Hey guys, after seeing the Toyota 86/BRZ and Impreza and even the 10th gen guys install a Nexus 7 on their car, I got jealous enough to install one on my 9th Gen Corolla since for one, I hate the fact I have the burn CD's all the time to listen to my favorite tunes and I hate it when a radio doesn't look factory. Here's some pics, and I have to say it came out pretty well. Looks factory enough to me. After doing this install I now have the confidence to buy all my future cars bare stock and just upgrade them as I go along.
Anyways here's some pictures
It has all the basic features you would want in a head unit and many more:
1. MP3 support
2. Bluetooth Receiver
3. AUX input
4. GPS via Google Maps (or any app for that matter)
5. Airplay Reciever
6. In-Vehicle Wi-Fi Via 4G/3G Hotspots
7. FM Radio (No AM)
8. GPS Tracker
9. Wireless Music Manager via Airdroid
10. OnLive and Emulator gaming (When you're waiting for someone for 5 hours at the store)
11. Hardware makes it EASILY upgradable to a newer 7" Tablet whenever necessary
12. Software make it EASILY upgradable to do even more useful car features
13. Best of all, the sound quality is so much better and it doesn't look "Tokyo by night"
Future Upgrades
1. Rear Mounted Back up Camera
2. In Vehicle Camera
Parts List:
1. Nexus 7 tablet ($200, Staples)
2. Metra Double DIN Kit + Harness for 2003-2008 Corolla ($15, eBay)
3. Kenwood KDC-108 (SALE $50, Best Buy)
4. Various Cables I already had (Monoprice)
5. Clear 4G Voyager Hotspot, Upgrading to something else soon
If anyone is interested, I can post more pictures and information on how to install it.
The only actual Toyota part you have to cut is the bottom tabs of the radio bezel (which isn't really functional since it only clings to the factory radio)
-----DIY Starts Here----
Intro:
I saw you guys get riled up. and I think Karma is killing me by keeping these guys from y'all (I got a bad dent and scrape). So I took a day off from work to put this up. Anyways here's my methods...
As always I'm NOT responsible for any damages to you or your vehicle by following this guide. I'm simply showing you how I achieved installing a Nexus 7 in dash and wishing you the best that you may do the same.
Parts List:
Metra 95-8204 Dash Kit + Toyota 87 & Up Wiring Harness (~$20 eBay)
ANY AUX capable Head Unit (~$50)
USB Extension, Right Angle USB Extension, 12V Charger (~$25 Monoprice)
AUX Cable with Right angle ends (both sides)
7” Android Tablet
Tools:
Hack Saw
Scosche Aftermarket Radio Install Kit ($15 Walmart) [RECOMMENDED FOR THE PANEL PRY TOOL]
Step 1:
Removal of the stock head unit…
Follow this YouTube video… Please. I’m not even gonna bother.
Step 2:
You will start off with the AC/Radio Bezel.
Remove the pointless tabs that use to hold your standard radio. They have no use with an aftermarket unit with the Nexus 7.
There are four of them shown below, and attempt to cut them precisely with a hack saw.
Here are some close up shots on where to precisely cut
BOTTOM
TOP
Leave the two tabs on the middle of the top alone. Those support the Radio Bezel.
Step 3: Mounting the Straps
My tablet is attached to the bezel with zip ties. They’re stable with super glue. I already experimented so you don’t have to. Make sure to be light on the glue as some super glue MAY leave white dust/residue on your work. (Not so good looking on a black interior)
Cut the zip ties accordingly, make 2 sets
Glue them to the top and Glue them to the bottom of the radio bezel. The short pieces go in the bottom and the long pieces go in the top or vice versa. As long as you mount the two sets of zip ties on the correct spot. Make sure that the corresponding pieces are correctly flipped in order or you will have to remove the super glue with acetone (nail polish remover) and it’s very dangerous to ABS plastic (your factory bezel).
These are the mounting points for your zip ties
TOP
BOTTOM
After the gluing is complete. Leave it on there overnight. I recommend holding the zip ties (don't touch the glue please) on the mounting points for a minute or two then let go and make sure that they're free from being touched and leave them overnight. If you can clamp them that's even better.
At this point it should look like this
Side Note: The top of the metra bezel doesn’t usually want to cooperate. In that case just glue the top tab onto the radio bezel.
You should be able to slip in the tablet on there and tighten the zip ties. Only tighten when you’re happy with the position of the tablet. And remember not to over tighten as you’ll have to reglue those pieces if they fall off due to excessive stress.
Once installed you should be able to move the tablet around from the back. Slip in the 90 degree USB extension and 90 degree aux cable into the bottom ports of the device. After doing so, move the device as close to the passenger side of the bezel as it'll be close to the drivers side.
Step 4: The Wretched Radio.
For this install I used a KDC-108. I got it for $50 at Best Buy on sale. I’ve had good experience with Kenwood/JVC units before and I like their sound quality so I chose that cheapo. But for this install I URGE you to get a MP3 reciever. Mostly because they only have like 3” in dept requirements. The Kenwood unit needed 6”+ so I only had less than 3” to work with. Supposedly the Corolla’s have plenty of room back there. But my install barely made it. I also recommend maybe mounting your unit in the glovebox? I don't have enough room in mine, so I'm mounting it behind. By mounting it on the glovebox you'll be able to control it and have more room for the Nexus
This is how I ghetto mounted it.
Only two bolts support the thing. Like I care... It works though. Anyways here’s how the brackets were cut
The rest is guesswork from there.
Bolt up and wire up your head unit as far back and secure as possible. Don’t judge me, this is the first time I’ve installed a radio and I honestly don’t care about the stability of my $50 Aux reciever (yes I’ve deprieved it of it’s CD player and FM/AM radio capabilities all for the GLORY OF THE NEXUS.)
Step 5: Wrap up
At this point reinstall your car battery and plug everything up. Set up your preferences for the equalizer on your head unit as it’ll be rare you’ll be messing with it. Make sure to get the volume as high as possible without hearing any static as the Nexus will control the volume from now on.
Once you got your set up to the correct settings. Run the wires where you want them. I ran the USB extension and cable through the back to the drivers side and snuck onto the center console where you *USE* to hold all your CDs because there’s a 12V plug there and you can upgrade that plug with a new USB charger when you need to.
You should now be able to put all your stuff back together. If not, do some more modifications to make it happen. Just do the reverse of the video.
Final Product should look like this
Other than that, thanks for reading, good luck on your install and hopefully my efforts are appreciated.
-SOFTWARE-
Tasker, set up for auto on and off with car.
Any upgrades will be posted below this line
------------------------------------------------
OH! And in efforts to save someone some time and to help me get some cash to get my scrape and dent fixed,
I have a second set (good for a Corolla S or XRS due to color) of a Metra kit and Radio bezel ready to install up for sale! All you need is a 7" tablet and an aftermarket radio waiting. PM Me for details.
Anyways here's some pictures
It has all the basic features you would want in a head unit and many more:
1. MP3 support
2. Bluetooth Receiver
3. AUX input
4. GPS via Google Maps (or any app for that matter)
5. Airplay Reciever
6. In-Vehicle Wi-Fi Via 4G/3G Hotspots
7. FM Radio (No AM)
8. GPS Tracker
9. Wireless Music Manager via Airdroid
10. OnLive and Emulator gaming (When you're waiting for someone for 5 hours at the store)
11. Hardware makes it EASILY upgradable to a newer 7" Tablet whenever necessary
12. Software make it EASILY upgradable to do even more useful car features
13. Best of all, the sound quality is so much better and it doesn't look "Tokyo by night"
Future Upgrades
1. Rear Mounted Back up Camera
2. In Vehicle Camera
Parts List:
1. Nexus 7 tablet ($200, Staples)
2. Metra Double DIN Kit + Harness for 2003-2008 Corolla ($15, eBay)
3. Kenwood KDC-108 (SALE $50, Best Buy)
4. Various Cables I already had (Monoprice)
5. Clear 4G Voyager Hotspot, Upgrading to something else soon
If anyone is interested, I can post more pictures and information on how to install it.
The only actual Toyota part you have to cut is the bottom tabs of the radio bezel (which isn't really functional since it only clings to the factory radio)
-----DIY Starts Here----
Intro:
I saw you guys get riled up. and I think Karma is killing me by keeping these guys from y'all (I got a bad dent and scrape). So I took a day off from work to put this up. Anyways here's my methods...
As always I'm NOT responsible for any damages to you or your vehicle by following this guide. I'm simply showing you how I achieved installing a Nexus 7 in dash and wishing you the best that you may do the same.
Parts List:
Metra 95-8204 Dash Kit + Toyota 87 & Up Wiring Harness (~$20 eBay)
ANY AUX capable Head Unit (~$50)
USB Extension, Right Angle USB Extension, 12V Charger (~$25 Monoprice)
AUX Cable with Right angle ends (both sides)
7” Android Tablet
Tools:
Hack Saw
Scosche Aftermarket Radio Install Kit ($15 Walmart) [RECOMMENDED FOR THE PANEL PRY TOOL]
Step 1:
Removal of the stock head unit…
Follow this YouTube video… Please. I’m not even gonna bother.
Step 2:
You will start off with the AC/Radio Bezel.
Remove the pointless tabs that use to hold your standard radio. They have no use with an aftermarket unit with the Nexus 7.
There are four of them shown below, and attempt to cut them precisely with a hack saw.
Here are some close up shots on where to precisely cut
BOTTOM
TOP
Leave the two tabs on the middle of the top alone. Those support the Radio Bezel.
Step 3: Mounting the Straps
My tablet is attached to the bezel with zip ties. They’re stable with super glue. I already experimented so you don’t have to. Make sure to be light on the glue as some super glue MAY leave white dust/residue on your work. (Not so good looking on a black interior)
Cut the zip ties accordingly, make 2 sets
Glue them to the top and Glue them to the bottom of the radio bezel. The short pieces go in the bottom and the long pieces go in the top or vice versa. As long as you mount the two sets of zip ties on the correct spot. Make sure that the corresponding pieces are correctly flipped in order or you will have to remove the super glue with acetone (nail polish remover) and it’s very dangerous to ABS plastic (your factory bezel).
These are the mounting points for your zip ties
TOP
BOTTOM
After the gluing is complete. Leave it on there overnight. I recommend holding the zip ties (don't touch the glue please) on the mounting points for a minute or two then let go and make sure that they're free from being touched and leave them overnight. If you can clamp them that's even better.
At this point it should look like this
Side Note: The top of the metra bezel doesn’t usually want to cooperate. In that case just glue the top tab onto the radio bezel.
You should be able to slip in the tablet on there and tighten the zip ties. Only tighten when you’re happy with the position of the tablet. And remember not to over tighten as you’ll have to reglue those pieces if they fall off due to excessive stress.
Once installed you should be able to move the tablet around from the back. Slip in the 90 degree USB extension and 90 degree aux cable into the bottom ports of the device. After doing so, move the device as close to the passenger side of the bezel as it'll be close to the drivers side.
Step 4: The Wretched Radio.
For this install I used a KDC-108. I got it for $50 at Best Buy on sale. I’ve had good experience with Kenwood/JVC units before and I like their sound quality so I chose that cheapo. But for this install I URGE you to get a MP3 reciever. Mostly because they only have like 3” in dept requirements. The Kenwood unit needed 6”+ so I only had less than 3” to work with. Supposedly the Corolla’s have plenty of room back there. But my install barely made it. I also recommend maybe mounting your unit in the glovebox? I don't have enough room in mine, so I'm mounting it behind. By mounting it on the glovebox you'll be able to control it and have more room for the Nexus
This is how I ghetto mounted it.
Only two bolts support the thing. Like I care... It works though. Anyways here’s how the brackets were cut
The rest is guesswork from there.
Bolt up and wire up your head unit as far back and secure as possible. Don’t judge me, this is the first time I’ve installed a radio and I honestly don’t care about the stability of my $50 Aux reciever (yes I’ve deprieved it of it’s CD player and FM/AM radio capabilities all for the GLORY OF THE NEXUS.)
Step 5: Wrap up
At this point reinstall your car battery and plug everything up. Set up your preferences for the equalizer on your head unit as it’ll be rare you’ll be messing with it. Make sure to get the volume as high as possible without hearing any static as the Nexus will control the volume from now on.
Once you got your set up to the correct settings. Run the wires where you want them. I ran the USB extension and cable through the back to the drivers side and snuck onto the center console where you *USE* to hold all your CDs because there’s a 12V plug there and you can upgrade that plug with a new USB charger when you need to.
You should now be able to put all your stuff back together. If not, do some more modifications to make it happen. Just do the reverse of the video.
Final Product should look like this
Other than that, thanks for reading, good luck on your install and hopefully my efforts are appreciated.
-SOFTWARE-
Tasker, set up for auto on and off with car.
Any upgrades will be posted below this line
------------------------------------------------
OH! And in efforts to save someone some time and to help me get some cash to get my scrape and dent fixed,
I have a second set (good for a Corolla S or XRS due to color) of a Metra kit and Radio bezel ready to install up for sale! All you need is a 7" tablet and an aftermarket radio waiting. PM Me for details.