My next project -- console screen

[gksmith]

I ordered a LE Nav bezel for my 2008 truck and plan to add a front console screen for GPS/DVD/backup camera.

I've got the DVD part part done. I just need to run a video wire up to the front console and I'll be set.

However, before I do any of this I have to identify the monitor, GPS, and backup system to use. For GPS, I was thinking a remote mounted GPS. I have a portable one but my wife wants it.

Anyway, I thought I'd start by asking for suggestions on a monitor for the Nav bezel. Since I don't want to replace the RF head unit I don't think I need anything that integrates AM/FM/DVD/CD/GPS/etc.. like an Avic-D3.

[FourDoor]

It sounds like your best bet would be to get a touch screen GPS unit that accepts video inputs like the Clarion NICE. This way, whatever GPS system you have, you can control it via the touch screen itself. The last thing you want to be doing is fumbling around for an input device while driving.

[gksmith]

Could the Clarion NICE (7" version) fit in the Nav bezel opening? I didn't see anything online about a flush mount version - only a suction cup type mount.

*Update* - It looks like it might. I found some links on ClubArmada for Clarion installs in the navel bezel area.

[Pops]

If it's a 7" screen then a Garmin StreetPilot 7200 or 7500 might fit the bill. The Nav Bezels for the '04-'07's are made by Scoche and Matrix and there's been complaints of paint peeling on the Matrix Bezels.

This is why I think the Garmin would be a great option.

http://www.clubarmada.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8077

[gksmith]

I had originally looked at the Garmin when I was going to get a Tundra. I'd forgotten about those for the Nissan.

My concern with the Garmin is whether or not I can do updates and add/remove stuff from the SD card via the USB cable alone. Once the unit is installed the only easy access I'll have is if I can run a USB extension cable to someplace handy.

Of course, I still have to figure out how to get it mounted in the bezel so it doesn't rattle around.

[Pops]

white knight and HitmanTony over on CA have both done this install. You can post a thread or ask them any questions that you need answered. This will be my next interior mod if I can ever save up enough to afford a Garmin 7200, those little buggers are expensive.

[snoman]

i was thinking of doing this same thing does anyone know if itll work with the rockford fostgate stereo sorry didnt mean to jack your thread.

[Pops]

I don't know if the DVD-HUD connect will work with the RF but keep in mind that you can always splice into the back of the AUX Jack and use Aux regardless of the brand of Head Unit you have.

[FourDoor]

I know you already said you didn't want a complete stereo replacement but looking at the prices of the Garmin 7200/7500 at being over $1k, I would seriously think about just installing a double din NAV/DVD head unit. For around the same price the additional benefits of going with an aftermarket head unit would be:

- Ease of installation. No need to fab up brackets to get your portable LCD GPS system mounted.
- No need to hack into the existing wiring to get your audio from your GPS system to play through your speakers. (another downside to this is that if you are listening to music or watching a dvd through your stereo system, the audio from your external GPS system will have to depend on it’s built in speaker which will be easily overpowered by your regular stereo speakers. If you have your GPS playing through your aux input on the factory stereo, you won’t be able to listen to music at the same time. I would much rather be able to listen to music while I drive on long road trips and then have the music auto fade down when the GPS needs to tell me to exit in a 1/4 mile. Remember, a good GPS system is one where you ideally would not be looking at the map on the screen much but be listening to the voice guidance instead while you keep your eyes on the road)
- Full upgraded audio controls. Having the built in eq on these new head units make such a big difference on stock speakers (since it sounds like you're keeping yours for now). The ability to control sending just mids and highs to your regular speakers and the bass to the subs makes the system sound like a totally different setup.
- iPod support. (this to me is the most important as all of my music and videos are managed via iTunes and my iPod.)
- BlueTooth wireless cell phone support
- You still get all of the features you were requesting including backup cam support and secondary monitor from your M&D DVD player

On top of that, since you already have the bezel, you can go with a cheaper plain 7” LCD monitor and use that as your 3rd monitor in the truck.

Anyways, it’s still ultimately up to you to go through with this project but keep in mind some the downsides of having an external GPS system.

[gksmith]

Are you in Canada? They are on Ebay and other locations for $650 for the 7200 and up to $1200 for the 7500.

Still, both of those are much more than the portable unit I got at Christmas.

[FourDoor]

I'm in California.

The portable GPS system I got a little over a year ago sells for around $600. But it also did aux video input, MP3/DIVX playback, BlueTooth phone dial/answer, FM transmission. The unit worked great but per my post above, the biggest gripe I had were the fact that the stereo audio and GPS audio were 2 separate sources that needed to be managed manually.

The way I see it for comparison in prices:

Garmin 7200 ~ Pioneer AVIC-D3
Garmin 7500 ~ Pioneer AVIC-Z2/Kenwood DNX7100

If you went with the less expensive portable GPS units, then pricing wise, the aftermarket head units will not be able to touch those.

[gksmith]

I hadn't given the GPS audio much thought. My portable one works just fine not being integrated with the head unit. It's loud enough to carry over the music.

I like the idea of integrated GPS but cost wise a simple monitor seems better. Adding the cost of some sort of auto switcher that would automagically show me the backup camera won't add that much. I don't care that any movie that might be playing would not be paused as I don't plan to watch movies while driving (my wife will, I probably won't).

Also, I saw something on Ebay the other day which seemed to be a 40GB hdd media player. I don't know if it had aux-in but it did have a way to store and play movies.

[JTTITAN]

I chose the Streetpilot 7200. I like this because of the screen size and the video input. I did the back up camera as well. I got my street pilot off ebay for $600.00 and the camera for $50.00. also a bonus I did not realize at the time, the Streetpilot 7200 is the same color as the interior so it blends very well. I also thought about the NAV Bezel but decided against it.

[gksmith]

I assume the 7200 mount is under the rubber insert? Also, did you just drill a hole in the top of the bezel and run the wires?

I thought about this too but decided I wanted a more factory look. I worried about having a nav unit just sitting there - figured someone might decide to take it (they may still do that - a nav bezel isn't a security feature).

[Pops]

The nice thing about that setup is that you can always change it to the OEM Nav Bezel later. Like you, I'd be too concerned about walking out to mine having been smashed-n-grabbed.