one of my larger concerns about the OEM units...one scale is too large for my tastes, and the next available setting is far too small.)

With a little ingenuity, they can be made to integrate into nearly any vehicle....and can be quickly removed to a cubby when your concerned about theft or other break-ins.

Not to mention that, if comparing the price of new units, the StreetPilots are cheaper.



....sT

[eyeguy]

Well it's not out of the question, but I thought it might be nice because I had originally wanted a 6-disc in dash changer. When I saw the Chrysler unit I thought this would look real nice in the car and with the u-connect and Sirius in one unit that would seal the deal. I like the Garmin, but space is tight enough and I just can't bring myself to add something on the dash or the console.(Except my V-1) I think I want to do it most because I was told there was no way it could work. I love when I'm told things like that. It makes me try out of spite. Kind of like when folks said a rotary in a Miata wouldn't work. Somebody did it, not me. Anyway I think I'm going to try it as soon as I can figure out the wiring. Thanks for your help. Jess

[eyeguy]

OK guys, I think I've looked everywhere possible and can't find anything that would tell me which pin on the HU goes to what. I can't find the plug that goes into the HU itself either. Do any of you guys who've had these things out of the dash know if they've got the same plugs as some of the older Dodge/Chrysler cars. I'm thinking that if I can get the plugs that hook up to the HU, I can buy a Metra plug for an aftermarket HU and figure the wiring out. As always, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for not flaming the non-Chrysler guy.

PS Go Mountaineers
Jess

[catchMEifUcan]

Search google for "REC" and "Jeep".... there is a site that lists the pin-outs.

This is what I found in the tech manual for the "premium" sound system...

[eyeguy]

That will certainly help. I might e-mail Metra to see if they've got a plug for an aftermarket deck. I guess I might want to get some dimensions for the unit. I'd hate to buy it and find out its too deep for the dash. I guess that's the determining factor now. It seems I'm on a good path to getting this done. Thanks for all your help. Jess

[eyeguy]

Well after finding everything I needed to do the install, someone on the Miata forum told me I'd better go measure instead of eyeballing and wouldn't you know it, it won't fit. I guess the nav. unit's size in relation to the dash threw me off. I don't even think it would fit even if I didn't use the trim. Needless to say I thanked him for peeing in my cheerios. I guess it may be time to look into the VW or Benz units. I've found a couple of pictures on the net, but no luck finding the owners. Thank you guys for all your help and in the future if/when its time for a Hemi, I'll be back. I love the 300 and want one every time I see one except when I see one filling up. Thanks, Jess

[grunt]

even if it fit it wouldnt work , the radio needs info from the 300's computer/body controller to work .

[catchMEifUcan]

grunt,

Got any info you can share about the "insides" of the radio?

Is it flashable? If so, how?

[grunt]

sorry , I kave no knowledge of the inner workings of this radio