Aftermarket 7" touchscreen radio installation

[JFIGUEREDO]

I just got an aftermarket 7" touch screen receiver and gps for my truck.
The factory radio in the 2003 XLT is a Pioneer with 6cd changer system
Is it a DIY project? does anybody has a video on this kind of install
Thank you!

 

[jmmorgan82]

I put the Pioneer AVH-X3500BHS in my '01 and it was pretty easy. Main issue is the radio opening in our ST's isn't quite a double din size, so you have to shave down the lips on the top and bottom of the opening. Just make sure you get the correct dash kit and wiring harness, and you are good to go.

Dash kit: Metra 95-5817.
Wiring harness: Metra 70-5517 was for my '01, you may need 70-5521

If you do have the factory amp/sub and want to use it with the aftermarket HU, you will need to get a voltage regulator to prevent it from popping when the amp is powered on.

Here is mine:

I found all of the info I needed by searching on Google and on this forum.

 

[fatfenders]

I just got an aftermarket 7" touch screen receiver

I did something similar a while back. (Pioneer AVM-P2400BT). Actually mounting it was not particularly difficult. I used the Scosche FD1330B / FD1330 dash kit. I did have to modify it a little.
The wiring is not altogether straight forward. I cobble together a web page you might want to view. Click here
The really nice part about using a wiring kit like this is that all the splicing/soldering/heat shrinking can be done at the bench.

 

[dakota9498]

I believe the one that I used was the Metra kit for my Pioneer AVIC. I did a lot of research and looking at pics before I did anything. I will take some pics and post them tomorrow morning. It shouldn't be too hard if you are mechanically inclined but it does require a little trimming of the stock bezel.

 

[JFIGUEREDO]

Gentlemen,
Thank you so much.
Let me just offer a little feed back: I purchased the double din unit on ebay for 225 bucks. It has gps , rear view camera(included), blue tooth, tv, etc. I thought I could do it myself but after removing the radio bezel, i realized major trimming had to be done to allow for the HU's face to come foreword and open the cd/memory card compartment.
It was very cold, so I decided to spend the money I and get a shop to do it, mainly for two reasons: it was a hassle returning the thing to ebay and I really wanted the back up camera and the BT functionality.
So I got it installed. Not the cleanest install ,but I can live with it( I will post pictures). The radio sounds fine and the camera work good. The BT is good.
Now, during the install, my installer realized that the subwoofer wasn't working and ruled that the amp was shot. Somehow, water had been getting in there, don't know how. Two questions:
**Does anybody knows how to stop water from getting into the amp compartement?
**Can you elaboprate about the voltage regulator that might be required?
Thank you all
JR

So I did, but they were hesitant on installing the Chinese unit.

 

[jmmorgan82]

Here's a link to the one I used: 5V Fixed-Voltage Regulator

You have to know how to solder when using that one.

Here's one on Amazon that has a pre-made harness so you can skip soldering.

Link with someone using Radio Shack part

Do a Google search for "ford 5v amp" and you'll get a ton of results. You can also put a resistor in-line, so search for "Ford 5v resistor" and you'll get some stuff.

Edit: Since your factory amp is shot, instead of replacing it, I would go for an aftermarket setup. I just ordered this box, and now just need to find the right sub for it. If you go aftermarket, there is no need to worry about the voltage regulator.

 

[JFIGUEREDO]

Radio Bezel

Thank you !
You really know what you are talking about. I am afraid I am not a your level.
I have a problem though.
The Chinese radio was a problem(I should have known better) so I returned it and purchase a Pioneer 2600 BT. but now the radio bezel wont work as it was trimmed to fit the cheap HU.
I found a Ranger bezel on ebay that looks the same: do you know if a Ranger bezel will fit on the ST?
Thank you

 

[JFIGUEREDO]

Hi there jmmorgan,
if I get the harness from amazon, still have to get the voltage regulator from Radio Shack ?

 

[jmmorgan82]

Can't answer your ranger question. That harness is basically the Radio Shack one with the leads already soldered on for you. I also just finished installing my sub/box and it is a 1000x improvement over the stock setup.