Great vid! I bought my 2003 in 2015 with 10k miles. In 2018 I researched and bought all the necessary components for this same upgrade, including an aftermarket double-DIN bezel, but paid a high-end car radio/alarm shop to do the install, which turned out perfect. I asked them to leave the bezel off so I could drive it for a week and make sure everything worked perfectly before reinstalling the bezel. They're a pain to remove/reinstall, so I recommend this one delay in buttoning everything up. My infotainment system has two video inputs so I also installed a front camera, just ahead of the air dam. The alarm shop installed both the front and rear cameras for me, actually. The front camera turns on when I press a button on the infotainment system. Everything is perfect except for one complaint. Although the infotainment system uses bluetooth for the cellphone telephone connection, it requires a wired connection to the cellphone for Waze, Pandora, and ApplePlay functions. I may upgrade the infotainment system to one that uses bluetooth for all of these functions, but that creates a new dilemma for which I am seeking opinions. The wired connection that I must currently use also provides for cellphone recharging. A totally wireless system will not provide for simultaneous recharging, so I was thinking about modding the center consult by installing a cellphone charger that the cellphone rests on. I'm looking for inspiration and advice. By the way, there are guys out there (search e B a a y) that replace all the tiny bulbs with LEDs inside the HVAC controller unit. So do that while your bezel is off. Thanks and that was a great video!
I actually just did the HVAC update as well and it looks so much more modern now. As for the wireless option, it's nice to be able to leave the phone in your pocket on short trips and still use car play/ android auto, but it does suck down the battery fast. On anything but the shortest trips, you have to plug the phone in anyway to keep it charged. As I found, keeping the phone in the center console while charging and running wireless car play makes the phone overheat and shut down, wireless charging makes that problem even worse. I've been looking at getting one of the cupholder units for the back of the console and modifying that with a wireless charger (in a similar location to the new Corvette), but it has to have constant airflow
I just ordered a headunit for my C5. I ordered mine from Crutchfield and they offer a wiring service for $25. I installed a similar unit in my Ram. Missed having it in my vette. Really good video.
Great video, but I either missed or you skipped over the wiring between the head unit and the camera. Did you have to run wire/cable between the camera and the head unit or did you have adapters and re-use the wiring that ran between the cd player and the old head unit?
I like the touchscreen radios as well… the only thing I don’t care for is the fact that the 12 disc CD changer is no longer usable. I use mine all the time, so this mod is not for me. Thanks for the nice video… you did a fine job!
Great video. I am doing the same thing with my c5 this weekend. In a couple of weeks I will be putting in a subwoofer in the area where the 12 cd changer is and it will fit under the trunk vanity cover so it should nearly invisible. Thanks!
looks great! I want to get something similar but just watching the install process I got frustrated hahaha and I refuse to pay someone to do it. Maybe ill pull the trigger after my sleepy eyes get here and finish that up. Great video!
While it was a very involved install process, fortunately it really was not difficult. The instructions were clear and everything worked. All together I spent less than $500 on the upgrade.
I did a similar project with my 2002 Lexus ES300 (without the sawzall) with an Alpine double din. nice job ! EDITED April 2023: Now that I’m saving up for a C5 Z06 watching this again for the 2nd time a year later. I’ve saved this for my C5. I noticed the placement of the backup camera is too far back. I would’ve put it closest to the rear edge as possible. Your getting the edges of the bumper in the peripheral view. Not a big deal but that would piss me off. Also, I would’ve mounted the external mic up on the Sun visor. I did this on my Lexus ES300. Ran the wire under the dash and up along the A pillar, the wire isn’t exposed, it’s tucked in between the panels
I did not, with my Alcantara seats the plastic bezel looks like it matches pretty well. I've been hesitant to have paint come off with the high heat etc as opposed to bare plastic
good video, looking to do this in a week or two. Anything you would do different now thats its had some time? Also what was the mistake with the camera initially?
Honestly I'm still super happy with the overall build. If I changed anything, I'd take the time to shorten the wires (limited space to bunch it all up) and use a newer head unit for ongoing compatibility. Just pay attention to the wiring harness and reverse camera trigger wire instructions.
Thanks for this great video. I'm going to attempt it soon with my 2001 C5. Is there a charger socket option that doesn't require cutting and soldering wires?
Thanks for becoming a member! This was definitely the best update I have done to the car to date. As far as the charger socket options, it really depends what you're looking for. The OEM module can be replace with no soldering, but there are a ton of options out there depending on what specifically you're looking for.
What had you missed regarding the reverse sensor wire? You didn't show any details about what went wrong there. Was it an existing connector, or did you have to install something...?
There is a trigger wire that I did not have connected. I assumed the camera suddenly receiving power from the reverse lights would trigger the input, but it actually needs to carry through to the wiring harness for the head unit itself
looks awesome. I've been wanting to do this to my vette but I've been a bit intimidated by it but you make it look possible. question though: all the double din bezels I've seen have the cup holder without lid. Are they all like that?
As for the cup holder, I believe they're all modeled after the same bezels, the useless cup holder is permanently open with no cover. You could probably convert the cover from your original bezel trim piece to just seal up that area and make it look better if you wanted to
after watching all the install videos everyone seems to skip over the most critical part, the wiring, yes I know it differs with various stereos but basically they are all the same, I would be great to see wire for wire install from stereo head unit to axxxess interface or stock wiring harness. This is something that would be very helpful, Installing the stereo is pretty straight forward, cutting brackets, drilling holes etc.
I'll be honest, the wiring is probably the easiest part. The head unit connectors and the axxess interface are both very well labeled, it's just a case of matching up wires. The plugs then go to the vehicle and can only go one way. The axxess interface vibes with decent instructions as well
@@4KMotoring I had some confusion with backup camera and getting the DVD player to show video but it all worked out. Also the 2 red auxiliary wires that are on axxess I didn't hook to anything like the guy from DriveHub suggested
@@dirt69sbm I tried to make reference to that video in mine, you're right, he got the red wires from the interface all messed up. Following instructions from the actual interface package and everything worked out fine for me. My biggest issue with the backup camera was that I needed the additional wiring harness that didn't come with my used head unit.
@4KMotoring gotcha, do you have a link by chance? I found one on Amazon but 50$... kinda meh for how little I actually get to drive let alone have drinks in it other than a bottle of water lol
Really nice video! Looks great too! I just subscribed to your channel! Could I have a CD Changer added on to this Double Din? I still have my cd’s and enjoy them to this day. After seeing you get rid of yours, that would be my 1st and only question, believe it or not Lol(Sincere Question) Thank you!
I just drilled a small hole in the trunk pan to run the wire through, then applied a sealant to both sides. Was very easy, just pre-plan where you want to run the wiring.
Great video. I have a 4660NEX I’m putting in my 02 with the Axxess Interface as well. You went out of your way to mention that you didn’t run a 12v or acc wire. Did you connect all 3 reds together( 1 from HU, and 2 from Axxess?). A plus of the Axxess is retained accessory power. Does your radio turn on in the acc position and does it stay on when the key is turned off and removed like the stock one did? Appreciate your answers to these questions. There is so much misinformation out there.
Thanks for watching! When I connected the power wires, I followed the instructions with the axxess interface. I want to say I connected the two power wires to the head unit wire but I'm having difficulty remembering it exactly... I know I followed the instructions as they are written. As far as retained power, that's where it gets a little bit odd. The head unit will shut off when I turn the key off but then it will turn itself back on until I take the key out or open the door. It's a weird medium between no retained power and retained power. I will be completely honest and say it has not bothered me enough to try to troubleshoot it.
Could you tell me where you found an antenna adapter? It appears that the pin size is the same but the outside of the cable needs to be held firmly in the Pioneer head unit. Or am I way off on this. Sure do appreciate it!
I noticed it doesn't fit snug in mine either, but the coax connections do at least make contact. I haven't used the actual FM radio much but it seems to be fine
You probably already figured this out but for other people reading the comments, you need a Vehicle Antenna Adapter Cable which fits GM vehicles (1988-2008), the one I bought was a Metra 40-GM10 available for less than $10 (Amazon, Ebay, Crutchfield, etc.)
Nice documentation of the process. How is that Natika camera holding up for you? Of all their models, I think this form factor works best on the C5. I'm super weary of having to drill into the car if the camera is going to crap out after a few months. It would be nice to know if yours has been problem free.
@@4KMotoring So I installed one of these, and it is hit or miss whether it comes up on my head unit when put into reverse or does not send video. Tried it with a few different displays and it didn't always come on. Is that what you were seeing with yours, or was it another issue?
@@lobuzz311 if it does come on correctly sometimes then the wiring is correct, there's just a bad connection somewhere. The camera needs power from a source at the back of the car, I used the backup lights for that. In my car, I've had to replace the switch in the transmission that controls the back of lights several times, so make sure you're backup lights are actually working. There's a trigger wire that goes from the camera to the head unit to let the head unit know power has been applied and to automatically switch. Make sure all your connections are good
The radio harness had to be soldered to the Axxess interface. The wires all come well labeled, all that was needed was the low-temp solder heat shrink connectors, I have a link for them in the video description. It was actually pretty easy overall, and all in for less than $500. Feel free to shoot me an email if you have any other questions about it. 4Kmotoring@gmail.com
It's not safe to drive Corvette C5 without radio that doesn't have volume knob you need to add steering wheel volume control wireless for easy to control
Not sure exactly what you mean. It has physical volume buttons on the bezel and can be easily muted. I have responded to a lot of collisions, I've never seen one as a result of not having a volume knob
Value for performance, they're a pretty good analog of the C5 Corvette! Sure you could pay more for better tools, but you could also pay more for faster Corvettes!
Thanks!
I don't even own a C5, but you've inspired me to attempt this if I ever do.🤓
Thanks! It was well worth it and definitely easier than I thought it would be!
Great vid! I bought my 2003 in 2015 with 10k miles. In 2018 I researched and bought all the necessary components for this same upgrade, including an aftermarket double-DIN bezel, but paid a high-end car radio/alarm shop to do the install, which turned out perfect. I asked them to leave the bezel off so I could drive it for a week and make sure everything worked perfectly before reinstalling the bezel. They're a pain to remove/reinstall, so I recommend this one delay in buttoning everything up.
My infotainment system has two video inputs so I also installed a front camera, just ahead of the air dam. The alarm shop installed both the front and rear cameras for me, actually. The front camera turns on when I press a button on the infotainment system.
Everything is perfect except for one complaint. Although the infotainment system uses bluetooth for the cellphone telephone connection, it requires a wired connection to the cellphone for Waze, Pandora, and ApplePlay functions. I may upgrade the infotainment system to one that uses bluetooth for all of these functions, but that creates a new dilemma for which I am seeking opinions. The wired connection that I must currently use also provides for cellphone recharging. A totally wireless system will not provide for simultaneous recharging, so I was thinking about modding the center consult by installing a cellphone charger that the cellphone rests on. I'm looking for inspiration and advice.
By the way, there are guys out there (search e B a a y) that replace all the tiny bulbs with LEDs inside the HVAC controller unit. So do that while your bezel is off.
Thanks and that was a great video!
I actually just did the HVAC update as well and it looks so much more modern now.
As for the wireless option, it's nice to be able to leave the phone in your pocket on short trips and still use car play/ android auto, but it does suck down the battery fast. On anything but the shortest trips, you have to plug the phone in anyway to keep it charged. As I found, keeping the phone in the center console while charging and running wireless car play makes the phone overheat and shut down, wireless charging makes that problem even worse. I've been looking at getting one of the cupholder units for the back of the console and modifying that with a wireless charger (in a similar location to the new Corvette), but it has to have constant airflow
I just ordered a headunit for my C5. I ordered mine from Crutchfield and they offer a wiring service for $25. I installed a similar unit in my Ram. Missed having it in my vette. Really good video.
Excellent video, thank you. Very thorough.
Great install and good component selection. Had to subscribe.
Great video, but I either missed or you skipped over the wiring between the head unit and the camera. Did you have to run wire/cable between the camera and the head unit or did you have adapters and re-use the wiring that ran between the cd player and the old head unit?
I stole power from the reverse lights for the camera. I ran the video cable and trigger cable through the cab back to the AV harness on the head unit
I like the touchscreen radios as well… the only thing I don’t care for is the fact that the 12 disc CD changer is no longer usable. I use mine all the time, so this mod is not for me. Thanks for the nice video… you did a fine job!
bruh all the c5 owners are in NC i swear
🤷♂️ we broke and like to go fast. perfect fit
some are in Bavaria too. 😉👍
Thanks for sharing this install video! This will help me a ton with my C5 double din head unit installation.
Glad you found it helpful! Definitely one of the best updates I've done to the car!
Your license plate is correct! Thanks for the helpful video!
Great video. I am doing the same thing with my c5 this weekend. In a couple of weeks I will be putting in a subwoofer in the area where the 12 cd changer is and it will fit under the trunk vanity cover so it should nearly invisible. Thanks!
Great idea! I use the storage spaces often so I did not want to sacrifice space, but the bass is definitely lacking
Thank you as I’m considering a double din. I don’t see a link to get the kit and the radio???
The link to the radio and kit is in the description below the video!
looks great! I want to get something similar but just watching the install process I got frustrated hahaha and I refuse to pay someone to do it. Maybe ill pull the trigger after my sleepy eyes get here and finish that up. Great video!
While it was a very involved install process, fortunately it really was not difficult. The instructions were clear and everything worked. All together I spent less than $500 on the upgrade.
I did a similar project with my 2002 Lexus ES300 (without the sawzall) with an Alpine double din. nice job !
EDITED April 2023: Now that I’m saving up for a C5 Z06 watching this again for the 2nd time a year later. I’ve saved this for my C5. I noticed the placement of the backup camera is too far back. I would’ve put it closest to the rear edge as possible. Your getting the edges of the bumper in the peripheral view. Not a big deal but that would piss me off. Also, I would’ve mounted the external mic up on the Sun visor. I did this on my Lexus ES300. Ran the wire under the dash and up along the A pillar, the wire isn’t exposed, it’s tucked in between the panels
Nice work Thanks
Great video, but where did you ground the back-up camera? I’m in the middle of mounting right now.
I tied into the reverse light circuit
@@4KMotoring thank you for taking time to answer.
I want to do this to my c5 but I like the bose sound with Sub
did you ever paint match the bezel?
I did not, with my Alcantara seats the plastic bezel looks like it matches pretty well. I've been hesitant to have paint come off with the high heat etc as opposed to bare plastic
good video, looking to do this in a week or two. Anything you would do different now thats its had some time? Also what was the mistake with the camera initially?
Honestly I'm still super happy with the overall build. If I changed anything, I'd take the time to shorten the wires (limited space to bunch it all up) and use a newer head unit for ongoing compatibility. Just pay attention to the wiring harness and reverse camera trigger wire instructions.
Thanks for this great video. I'm going to attempt it soon with my 2001 C5. Is there a charger socket option that doesn't require cutting and soldering wires?
Thanks for becoming a member!
This was definitely the best update I have done to the car to date. As far as the charger socket options, it really depends what you're looking for. The OEM module can be replace with no soldering, but there are a ton of options out there depending on what specifically you're looking for.
What had you missed regarding the reverse sensor wire? You didn't show any details about what went wrong there. Was it an existing connector, or did you have to install something...?
I had forgotten to connect the AV harness (separate from the main harness, includes all the camera input)
Great Video Thanks 😊
Where did you get the wiring harness that your camera is hooking into? Thanks for the video has been very helpful!
I was able to find the pioneer AV wiring harness
What was the problem you had with the backup camera when you first hooked it up and how did you correct it. Thx. Great Videos
There is a trigger wire that I did not have connected. I assumed the camera suddenly receiving power from the reverse lights would trigger the input, but it actually needs to carry through to the wiring harness for the head unit itself
looks awesome. I've been wanting to do this to my vette but I've been a bit intimidated by it but you make it look possible. question though: all the double din bezels I've seen have the cup holder without lid. Are they all like that?
The whole job is definitely not as intimidating as it may first seem. All the wiring harnesses are well labeled, it is very hard to mess up
As for the cup holder, I believe they're all modeled after the same bezels, the useless cup holder is permanently open with no cover. You could probably convert the cover from your original bezel trim piece to just seal up that area and make it look better if you wanted to
after watching all the install videos everyone seems to skip over the most critical part, the wiring, yes I know it differs with various stereos but basically they are all the same, I would be great to see wire for wire install from stereo head unit to axxxess interface or stock wiring harness. This is something that would be very helpful, Installing the stereo is pretty straight forward, cutting brackets, drilling holes etc.
I'll be honest, the wiring is probably the easiest part. The head unit connectors and the axxess interface are both very well labeled, it's just a case of matching up wires. The plugs then go to the vehicle and can only go one way. The axxess interface vibes with decent instructions as well
@@4KMotoring I had some confusion with backup camera and getting the DVD player to show video but it all worked out.
Also the 2 red auxiliary wires that are on axxess I didn't hook to anything like the guy from DriveHub suggested
@@dirt69sbm I tried to make reference to that video in mine, you're right, he got the red wires from the interface all messed up. Following instructions from the actual interface package and everything worked out fine for me. My biggest issue with the backup camera was that I needed the additional wiring harness that didn't come with my used head unit.
Did the backup camera get fixed so it comes on automatically when you go into reverse?
Yes, just needed the AV harness for the head unit
Were the side passenger cup holder attachment worth it? Considering buying not don't know anyone with them to verify how quality they are
So far they are the best cup holders I've found for the platform. Not perfect, but pretty stable and usable
@4KMotoring gotcha, do you have a link by chance? I found one on Amazon but 50$... kinda meh for how little I actually get to drive let alone have drinks in it other than a bottle of water lol
GREAT VIDEO...THANKS
10:20 where did you get that bracket?
It came with the double-din bezel
Really nice video! Looks great too! I just subscribed to your channel! Could I have a CD Changer added on to this Double Din? I still have my cd’s and enjoy them to this day. After seeing you get rid of yours, that would be my 1st and only question, believe it or not Lol(Sincere Question) Thank you!
There is actually a CD player hidden behind the screen of this unit!
Very nice install.
Would you still have done the install if the head unit was going to cost almost $800 like they are now?
Absolutely, having android auto (wireless) and a backup camera are two huge improvements to this car
Does the power antenna still work after the install? Thank you. Great video.
My car has the in-built windshield antenna, not the power antenna
where did you run the rear view camera wire through. I re-watched the video thinking I missed it
I just drilled a small hole in the trunk pan to run the wire through, then applied a sealant to both sides. Was very easy, just pre-plan where you want to run the wiring.
Great video. I have a 4660NEX I’m putting in my 02 with the Axxess Interface as well. You went out of your way to mention that you didn’t run a 12v or acc wire. Did you connect all 3 reds together( 1 from HU, and 2 from Axxess?). A plus of the Axxess is retained accessory power. Does your radio turn on in the acc position and does it stay on when the key is turned off and removed like the stock one did? Appreciate your answers to these questions. There is so much misinformation out there.
Thanks for watching! When I connected the power wires, I followed the instructions with the axxess interface. I want to say I connected the two power wires to the head unit wire but I'm having difficulty remembering it exactly... I know I followed the instructions as they are written. As far as retained power, that's where it gets a little bit odd. The head unit will shut off when I turn the key off but then it will turn itself back on until I take the key out or open the door. It's a weird medium between no retained power and retained power. I will be completely honest and say it has not bothered me enough to try to troubleshoot it.
@@4KMotoring thanks for your response, I appreciate it.
What did you do with the emergency brake wire?
I left it alone
niccccccce good work
How much different is the finish on the new trim panel compared to the dash?
It's a similar color, a bit flatter than the OEM. Drive Hub has a video that shows the proper spray paint to exactly match, I'm happy with it as is
@@4KMotoring thank you.
That screen looks SWEET! How many inches is it?
It's a 7in diagonal, Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX
Didn't you have to cut the center dash to fit?
Nope, only had to cut out the one aluminum cross-support that separated the factory head unit from the AC controls
Replaced the center front console with one that has space for double din
@@dirt69sbm explain please?
Could you tell me where you found an antenna adapter? It appears that the pin size is the same but the outside of the cable needs to be held firmly in the Pioneer head unit. Or am I way off on this. Sure do appreciate it!
I noticed it doesn't fit snug in mine either, but the coax connections do at least make contact. I haven't used the actual FM radio much but it seems to be fine
You probably already figured this out but for other people reading the comments, you need a Vehicle Antenna Adapter Cable which fits GM vehicles (1988-2008), the one I bought was a Metra 40-GM10 available for less than $10 (Amazon, Ebay, Crutchfield, etc.)
So do you have to manually engage the backup camera every time or were you able to get it to automatically switch on in reverse?
It automatically switches on when in reverse, I didn't have the trigger wire attached initially, but that was an easy fix and now it is flawless
@@4KMotoring Cool, thanks for the quick update 👍
upgraded the old girl pretty good, now she's into the future and why would anyone want New!!
It's nice to make a car become exactly what you want it to be
Nice documentation of the process. How is that Natika camera holding up for you?
Of all their models, I think this form factor works best on the C5. I'm super weary of having to drill into the car if the camera is going to crap out after a few months. It would be nice to know if yours has been problem free.
The first one I had only lasted me about a month, the replacement was free under warranty, and hasn't had an issue since
@@4KMotoring Haha, wow... That's not a great sign. I ordered one, so hopefully it's longer lasting than a month!
@@4KMotoring So I installed one of these, and it is hit or miss whether it comes up on my head unit when put into reverse or does not send video. Tried it with a few different displays and it didn't always come on.
Is that what you were seeing with yours, or was it another issue?
@@lobuzz311 if it does come on correctly sometimes then the wiring is correct, there's just a bad connection somewhere. The camera needs power from a source at the back of the car, I used the backup lights for that. In my car, I've had to replace the switch in the transmission that controls the back of lights several times, so make sure you're backup lights are actually working. There's a trigger wire that goes from the camera to the head unit to let the head unit know power has been applied and to automatically switch. Make sure all your connections are good
Question you had to solder in wires?
The radio harness had to be soldered to the Axxess interface. The wires all come well labeled, all that was needed was the low-temp solder heat shrink connectors, I have a link for them in the video description.
It was actually pretty easy overall, and all in for less than $500. Feel free to shoot me an email if you have any other questions about it. 4Kmotoring@gmail.com
🔥🔥🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽
Don't you need the Metra DB 3021b to make the factory subwoofers work? Otherwise it sounds like s**
The axcess interface seemed to match up with all the factory Bose connectors, so I don't believe so. It seems to work fine
where are you based?
NC
Can you give me the make and model of the head unit
Head unit and all associated parts listed in the video description. It was an older Pioneer W4400-NEX
@@4KMotoring thank you
1300 for a shop to do it including Kenwood I think kinda high
It's not safe to drive Corvette C5 without radio that doesn't have volume knob you need to add steering wheel volume control wireless for easy to control
Not sure exactly what you mean. It has physical volume buttons on the bezel and can be easily muted. I have responded to a lot of collisions, I've never seen one as a result of not having a volume knob
i don't trust anyone who buys ryobi tools
Value for performance, they're a pretty good analog of the C5 Corvette! Sure you could pay more for better tools, but you could also pay more for faster Corvettes!