I decided to replace the stereo in my car. The head unit I had in there was great in 2004, and had nice (for the time) iPod integration. Fast forward a few years, though, and all the small protocol tweaks meant my stereo would not talk to my iPhone 5. Consequently, I have been listening to the radio and the new Vampire Weekend album for the last three months.
This is the old unit. It's an Alpine, model number CDA-9833. She's been a workhorse, but it is time for retirement.
This upgrade also gives me a chance to fix this broken control panel. This big crack on the left side of the HVAC controls prevented my stereo from staying securely in place. Lots of wiggle.
Here's the mess of wires behind the head unit. The clock unit, dangling on the right, is easily removed and provides some access while working in this area.
Here is Rory. His help was invaluable. It's just a coincidence that he has food in this picture.
Trying to remove the frame that held the old unit. You can see some of the numerous forks that have a slight bend in them. Putting the frame in place means those forks will slide into the dash, then expand over the contours of the interior plastic and then lock into place. The head unit then slides into that for a secure fit.
More wires. The entire HVAC control panel is removed now. Note the bare knobs and sliders on the bottom.
Rory traded his food for a panel.
Struggling to get things aligned again.
Nice. Everything is back in place, except the clock...
Shoot. Installing the clock meant transferring a small plastic piece from the old control panel. We did not realize that until we had everything else sealed up. We ended up re-doing most of the above steps...
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