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Old 02-19-2009, 05:57 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Custom Navigation Pioneer Avic F500BT DIY

After purchasing a Pioneer Avic F500BT for my wife's new 2009 Camry we struggled with the thought of just leaving the unit on the suction mount intended for the dashboard. So, I thought, we have the cubby space by the shifter that we never use. I decided to make a custom install piece that would require NO drilling of any sort into the interior trim itself. I wanted to ensure that if we ever got rid of the car that the interior trim would remain intact.

My idea is centered on the fact that two trim pieces that flank both sides of the cubby do not totally meet perfectly with the base trim. What I mean by this is that you can place a piece of plexiglass in the gap between the bottom side of the vertical side pieces and the gray trim that makes up the shifter plate (the pictures will make this much clearer, I promise).

I started by prying the two vertical pieces of as is described in other parts of this forum. I then made a template from cardboard of the space in between the two vertical trim pieces. The key here is to make sure that you make the template wide enough that the sides rest under where the vertical trim pieces would rest. I then went to home depot and bought the thinnest plexiglass I could find (0.093 inches I believe for $3.50ish) and cut a piece with my scroll saw using a fine toothed blade.





This picture really shows the plexiglass base piece. Once you snap the two vertical pieces back on you'll notice that they sit snuggly enough on top of the plexiglass to hold it in place. Since the inside of the cubby slopes down I had to use some extra plexiglass and some tapered pieces of wood to prevent the plexiglass from bending when I applied pressure to the GPS screen





I ended up having to buy a 2.5 inch screw and some washers to tighten this up since I messed up the original knobs that the unit came with.



I then fashined a base made from wood that would accept the cradle that is meant to hold the Avic F500BT. This proved to be the most challenging part as I had to get it just the right size so that it would sit at the angle that I wanted yet allow for me recess the unit back far enough as to not be hit by the shifter when in "park. Once I figured out the placement of the base I marked it and attached it to the plexiglass with four small screws....and voila! I had a custom GPS holder that wasn't as clearly visible from the outside world as one that was mounted on the windshield.

Just a note: I did have to remove the cubby door before I did this project as it would not allow the unit to sit back far enough. I did hardwire the unit to the Camry. The instructions for doing come with the Avic F500BT. I bought the unit BRAND NEW from 6ave.com for $200 (with an online coupon)!!!! Visit Avic411.com and do a search for AvicF500BT and you'll probably find the same coupon I used.

Another note: You can use the suction cup on the plexiglass once you install it as above. In fact, thats why I originally intended. In fact, I tried the suction cup on the shifter trim itself until I realized it was like 1/32 of an inch too small resulting in a loss of suction. The caveat here is that although the resultant piece of plexiglass does allow you to use the originial suction mount that the unit comes with there is a slight curvature to the this part of the car. Result= gradual loss of suction (roughly 3 hours).

Sorry that my pictures aren't that clear. Feel free to PM me if you need anymore specifics on my DIY.

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibility for your compeltion of this DIY. Please be aware that this project does result in the placement of the navigation unit in a non-ideal location when it comes to driving. It does require that you take your eyes off of the road to mess with. I bought this unit mainly for its bluetooth and mp3/DiVX properties so I hardly use the GPS function and thus, rarely have to look down. Following these instructions, the DIYer assumes all liability/responsiblity from potential distraction or any subsequent bodily or physical injury that could ensue. This DIY is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to suggest that anyone should attempt this project. The user assumes ALL responsibility for any resultant damages that may occur as a result, actual or potential, of completing this project. Perform this DIY at your own risk!
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Old 02-19-2009, 06:53 PM   #2 (permalink)
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I think I just strained a muscle on the first 3 pics. Use photobucket and rotate the image.
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Old 02-19-2009, 07:34 PM   #3 (permalink)
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looks ok, I would have mounted it off to the side of the radio with a bracket like how the cell phone mount works, I like my gps in front of me, seems like more of a distraction to look down there
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Old 02-19-2009, 07:38 PM   #4 (permalink)
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great job ! Thanks for posting DIY.
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Old 02-19-2009, 07:45 PM   #5 (permalink)
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Glad you like it carlo$..thanks

I would have posted it up higher, but my whole reason for doing it down low was to hide it from potential thieves and make it look more symmetrical. I like cars that have the center consoles where everything flows smoothly. As I mentioned earlier, I barely use the GPS, mainly the bluetooth and that utilizes voice command so I barely look down. Again, not the best location distraction-wise, but it suits my needs.
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Old 02-19-2009, 07:47 PM   #6 (permalink)
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I thought about a stock radio replacement but there are several issues with that:
1. Using a non-oem unit looks awkward as there is a lot of bare grey trim surrounding the unit. I personally dont like that.

2. OEM units are way too expensive. This only cost $200

3. Aftermarket "oem-look alikes" units aren't all that great
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Old 02-20-2009, 05:57 AM   #7 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Majarvis View Post
Personally, I would have replaced the stock CD player with that by using an aftermarket dash mount kit. The Pioneer is in too awkward of a place way down behind the shifter.
+1... and it's a safety hazard to look down to see where you're going and to type/search etc.

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Originally Posted by nelsonrx View Post
Glad you like it carlo$..thanks

I would have posted it up higher, but my whole reason for doing it down low was to hide it from potential thieves and make it look more symmetrical. I like cars that have the center consoles where everything flows smoothly. As I mentioned earlier, I barely use the GPS, mainly the bluetooth and that utilizes voice command so I barely look down. Again, not the best location distraction-wise, but it suits my needs.
That install is definitely not hidden and makes the unit much more easier to steal. The whole point of a suction cup is to take it off when you're done driving and store it in a glove compartment (which has a lock)

But hey, it's your car
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Old 02-20-2009, 06:38 AM   #8 (permalink)
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Your concerns are valid Netforcer, thanks Its actually more hidden than you'd think because my windows are tinted dark and you can hardly see the unit from the outside. Also, I'm working on a cover that will totally conceal the unit; somehting that you can't do with a VERY visible windshiled mount. I don't know about others out there, but if you're going to leave the suction mount on the windshield you might as well leave the GPS. Leaving the suction mount visible tells me, "hey, this person has a GPS and most likely, its somewhere in the car". Unfortunately, glove comaprtment locks aren't exactly great protection. A thief on a mission with a crowbar can easily fix that. My goal here is if you can't tell I have something than you wont waste your time looking for it.

As I mentioned earlier, I mainly use this for bluetooth which does not require me to look down as much. There are many cars that have stereos, A/C controls, etc in this part of the vehicle. Again, I'm not saying its an ideal locations, but for me, it works just fine, especially since my wife and I usually ride together and the non-driver can mess with the unit if need be.

Last edited by nelsonrx; 02-20-2009 at 06:44 AM.
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Old 02-20-2009, 08:13 AM   #9 (permalink)
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So is brandon dangerous town in FL?
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Old 02-20-2009, 09:06 AM   #10 (permalink)
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Not anymore than any other normal town in the country. Crime can happen anywhere
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