Contemplating a VFD JBL 2011 Deck retro into a 09 Non-JBL Camry

[Zackb911]

I've spent the last couple days trying to map out the possible issues and feasibility of this swap. I know others have asked in the past and many more are curious so hopefully this consolidates the info I've seen so far and helps others.

Objective:
Factory look/install, I want Bluetooth phone and A2DP streaming, XM, VFD display, and I'd like iPod integration via USB. Without spending $1,600 on an OEM Navi Retrofit.


My car:
Is a 2009, non-JBL.
I currently have a 2010 Non-JBL radio installed (Sat Ready) this was installed so that I could use a Scosche Bluefusion unit and have Bluetooth over the factory radio (both phone and A2DP audio). That was a plug & play swap and so far works well.

Plan of attack:
I purchased a take-out 2011 JBL radio which is en-route to me. It's the new Fujitsu/JBL which has; 6 disk in dash cd changer, XM integrated, Bluetooth integrated, Vacuum Florescent Display, etc. Basically a very nice deck with all the bells and whistles.




So here is where I am at, please correct me if I'm wrong on anything.

Problem:
Obviously my car lacks the JBL amplifier and I assume the JBL deck has no internal amplifier capable of powering the speakers.

Solution:
Wiring
Use a reverse stereo harness http://cgi.ebay.com/PREMIUM-Factory-OEM-Radio-w-AMP-Wires-Toyota-CAMRY-2010-/190414849451?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c559c 05ab
For $37 this should give me line level outputs usable for an amplifier. Obviously I will have to solder this to a standard aftermarket radio harness(which I have) that will give me the power, ground, etc.

Amp
The amp I'm looking at a Sony XM4S slim amp ($135 on ebay). This will take line level inputs from the above harness and give me out about 50W RMS to the stock speakers. This amp is small and should be easy to mount and a HUGE increase in power.

Problem:
Bluetooth/Microphone- I assume the bluetooth is integrated entirely into the unit, but the microphone is external and my car does not have one.

Solution:
$100 from Toyotalexnavspec on eBay! Mic and wiring, all OEM!

Problem:
XM Antenna- The 2010/11's are XM ready and have the wiring and antenna already in the car.

Solution:
This uses a square plugged antenna connector Toyotalexnavspec says $35 for this.

Problem:
USB/Ipod Integration- My car is an 09, a non-USB car. It seems there is a small USB ECU in addition to the plug which goes between the input and unit. This may not be cost effective at the dealer to retro.

If anyone else has any thoughts or potential solutions/ways of doing it better please let me know. Right now I feel confident I could install it and have the radio work. However, the USB functionality may be tricky given the above issues. I wish I had a 2010 with Bluetooth and JBL car so that this would be easier.

I bought the deck already but after more digging around, I may have to try selling this deck and at least find the Non-JBL version or keep my current setup.

[Zackb911]

So little update...

ToyotaLexNavispec on eBay has the microphone and plug n play wiring for $100. (that 8 pin connector on the back)

They also have the XM antenna for only $35 (uses a square connector)

If I wanted a JBL amp and wiring from them it's $350 or I could just use the reverse harness for $36 and an amp of my choice.

All in all this looks pretty easy and do-able. I am thinking that picking up a non-JBL one would be easier for me as I don't really need more power or an amp.

So I think I'll be posting this deck up for sale ($250) as it would be an awesome upgrade for someone with a JBL system would wants a nicer deck with XM integrated, Bluetooth phone, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, 6 disk in dash changer, VFD display, etc.

[my.rims.are.stock]

Your spending way too much money for this... Just get an aftermarket H/U like some of the ones shown in previous threads. You can get bluetooth, Nav, ipod integration, and more for less than what you have spent so far...

[Zackb911]

Originally Posted by my.rims.are.stock

Your spending way too much money for this... Just get an aftermarket H/U like some of the ones shown in previous threads. You can get bluetooth, Nav, ipod integration, and more for less than what you have spent so far...

I had aftermarket, Pioneer AVICS F90 and X920BT for the past 2 years. They just don't look right in the Camry.

I had the "costar" eBay unit, it just wasn't refined enough.

I don't need Navi as my HTC Evo's navigation hands down beats anything else I've used. And streams audio directions over the Bluetooth.

The above unit wasn't too expensive $250.

My current setup or the Non-JBL version can be had for a lot less than any of the above. I like OEM simplicity, function, and features. To me, upgrading the newer 6.5 headunits into the Gen 6's are a great cost effective upgrade.

Hell adding a $35 XM antenna to this unit is cheaper than spending $275 to add XM to a Gen 6 factory head unit. And a $100 microphone for this unit is cheaper than buying a Bluefusion or Blu Logic setup to a Gen 6 radio.

What I am guilty of is putting too much thought into all this. Hopefully it helps answer questions for others contemplating doing this or looking for something similar.

[my.rims.are.stock]

Ok. You're right. 250+35 < 275. I just see a lot of dollar symbols when your talking on something that could be done with a lot less money, work, and "overthinking." You do it your way. Sorry for trying to help.

P.S. I also like to ride around in the car holding my phone up trying to navigate through traffic.

[Zackb911]

Originally Posted by my.rims.are.stock

Ok. You're right. 250+35 < 275. I just see a lot of dollar symbols when your talking on something that could be done with a lot less money, work, and "overthinking." You do it your way. Sorry for trying to help.

P.S. I also like to ride around in the car holding my phone up trying to navigate through traffic.

No need to be defensive. I was just explaining what I'm looking to do and why, you suggested something different. No harm. I was just clarifying your assumptions. The phone works awesome for navigation by the way.