Head deck replacement

[zersys]

Hey guys.

I don't really know all too much about cars, but I figured this place would be best to ask a few questions. I have a VY Berlina, it has a six stacker Blaupunkt head deck (I assume head deck is the right terminology). I wanted to sort of kill two birds with one stone, or maybe even three birds.

The Radio has been pretty patchy since a few months ago, when a bat had flew into my antenna -_-. So I'm assuming I have to get a replacement antenna, but I've also wanted to get a digital radio put in and I assume I would need an antenna replacement anyway. I've also wanted to get an AUX input, I was considering doing the GTO Hard Wire tutorial but instead I rather just replace the head deck. But the possible tricky part, is that I still want the steering wheel radio buttons to work and I'm not sure if that is the case without the OEM head deck?

Is there such a head deck in existence?

Thanks in advance.

[statey1975]

Re the steering wheel controls. Head down to Autobarn and have a look at what they've got. There's a couple of options - the CAT infra red converter, or depending on the head unit you get, you may be able to use a hardwired option, which is much cheaper than the CAT. The one I bought, plugged into my Alpine unit, then straight into my wiring look. Job done.

[Zend3r]

With regards to digital radio - I'll assume you're talking about DAB+ (be careful here as we use DAB+ in Australia, as opposed to DAB used in many parts of the world).

Sadly, not many head units (or decks) take advantage of DAB+ - in fact only 1 or 2 that I've ever seen. If you do track down a quality head unit that uses DAB+ I'd be keen to hear about it. Although I've heard DAB isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Also, if you are planning on install your new components yourself, good on you! But ensure you take your time and get the wiring right on the first time around. Be sure to look up wiring diagrams for both your new head unit and your car (the wiring diagram can be found stickied at the top of the Car Audio topic) and I would advise the use of 'wiring looms' (available from Autobarn, Super Cheap, Strathfield etc etc) so it is easy to put in the old head unit again if you need.

[statey1975]

Also, if you are planning on install your new components yourself, good on you! But ensure you take your time and get the wiring right on the first time around. Be sure to look up wiring diagrams for both your new head unit and your car (the wiring diagram can be found stickied at the top of the Car Audio topic) and I would advise the use of 'wiring looms' (available from Autobarn, Super Cheap, Strathfield etc etc) so it is easy to put in the old head unit again if you need.

Agree with you here, rather than butchering your original loom. The adapter I got incorporated everything - plugged into my ISO connections to the car, and straight into the back of the Alpine. It took care of power, speakers, steering wheel controls, the works.

[statey1975]

Also, if you are planning on install your new components yourself, good on you! But ensure you take your time and get the wiring right on the first time around. Be sure to look up wiring diagrams for both your new head unit and your car (the wiring diagram can be found stickied at the top of the Car Audio topic) and I would advise the use of 'wiring looms' (available from Autobarn, Super Cheap, Strathfield etc etc) so it is easy to put in the old head unit again if you need.

Agree with you here, rather than butchering your original loom. The adapter I got incorporated everything - plugged into my ISO connections to the car, and straight into the back of the Alpine. It took care of power, speakers, steering wheel controls, the works.

[zersys]

Thanks for the help guys.

I decided to just wire it myself, I got some diagrams on how to remove the centre console and trim so I could wire it to the glove box, works like a treat!

Looks a bit bodge, but hey at least you can't see any wires flying around :P.

Thanks again.