Just got my VP Exec need bit of help on a few issues!

[Jordzz]

Hey guys just got a few questions id like to ask as i just picked up my vp exec 5 speed

1. My Lvl 1 Cluster has gone and only the speedo works so Im looking to buy a Lvl 2 VN VP Cluster. Is it an easy change over or do i need to buy extra things like you do for the lvl 3 cluster. eg is there any soldering involved ?

2. My Vp Exec only has 2 tiny speakers on each side of the dash. 1 has blown and the other is terrible what size are they ? and is it possible to buy pioneer or sony ones etc the same size as those to replace them with ?

3. and lastly pulling apart the centre console to replace the stock unit is that a hard job ?

im not very car smart as of yet so im just in need of some advice cheers...

[DERTY]

2. My Vp Exec only has 2 tiny speakers on each side of the dash. 1 has blown and the other is terrible what size are they ? and is it possible to buy pioneer or sony ones etc the same size as those to replace them with ?

4 inches i think, and yes u can replace them, i replaced mine with aftermarket ones

[TVR-190]

Hey guys just got a few questions id like to ask as i just picked up my vp exec 5 speed

1. My Lvl 1 Cluster has gone and only the speedo works so Im looking to buy a Lvl 2 VN VP Cluster. Is it an easy change over or do i need to buy extra things like you do for the lvl 3 cluster. eg is there any soldering involved ?

2. My Vp Exec only has 2 tiny speakers on each side of the dash. 1 has blown and the other is terrible what size are they ? and is it possible to buy pioneer or sony ones etc the same size as those to replace them with ?

3. and lastly pulling apart the centre console to replace the stock unit is that a hard job ?

im not very car smart as of yet so im just in need of some advice cheers...

1. 88GreenVn does patch looms so you can connect a L2 cluster easily.shoot him a PM

2.the front speakers are 4 inchers, simply take off the cover, unscrew them and take them out, i recently replaced mine with alpine 4 inchers. cut the wires and solered on the alpine speaker connections, very simple job.

3. the head unit replacement can be a bit fiddly, there is a write up in the how to section if you are worried, the most annoying part is getting the stock stereo out as its held in by a few screws.

Have fun

[vp_commo]

1. Not sure I think it has been answered.

2. I actually cut mine out with an angle grinder so I could fit Boss 4 inch speakers in their. Beware of buying deep speakers (the best ones) unless you want to undertake this task (requires dash removal), (In other words make sure your speakers fit and do not sit above the dash or else you have to make mods to the steel panel beneath to allow a thicker speaker to sit in place.).

3.Easy as, but a few words of warning,
- keep all your screws in a box or you will lose them.
- the worst aspect of this kind of work is that there is a lot of plastic often fatigued with age, take your time and take care or you will snap off fastening points and thread screw holes, break plastic joins

Keep it all in one peice.

cheers
Dan

[Jordzz]

thanks heaps guys ;D ill see what i can do with that
btw do the speaker covers just pop open if i use a flat head screw driver ? lol

[shimms1]

No there is a screw at the bottom of the face there a prick to get to

[Jordzz]

damn lol

[TVR-190]

thanks heaps guys ;D ill see what i can do with that
btw do the speaker covers just pop open if i use a flat head screw driver ? lol

be careful popping them off as i snapped mine doing it

[D3V14NT]

2. I found the front speakers to be a bit of a pain in the ass because I had to remove the side air vents to get access to the screw holding the cover in place.

3. Like what vp_commo said take your time and place all your screws somewhere you wont lose them. If something isn't coming out easily look for more screws before yanking it off as everything should come apart nicely once unscrewed.

If you have an air con switch in the radio surround be careful if unplugging it as the clips holding the air con switch in place can snap off if you pull on the plug too hard.

If your interested I'm taking apart my console tomorrow to replace the handbrake boot and air con switch (pulled too hard on the plug) and I can take a few photos and make a how to of it.

[Jordzz]

If your interested I'm taking apart my console tomorrow to replace the handbrake boot and air con switch (pulled too hard on the plug) and I can take a few photos and make a how to of it.

that would be much appreciated mate!
no pressure though i dont expect you to if you dont want to
but thanks man

[D3V14NT]

May as well, I'm doing the job anyway

Might help out a few other people along the way too. I've lost count of the amount of times I've taken the console out now, yet I still manage to stuff something up each time.

[Dum*P*ster]

1. 88GreenVn does patch looms so you can connect a L2 cluster easily.shoot him a PM

)

Na man, theres no looms needed for a lvl 2 cluster.. Just plug n' play.. lvl 3 is the only one that need wires solderd..and the loom ..Switch block.. :P

[vp_commo]

thanks heaps guys ;D ill see what i can do with that
btw do the speaker covers just pop open if i use a flat head screw driver ? lol

In my experience the only part of most of the interior dash, console ect that 'pops off' is the console cover (auto only), that holds the ashtray and lighter, I am pretty sure everything else is screwed in, so take care to find that elusive screw...

cheers

Dan

[Jordzz]

Na man, theres no looms needed for a lvl 2 cluster.. Just plug n' play.. lvl 3 is the only one that need wires solderd..and the loom ..Switch block.. :P

oh sik then, just figured since theres no tacho on a lvl 1 that youd need like another plug or somethin to make it work for a lvl 2

[Jordzz]

found a Lvl 2 Cluster but its from a vn will that go in as a straight swap for my vps lvl 1 ? cheers

[Dum*P*ster]

correct Easy as pie :P

HOWEVER.. I noticed, most lvl 2 cluster's odo's dont work.. So you'll need your cog from the lvl 1 (If it doesnt work )

[D3V14NT]

Well couldn't get my air con switch so didn't take the console out.

To take it out though is pretty straightforward. First of all though is the obligatory disconnect your battery, chock the wheels and dont work under a jack warning. Now, take out the ashtray and use the hole to pull the gear shift surround out as it just pops off. Disconnect your lighter and wiggle the surround so that it goes over the gear shift. Dont take the handle off an auto gear switch, it'll never stick back on properly.

Take the two screws out of the console under the square section of carpet, disassemble the gear shifter position assembly thingy, carefuly take the plastic strip off the shifter as it will snap the tabs off easy as if your not careful.

Once you've got the shifter position assembly off unscrew the two large screws at the dash end of the console, these screws dont come out they just lower the height of the console so that it comes away from the dash section.

Unzip your handbrake boot and remove the console gently, making sure all electrical connections have been disconnected and thats the first section out.

At the bottom of the second section of the console you'll see three screws, remove these then you will be able to pull the radio / heater control fascia off as the rest of it will just pop off. Be careful not to damage any switches or connections when removing the fascia (ie: air con switch).

You'll now be left with an exposed radio. You can choose to remove the remaing console surround by taking off the three screws on either side of it (behind that fuse box cover under the steering wheel and between glove box and console) and the screws that fix it to the metal frame underneath - your call on that one.

I prefer to remove as much as is practicable as I prefer to have plenty of room to work with, without having to worry about breaking anything trying to bend it out of the way, etc.

This is a very rough guide done from memory so it may be off in spots but I'm sure someone will come and correct me

Good luck with your cd player install

[Jordzz]

correct Easy as pie :P

HOWEVER.. I noticed, most lvl 2 cluster's odo's dont work.. So you'll need your cog from the lvl 1 (If it doesnt work )

sweet nah dnt care bout the odo just fuel temp speedo and tacho i need to be working XD. cheers

[Jordzz]

[QUOTE=D3V14NT;1433776]Well couldn't get my air con switch so didn't take the console out.QUOTE]

cheers for that write up man, will help to be very useful for me

[Dum*P*ster]

In here The complete VR/VS interior illumination replacement & conversion guide

There is a guide on how to remove the AC unit with pics..
And few others things that you might find usefull

Thanks to fonzie!

*im aware it says vr-vs but in the guide its labeld for VN-VP aswell :P

vn-vp-vr-vs center consoles are all the same