About to install a head unit in my 07 Expedition -- any tips?

[911jason]

Shortly after purchasing my 2007 Expedition EL 5 years ago, I had a local audio shop remove the factory sub and install a 6-channel JBL amp in its place inside the rear cargo wall on the driver's side. They ran 6-channel hi/lo converters from behind the factory head unit. They also built a new sealed box for my 10" Alpine Type-S sub which sits in the cargo area. A few months later, I added Polk Audio DB-series 6.5" components in the front doors and coaxials in the back doors.

Recently, the amp started malfunctioning. Various channels would cut out intermittently. So I purchased a Rockford Fosgate 5-channel amp (http://amzn.to/H9wive) and planned to install it myself. After unsuccessfully attempting to disassemble the cargo area, I took it to a (different) local audio shop to install. Very happy with this amp and I can actually hear a marked difference over the old JBL. Unfortunately, the new amp also revealed that one of my rear speakers is blown. I had previously assumed it was the faulty JBL amp causing the issue.

So yesterday I ordered a new head unit, the Pioneer AVH-P3400BH (http://bit.ly/H9xvCO) from Crutchfield, along with the PAC interface (http://bit.ly/H9xC16). I also ordered the parking brake bypass off of eBay (http://bit.ly/H9xHSx) and a pair of Infinity Kappa 682.9cf 6x8" speakers (http://amzn.to/HttSwV) to replace the rears.

I ordered the head unit from Crutchfield mainly for the Mastersheet instructions and the availability of installation technical support by phone. I'd love to hear any thoughts on this setup or tips to streamline the installation. Also, any suggestions on where to install the bluetooth microphone for the head unit?

Thanks guys!

 

[mtondreo]

I cant help on the install because my 06 dash is different than yours, but my bluetooth mic is at the top of the a-pillar right where the plastic meets the headliner and it appears to work pretty well - except for when the windows are down.

 

[sgtowing]

I would put the mic on the overhead console with it level with the bottom of the overhead console. Closer to the middle so the passenger can talk and its away from the window.

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[911jason]

I would put the mic on the overhead console with it level with the bottom of the overhead console. Closer to the middle so the passenger can talk and its away from the window.

Can you explain this a bit better? Sorry, not understanding how to mount it on the overhead console level with the bottom of the overhead console.

 

[sgtowing]

The microphones for the BT have a clip on them from the factory. Pull down the cover for the overhead console and slide the clip down over the edge and reinstall the cover. I would take a pic but I have not bought a new hu for mine yet. I have decided that is where I am going to put mine when I get it from research.

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[911jason]

This isn't a pic of my overhead console, but it's similar to mine (except I have a sunroof). Is this what you are talking about? Where would I run the bluetooth cord from the head unit to here?

 

[911jason]

Everything is finally done.


(Click images to enlarge)

 

[GAINMOB]

good job...how do they sound?

 

[911jason]

Sounds awesome! Very loud and crystal clear. Might eventually upgrade my fronts to Kappas since the rears are so good.

 

[sgtowing]

Looks Good.

 

[GAINMOB]

i was sold on hertz 6.5 100 rms components...$250 set...$500...plus 4 or 5 ch amp...i might downgrade to something else price wise...still want to push 100rms though

 

[911jason]

Those Kappa coaxials I installed in the back doors are 100 watt RMS. Crutchfield sells them for $160, but I got them from Amazon for under $75.