Need Info On Customizing My new 2001 Explorer Sport

[BradT]

I just purchased a 2001 Explorer 2-Door Sport. I pulled out all of the equipment (except speakers) on my old Toyota 4Runner. Now, I want to know something. I was asking some people on CarAudioForum.com about leaving the stock head unit, but they recommended me not to. Ok, fine. But the Explorer (not sure how many models have this, but mine does) has CD player controls in the back, for the backseat passengers. If I replace the stock head unit, what can I do to make sure that these controls still function?

On a side note, I want some 6" MB Quarts speakers... where is a good place online to purchase them.

Thanks for your help:

BT

 

[Jayson]

Brad,

Answer to question #1: No, your controls in the rear of the vehicle will not function if you choose to replace the factory head unit. As far I know no aftermarket company to include high end head units such as Eclipse, Sony ES, or Clarion Pro have the ability to control multiple user inputs on the head unit. Sorry. What I would do if I were you is to purchase a high end head unit with TV control and place the 4" or 5" video monitor in the rear location where those controls are at. It would look really nice, if done by a quality installer. I just dropped a $1000 of labor into my '93 Explorer and hope to pick it up this afternoon. I'll have my web page with photos up soon after and I hope I can give some good ideas.

Answer to question #2: 6" MB Quart speakers can be found at really great prices through Soundhabit. Their website can be found at: www.soundhabit.com

The guys that work there are really concerned about you as the customer and have really helped me with all my purchases. I've spent about $1500 with those guys and they have delivered my equipment on time via UPS. My friend has some MB Quarts in his '95 Explorer and they sound real nice.

Good luck and don't spend too much like I just did!

Jayson

 

[BradT]

A TV monitor control is actually a good idea... although, Im not familiar with these, so can you recommend a Clarion Pro or Sony ES product with said control?

 

[mtxplorer]

i myself am slowly moving all my electronics in my car to alpine. i still have a sony head unit.
if you really want to make this functional, you can take out the old controls and add a remote for your new head unit. alpine, i know for sure has wired remotes that can be mounted so as to look like they have always been there. if you want examples of this, visit www.alpine1.com and look at the installs section. take a look at the acura legend. it has a remote in the steering wheel, passenger side and one in the trunk i believe. this would be a good fit for that area with very little fabrication required. i only suggest this because i cannot see the need for putting a tiny 4 inch screen in that area, especially right near where the drinks are. if you have kids thats just an accident waiting to happen.
if you do wish to go about putting a monitor in that area, alpine also provides solutions for this, just visit the site and look at the products.

 

[Jayson]

Brad, click on the Sony link below and you'll see what they have to offer for mobile video equipment. After you've looked at all they have to offer there, visit there Mobile Sony ES area and pick out your headunit. I believe all the ES line of CD receivers have TV capability. I am running last years model CDX-7850 in my Explorer and it's an awesome unit. No need to go for the real pricey stuff ($500 or less), just pick the headunit that fits your need.
http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/consumer/ss5/generic/mobileav/audiovideo/index.shtml

Later,
Jayson

 

[zensius]

Bradt, I think Jayson was suggesting you install a monitor in place of the factory stereo controls in the back of the center console, not tv controls. It's a great spot for a 4 or 5 inch flat screen monitor. I am planning on doing the same when the tax refund arrives...

Jayson, I don't know if I read you right. It sounds like you have a 95 center console in a 93 is that right? If so how did you make it look nice at the dash?

 

[Jayson]

Zensius,

No I don't have a 95 console. That would require some awesome custom work. No, I just have a high end audio system that I spent way to much money on. I bought all my stuff online (and got some unbelieveable deals on) and had a reputable and local audio shop do the install for me. The install is what killed me. I wish that could have the talent to do an install myself, but for what I wanted done it wasn't possible.

Jayson

1993 Ford Explorer XLT
Sony CDX-c900
Sony XDP-U50
Sony C-1 Digital 10 disc changer
Sony fiber optic cabling
Orion HCCA 425r amplifier
Orion 2NT 10SVC subwoofer
Orion MBR-70 battery isolator
Optima Red Top battery (for audio only)
Q-Form custom sub enclosure for 1991-99 Explorers
Full dynamat on all 4 doors + sub location
JL Audio VR600 (1 component set)
JL Audio VR525 (1 component set)

 

[zensius]

Jayson, it seems that you and me are running parallel paths with our systems. I also have the c900 plus an ESP 10 disc player. An 8inch Jl subwoofer in the factory enclosure. And ADS 6x40 amp and Boston Acoutic speakers, separates up front. I've installed it all myself.
Do you think the Dynamat was worth it? I've toyed with the idea, but it seems that most of the noise comes from the A pillar.
Also, the "awesome custom work" you referred to for adapting a '95 center console to a '92 dash...well I'm in the middle of it! . I'll report back when I get it all finished. (I needed the taller console to fit my large amp and 10 disc.)
Let us know when the pictures are up of your install. So we can check it out.