EliteCM.net

Yeah, we all know about the current single DIN unit that's on the market now but I just spotted this over on DA:
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=75957 (http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=75957)
Hopefully, it isn't plagued with the lag the current single DIN unit has but there's finally an option that doesn't involve heavy amounts of fabrication.

If this is of much better quality and performance compared to the previous kit, it definitely warrants consideration :)... Good find, Z.

Once it is released I think I'll finally throw this Chinese navi unit in the garbage and make the switch to something new. 

It's still ugly in my opinion. I'd still rather put a double din in the lower compartment. Good find though.

Yes its ugly but for the sake of those that get double din head units for navigation (among other things), having it low isn't safe.

^^ exactly why I want it. 

looks like a good alternative

I'd probably pick it up just to see if it's as bad as the original single din set up. It would be a good piece to use in the interim while I'm fabricating a new upper mount for a touch screen set up I have.

(http://www.12voltnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMAG0536-1024x613.jpg)

Ok, I'm a little surprised. This isn't as ugly as I had previously thought. Any word on a release date?

This thing is useless. I thought part of the point was being able to keep the cubby and cubby door.

i think you can still keep the cubby,  just 2 different options

still doesnt show up on their website

No release date yet according to metra (I emailed and asked).  

IIRC you HAVE to use their lower pocket because the door to the OEM cubby won't open with the upper metra kit installed.  

Honestly, I could deal with the ugly upper kit.  What I don't like is the lower cubby.  Looks like shit, and no door?  Seriously?  That's going to look pretty bad installed I think. 

I don't see the point of the lower kit if you have the upper. Were I to get it, I'd mod it to work with the cubby door. I like having a cubby.

You would have to modify a lot to do that. It seems that the double DIN would need to be moved up. As soon as this is released, I'm going to pick it up. I don't care about the cubby. I have a second touch screen that I'm going to hook up to my kpro laptop.

that makes perfect use of that second spot, and will be an awesome set up.

That upper kit doesn't look that bad.  It looks like there is dual climate control.  I wonder if it'll work with non-dual climate control OEM setups??  Hopefully the price is reasonable.  Now to look into double-DIN units :)

"New electronics integrate with manual, auto climate, and dual zone climate systems"

Your thought process on the second monitor sounds bad ass but the discouraging part is how much I'd have to mod to use the cubby. Future plans may leave the modding out of the equation though.

"The actual kit will be shipping by the end of the year at the latest. It may be earlier."   Straight from Metra's VP. 

Did they settle on a price yet?

Ike should know. He's got an in with the VP.

Not sure about the price but it looks like I'm committed.  Just ordered one of these!

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51atOB2aoaL.jpg)

 http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DNX6990/Kenwood-Excelon-DNX6990HD.html?tp=20212 (http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DNX6990/Kenwood-Excelon-DNX6990HD.html?tp=20212)

You're such a penny pincher! Lol just kidding! Looks really nice! You'll have to post some pics when it comes in!

Good choice Ike.  I'd update my head unit if the newer Alpine units still supported my audio processor.

Metra finally added the kit to their site, which I hope means they are close to releasing it.  There are no details listed unfortunately. 

http://www.metraonline.com/part/99-7803G (http://www.metraonline.com/part/99-7803G)

They updated the details in the link above.  The good news is it looks like they will supply an adapter that lets you either install a DD HU or a single din HU with a pocket below.



2003-07 Honda Accord SDIN DDIN Mounting Kit w/ Display

Product Details
Kit Features

    Single DIN Head Unit Provision with Pocket
    Double Din Head Unit Provision
    Painted Grey to Match the Factory Finish
    Will Work with Single Zone or Dual Zone Climate Control Models and Will Retain Dual Zone Climate Controls

Applications

    03-07 Honda Accord without Navigation

Wiring and Antenna Connections (Sold Separately)

    Wiring Harness Included

Still no price.  :waitwhat:

Yeah :(

New pic of the lower pocket I found today.  

(http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee257/ikethegreat/metra.png)

i would get the lower pocket just to try it out with oem nav since 8-) the pocket seems to jam every now and then  8-)

They posted install directions.  Looks like you have to cut out part of the dash cavity to get it to fit.   fun....

http://www.metraonline.com/files/products/INST99-7803G_web.pdf (http://www.metraonline.com/files/products/INST99-7803G_web.pdf)

That's not really a big deal to cut man.  If you go back to stock, it will not make a difference.  Still waiting on a price though.  :waitwhat:

Well that's good to know.  They don't list prices on their site for any of their kits. 

I really hope it is for sale soon.  I have all the parts for my new audio install sitting in my garage.  I even bought new speaker wire to redo all the old wiring.  I want this install to last the life of the car.  Trying to do it right.   

You and I are in the same boat Ike.  I'm about ready to completely pull the interior from my car.  I already removed all my old speaker wires and I'm ready to replace with new stuff.  What speaker wire did you get?

Don't laugh, I know most people consider Monster cables to be way over priced and a rip off but I thought this was a pretty good deal for 7.5 meters of good cable. 

I picked up two of these

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FNZZFM/ref=oh_details_o00_s01_i01 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FNZZFM/ref=oh_details_o00_s01_i01)

I also got one of these on ebay for half the price amazon is selling it for.  I figured this would make running the pre-amp cables very easy.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BMMOZQ/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BMMOZQ/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00)

The only thing I need other than the dash kit is a good soldering gun.   

I'm thinking about trying one of these cheap battery powered ones. 

http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-40420L-Tooluxe-Cordless-Soldering/dp/B002GQCYUK/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1353340083&sr=8-16&keywords=soldering+gun (http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-40420L-Tooluxe-Cordless-Soldering/dp/B002GQCYUK/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1353340083&sr=8-16&keywords=soldering+gun)

This is the only site I've been able to find a price on.  That price isn't even including the lower pocket...

http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=26260#tabs (http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=26260#tabs)

I think mines staying in the cubby

Wow this actually looks good better than the single din I currently have!

yea, but that price scares me away.

Cost is prohibitive.  I'm going to pick it up when I redo my stereo though.  I should have it by the spring.

wow where the hell have I been? Finally there is a kit to move my Dinn up... I have a back up cam and it blows looking down to see if there is a car behind me. I also miss having that cubby to throw my crap into.

599.99 MSRP WTF?
http://www.gentec-intl.com/category/newproducts/?status=NewlyAdded&brandID=78&page=5 (http://www.gentec-intl.com/category/newproducts/?status=NewlyAdded&brandID=78&page=5)

Yeah the MSRP is ridiculous.

It's $325 here though

http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=26260#tabs (http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=26260#tabs)

^ hmm still a lot but pretty good. I might still consider it. Someone want to be a test subject?  ;D

I'm going to end up getting it over the winter. I just want to fix all the small bugs with my car right now, then I'm going to focus on the stereo.

I'll be getting it once it's released. 

I already have everything else collecting dust in my garage while I wait on the kit to be released. 

I need to post up my OEM radio now before there is a flood of radio f/s on ebay. lol

"We are in the final stages and that kit should be available by the end of December." - Metra VP

Is it Christmas yet?!   :'(

Gettin' there.  I hope that it's a decent kit though.  I want to pick this up over the winter so I can redo my stereo.

Metra finally added pictures to their site.  I don't see any difference in the final version from the prototype at the SEMA show, but I figured they were worth posting since the pictures are nice and big.  I wish the AC controls were under the screen instead of above it but oh well. 

(http://www.metraonline.com/images/products/full/99-7803G_web.jpg)

(http://www.metraonline.com/images/products/full/88-00-7803_web.jpg)

There's a reason why they did it that way Ike.  If you shift the screen up, it won't fit in your dash.  The HVAC vents are up there and there isn't enough room to fit most double DIN head units.  Ask me how I know.  :megusta:

definitely will be wrapping it in vinyl

As long as it not that CF stuff. Some people take the CF thing a little too far.

but my car already has the CF trim. lol   :'(. I have some of the 3m sample vinyl so I'll figure it out

There is such a thing as too much CF.

Here is the best deal I've found so far for the kit.   $280 shipped for BOTH parts. 

http://www.installer.com/pages.php?search_string=99-7803G (http://www.installer.com/pages.php?search_string=99-7803G)

Good stuff.  I just emailed them on availability.

It is preorder only at this point.  They have 35 units on order and no preorders yet so they are all up for grabs. 

Thanks for the link. This is much more affordable

Not bad at all price seems decent

Nice!  Thanks for the link and info, gents.  :thumbsup: Definitely much more affordable.  Will be considering this in the future as my "going on 8 years" single DIN may need replacing

I'm still thinking of going custom. I don't know why but I enjoy fabbing. I'm still iffy on the looks of this thing though.

does the new upper dash kit work with the old lower cubby kit?

I don't think we'd know until someone buys the new upper. I'd be totally guessing and say yes but that is just based on pictures.

I'm not going to preorder because I just don't want to part with my money unless I know I'm getting something. I would rather use that money towards something else.

Yup. Hookers and blow. I agree.

^ exactly  :D

Yeah I see what you guys are saying. 

In my case though, I'm so eager to get this installed I just want to know the kit is going to be shipped to me as soon as it is released.

It pains me everyday when I pull into my garage and see all my new audio stuff just sitting in the corner waiting to be installed!   :'(

My suggestion is to get in contact with them to find out if it'll ship when it finally releases. I can't imagine them having a flood of orders tbh. Plus, I'm sure you are dying to get rid of that Chinese Autofail crap you have in your car now.

I spoke with the guy that owns the site.  He said if I preorder it, he will make sure it gets shipped to me the same day he receives the order from Metra. 

Soooo apparently the kits have started to ship.  A guy on DA posted a quick youtube video.  I don't think it looks that bad at all.  Mine had better freaking come in soon!

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?p=1010142#post1010142 (http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?p=1010142#post1010142)

Looks like the company I ordered from has upped their price significantly for the kit.  Glad I pre-ordered!

Any date for shipping. I'm interested to see your review

I emailed the seller but haven't got a reply yet.   Metra said that they have began shipping the kit to their distributors.  I really hope it comes in by Friday so I can install it over the weekend. 

I only noticed like a $20 increase.

I paid $280 shipped for both.  It is more like $340 shipped now for both.    

I spoke with them today.  They have the kits in but no pockets yet.  I asked them to send the kit now and the pocket later but haven't heard back yet.  

bought for 280 with pocket and wiring.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160938364998&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en&autorefresh=true (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160938364998&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en&autorefresh=true)

Mabe you can try your luck with 250?

According to UPS mine should be here on Friday. 

brushed aluminium or carbon fiber?

When one of you guys receive it , can you please tell me the fitment of the pocket on oem radio

I don't have the pocket anymore. Also won't be installing it anytime soon. Going home to CA on Monday. will be back in WV in a month.

Sorry but I don't have a oem radio to test the fitment. 

Metra Honda Accord 2003-2007 kit 99-7803G (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u-Jnejs6Wc#ws)

Got my kit in today.  Hopefully I can get it fully installed over the weekend. 

^ nice video. Good luck on the install. First DIY?

Nice video post, Ike.  :thumbsup: Might have to consider this and pair it with my current single DIN.

hows the install coming along?

Yes it is my first DIY audio install.  I've got about 20 hours of work in on it this weekend.  I redid all my dash wiring, replaced and reran the speaker wiring for all 4 speakers and both tweeters, replaced my crossovers for the front speakers, redid and replaced all my amp wiring, replaced the wiring from the amp to the car, sound dampened half the trunk lid, and sound dampened the entire passenger door.   I called out sick to work this morning so that I can spend the day finishing everything up.  I still have to sound dampen the driver's door, the rest of the trunk lid, and the rear deck.  Then I can reinstall the door speakers and turn everything on and see if it actually works.  Then it's time to reassemble the car since almost all the interior paneling is off.  Hopefully I'll have some pics of the working product up by tonight. 

At least you have a garage to do it in all in with comfort.

Sounds fun. My stuff arrives today, but let see if I will still be here to pick it up. UPS is running late and I have to leave for my flight soon.

Got everything hooked up and working except the steering wheel controls.   I don't care enough to open the dash back up to try and fix it.  I'll post some pics in my profile thread tomorrow.

What sound deadening brand/product did you use, Ike?

RAAMmat BXT II from http://www.raamaudio.com/raammat-bxt-ii-bulk-pack-20-sheets-37-5-sq-ft-real-automotive-sound-deadener-best-there-is-for-the-money-period-please-click-to-see-product-description/ (http://www.raamaudio.com/raammat-bxt-ii-bulk-pack-20-sheets-37-5-sq-ft-real-automotive-sound-deadener-best-there-is-for-the-money-period-please-click-to-see-product-description/)

I can't recommend that stuff enough.  It doesn't use the tar adhesive that a lot of the cheaper damping material like Fatmat uses which can leave a nasty smell in the car.  I spent days researching the many different sound damping materials out there and the raammat is what I came up with as having the best price/performance ratio.  I'm really glad I went with it.  The vibrations I had in my doors is completely gone.  I've only done half the trunk lid so far but already the vibration noise from outside the car has been reduced significantly.  I bought the bulk pack that comes with 20 sheets.  I used 4 sheets per door and 2 sheets for half the trunk lid.  I figure I'll probably use another 3, maybe 4, sheets to finish up the trunk lid and do the rear deck.   

As for the Metra kit, overall I'm pretty please with it.  There are three things I don't like though.

1.  The mounting brackets are plastic.  I had no problem installing it but it doesn't seem like it would hold up well if you need to take it out often.

2.  The AC/Heater controls won't turn on just by pressing the corresponding button.  You have to hit Auto first to turn it on.  For example, if I wanted to turn on just the rear defogger, I can't just hit the rear defogger button.  I have to hit Auto first, to turn the unit on, then hit the rear defogger.  (Ken can you verify that your unit does this too?)

3.  The thing I dislike the most is that the buttons do NOT light up!  The screen is the only thing that illuminates.  This makes using the unit at night difficult.  I have to turn my overhead light on to adjust anything.  Maybe with time I'll learn the button locations by feel and will be able to use them in the dark but until then it will take some getting used to. 

Those are some pretty big drawbacks in my book.  Sounds like Metra needs this feedback from you.  Hopefully they will revise and fix these problems.  The buttons not lighting up is a big deal since the old single din version had illuminated buttons.

ugh... buttons dont lighting up... wtf

I will confirming it when I get back in 1 month.

I only thought the blue and red arrow buttons don't light up.

damn it why don't we have a touch screen like the mustang one...

Also the button should be illuminated. Look at this video.

Metra Dash Kit at SEMA - HookedOnTronics.com Product Introduction (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIkDDiiX6GU#ws)

That's pure crap. It's because we have Hondas. That's why we got shit on.

Not fair :o

It is possible I didn't wire it correctly but the screen lights up. 

In the video, the guy says ""Its an illuminated display"".   Nothing about the buttons. 

^ could you ask the guy on DA if his lights up? I might be seeing things. I thought the buttons were amber?

The dude interviewing the Metra guy said, "and I see these are illuminated" while gesturing to the buttons. 

They should light up , that would make sense to keep the factory look

And the guy replies "Yes, it has an illuminated display".

I asked the guy on DA about his so we'll see.

I sent metra an email about the buttons and the Auto thing.  Lets see what they have to say. 

with the old single din upper kit there was a orange wire you had to hook up in order to get the illumination.  did this kit have any wires hanging out the back or did it just plug up with a harness?

It had an orange wire, which I connected.  I assumed it was used for lighting up the display. 

Here is a picture of said wire that I forgot I took.  This is the only part of the wiring harness that came with the kit that I used. 

(http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee257/ikethegreat/harness-1_zpsed1c453a.jpg)

"Connect the Orange wire to the
illumination wire of the aftermarket
radio. If the aftermarket radio has
no illumination wire just tape off the
Orange/White wire."

"Connect the Yellow wire to the
radio’s 12-volt battery or
memory wire."

I connected the orange wire to the HU's illumination wire and taped off the orange/white wire. 

The install manual for the Metra kit lists directions to "Change the display back light color". 

If the buttons light up too, wouldn't they have been included?

That's confusing as hell. They say to connect the orange wire to the radio's illumination wire and tape off the orange/white wire if the radio doesn't have one? I'd venture to guess the orange/white wire would be your kit's illumination wire. If not, its the other way around.

the orange/white wire is typically for a dimmer and the orange is illumination. i always tape off the orange/white and hook up the orange.

^^ Yeah that is what I did.  The directions were confusing so I'm glad to see I got it right. 

I begrudgingly took the kit out of the dash and inspected the wiring again.  Everything is hooked up correctly as far as I can see.  I even managed to fix my steering wheel controls.  The little module box just needed to be reset and it works perfectly now.  

I inspected the buttons very closely and I'm 99.9% sure they definitely do not light up.  It looks like the lettering is just plain white paint.  

Even with this kit's shortcomings, I would purchase it again.  Why?  I fucking LOVE this new head unit.   The head unit is at the perfect height to easily see the GPS directions on screen.  

Here is one pic.  There are a couple others in my profile thread.

(http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee257/ikethegreat/audio043_zps41939ab3.jpg)

Looking good nice work it looks nice

That would be kind of odd that the new kit doesn't have illuminated buttons, but the old one does.  Doesn't make any sense.  I'd call Metra about that one.

From the autotoys website they do state "The new design with rubber backlit buttons " maybe its a wiring thing

I think they fucked up on the instructions.  I'd try running 12v to that orange wire.  If the buttons light up, then you should wire that to the dash harness side of your radio harness.

definitely going to wrap it. The color looks a little bit off.

I sent an email to Metra about the buttons and the AC controls and they passed it on to their "engineers".  Hopefully I'll hear back today. 

Oh and I double checked the orange and orange/white wires.  The orange wire has "Illumination" written on it and the orange/white has "dimmer" written on it just like Icebox said. 

Where do you have the orange wire connected right now?

It is connected the the illumination wire on my HU's harness. 

The instructions are incorrect.  The illumination wire is an input on your head unit to have the head unit lights dim when you turn your headlights on.  That signal comes from the dash harness.  You would want to wire the Metra kit and your head unit to the illumination wire on the dash side of the adapter harness.

^ what he said

What is the color of the wire I'm supposed to attach them to? 

it should be orange as well.  there should be an orange wire that comes from the harness of your car that you then connect the orange wires from your hu and metra kit to.

Do I still tape off the orange/white "dimmer" wire?  

Yes. Tape off the orange/white wire on the Metra kit.

so did that fix the problem?

Haven't had time to do it yet.  I'll get it done today or tomorrow. 

Made the change and it doesn't light up.  I guess it doesn't light up after all.

I'd want to hear back from the engineers first.

man that kinda sad. I want to spray the buttons with glow in the dark paint. lol

Hmm good idea!  I wonder if I can get custom glow in the dark stickers made...  time to google!

I'd probably be all over Metra for that one.  What a major fuck up.

I emailed my two issues to the VP, who forwarded them to customer service, who forwarded them to the engineers.  So three different levels at Metra are aware.

There is a micro B USB connection on the rear of the dash kit for "potential future updates if necessary" so I think if they really wanted to they could fix the climate control issue. 

Definitely a good option for fixing the climate control issue.  On the other hand, the non-backlit buttons are a bit of a deal breaker for me right now.  I may need to hold off on this until they get that shit figured out.

Reply from the designer:

“Either the Auto button or the Fan Up button can be used to go from off to on.  The Rear Defrost button is ignored if the system is not on.”

No word on the buttons yet.  I asked again.

Good call.  That answer was shitty and vague.  Keep the pressure on those motherfuckers.  I hate when companies try and pull the bait and switch.  You may want to ask simple "yes/no" questions.  Include multiple guess with acceptable answers along with your questions.  Kind of like this:

They emailed me back saying that the buttons should light up.  They said the orange/white dimmer shouldn't be taped off.  If that is the case, why do their instructions say the opposite?!  :rant2:

I'll give it one last go this weekend and then I'm putting my dash back together for good, illuminated buttons or no illuminated buttons.   

That's at least good news.  Let us know how it all works out and keep us updated.  If you need any sort of help, feel free to hit me up.

If it doesn't work maybe you got a defective one? And thanks for all the updates and busting Metra Balls.

i would test it using a 12v source against the wires just to make sure they work or not  and nothing is lose

That's good advice right there.

After hooking up the dimmer wire, we have illumination! 

The buttons light up orange and the hot/cold knob lights up red and blue. 

My lower cubby comes in on Thursday so I can finally put my dash back together this weekend!

(http://www.totalprosports.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/4-the_rock_clap_clap_gif.gif)

Nice good work glad it works

Good shit Ike.  So, just to be clear, the orange/white wire from the Metra kit is what needs to be connected to the illumination wire on the dash harness.

No the orange illumination wire on the metra kit and the orange illumination wire on the HU harness have to connect to the illumination wire on the dash harness (I forget the color of the wire but it isn't orange).  The orange/white dimmer wire on the metra kit connects to the dimmer wire on the dash harness (solid red with grey stripe wire).  

Using a Metra turbowire harness would have made this much easier.  Rookie mistake on my part.  

Glad the illumination works.  Considering this as a future upgrade indeed.  Interested to see how the cubby fits and looks.

Thanks for being a guinea pig, Ike!  :thumbsup:

I'll snap a couple picture of the illumination and of the cubby once I get it installed.  I got to drill a hole in the cubby for my Ipod cord.  Looks like I can put the dremel I got for Christmas to good use!

 ;D

Good stuff!!

You can just use a drill.  ;)

But that wouldn't be any fun!

how you liking the kit now?

I like it quite a bit.  Looks good to me and works perfectly.

I will be installing mine next week. So hopefully all goes well.

That's great to hear.  I'll be looking forward to mine when I get around to picking one up.

What DD head unit are you guys planning to use?

I have an Alpine IVA-W505.  I also have an Alpine TME-740BT that I want to put down in the lower pocket.

using my good old P3300BT  ;D. It just going to move up that all. I hope all my wiring are long enough. I would be pissed if I need to rerun wiring again.

Any one install the cubby yet ?

(http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee257/ikethegreat/cubby001_zps36616fe2.jpg)
(http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee257/ikethegreat/cubby008_zpsd3ed1260.jpg)
(http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee257/ikethegreat/cubby007_zps3dab485f.jpg)

Thanks am a order myself one this week

I'm going to try and cut the door off my old cubby and see if it will fit cleanly over the cubby opening with some velcro.  I don't like leaving my Ipod out in open view. 

Good idea...it's really coming together ;)

Why not go balls deep and just modify the original cubby to fit back in? Or does it interefere with the DD?

You should also consider small magnets.  Much better than velcro.  The reason why I have my iPod in my arm rest console is because I hate having it out in open view too.

That's where I have mine. I made a little cutout for it out of foam much like tools in a toolbox.

And Tim, before you give me shit for having an ipod, it never comes out of the center console, its the only mp3 player out there with the capacity it has for the price and I don't give a shit. Plus, it was a freebie from the deployment.

I got a freebie iPod shuffle I wear as a watch , so I just put it back on my wrist when am done . I like the new connectors on the latest generation easier to make clean install but I haven't seen a direct connector for after market adaptors yet besides USB way to interface

I did a quick test fit and couldn't get the door to open more than halfway.  I assume it was the bottom of the DD that was blocking it.  I didn't really care since the door is broken and doesn't lock itself anymore. 


That is a really good idea.

A lot of show quality audio systems use magnets to hold the beauty panels in place. I have a bunch of neodymium magnets that I'm planning on using for my next audio system build.

Yeah I was looking into those neodymium magnets.  A set of 2 with an adhesive back(2x north, 2x south) is like $15 not including shipping...   :o

Neodymium is probably not necessary for your needs.  I'd start out with regular magnets that you can find at Home Depot.  Neodymium is really only necessary if you need a really strong magnet.

Does your H/U have any Gaps? Mine seems to have a lot... lol

Nope, it fits nice and tight.   Got any pictures?

(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m77/thisaznboi88/9C184E98-524C-486E-82AC-9C67B41C0A12-941-00000072BC6E887D.jpg)
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m77/thisaznboi88/2B1CE487-6CE4-4B1E-92A2-55BCE14499D2-941-000000723DF6F349.jpg)
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m77/thisaznboi88/390A11EE-96B7-4D5F-9D6E-F4FD4A0C577B-941-0000007245194A55.jpg)

gap
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m77/thisaznboi88/8AB82D30-051D-456D-BBE0-CADECC71D65D-941-00000071CCF40A25.jpg)
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m77/thisaznboi88/A2089F2C-3116-4960-9059-9F8807A3CD81-941-00000071D3551170.jpg)

Seems like you're missing the trim piece that comes with the HU. That should close the gaps just fine.

The trim piece that came with my HU wouldn't fit, although my head unit doesn't have those gaps like his does. 

That CF wrap turned out very nice though!

Not all head units have the same size bezel. It's unrealistic to expect them to all be the same. In a plug and play application like this, there are going to be gaps with some products.

Yeah my bezel didn't fit. it was too big. Son of a bitch!

Well it looks good when I put everything back together. So. I am not complaining. I did forget to plug in a wire for my rear back up cam. So back to the drawing board tomorrow. But for the most part it is all in.

radio controls also work. It nice how they integrated everything into one harness.

(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m77/thisaznboi88/4A86C159-6635-480A-ABE6-4AEFBAAF2069-941-0000009509F3D035.jpg)

Don't know if it is the quality of the pic or that it is dark out, but the gaps don't look noticeable. 

sorry I took it with my crappy Iphone 4 cam, and it came out all blurry. But its really not noticeable since everything is dark behind it. I really hope that replugging the video cable will be easy. I don't want to take it all off again.

Watch out for those little white clips on both the cubby and the unit.  They pop off the brackets EVERY time you take it out.  It won't fit back in very will without them. 

So Metra emailed me out of the blue today and sent me files to do a firmware update for the unit to fix the HVAC only coming on when the fan +/- is pressed.  I don't plan to uninstall the kit to do the firmware update since I don't really care enough to retake my dash apart for the 100th time.  If anyone wants the files though, PM me your email address and I'll forward them to you along with the instructions on how to update. 

I'd take the dash apart, but that's just me. Where is the USB port on the unit?

The rear of the unit near the HVAC connectors.   I've already partially broken one of the plastic mount pieces.  Not worth the risk of breaking it further IMHO.

Gotcha. I'll remember that when I get mine. I will probably just run a USB cable and make sure it's easy to access for updates.

The sad thing is I ran a usb cord to my head unit for updates but didn't even think to do the same for the metra kit.  Oh well...

Bummer.

So, are the only screws securing the Metra kit the 3 at the top underneath the center dash vent cover? Is the lower part held in by clips?

There are three screws at the top, two clips on the lower part, and then two screws on the very bottom. 

Alright. I wasn't sure if this kit used the 2 screws at the bottom.

damn it! if only they send u the email a few days earlier. I took out my H.U and moved some of the stuff around.... Maybe I will add that USB cable for easy access like you suggested Tim. Sigh... Maybe I'll update it in a year. lol My H/U is always on with a/c off (i hope)

I got a question does your unit blow cold air when it is set to 70+? Mine randomly blows cold air and then hot air and then cold air. Pissing me off when I was driving and it was 20 degrees

I keep mine on 78-80 and it always blows hot air.  To be honest I haven't even tried the AC yet. 

You did the learn procedure when you installed the kit right?  I can email you the updated firmware if you want to try that. 

Let me email Metra and see what they say. I am pretty sure that I did the learning method correct, but I had my car unplugged so many times. Maybe that effected it?

I don't think I ever redid it after the first time, even after removing the kit from the dash.   Interested in seeing what Metra has to say about it. 

they sent me a firmware update. So lets see how that goes.

Here is the update if anyone needs it
http://axxessinterfaces.com/webxxpress-ezp-15.html (http://axxessinterfaces.com/webxxpress-ezp-15.html)

 If it works I guess I'll bite the bullet and update mine too. 

Check to see if you can turn the HVAC on just by pressing the defroster button after you do the update.  I want to see if the update they sent me is included in what they sent you. 

I will let you k now how it goes. I took the whole unit out just to put the USB cable in. Dropped 2 of those white stupid clips!!!! so its not sitting flush anymore... Need to find replacement since I couldn't dig them out...

Is it a mini usb or micro usb connection on the back of the HVAC?

micro B USB. got it to install the firmware into my laptop. After you use their installer you must go to C:program/bootloader/usbmicro and install the firmware for the unit. It doesn't install by itself which is really dumb. After that you start the program click update, plug in your usb, and the climate LED will turn red. Takes less then 1 min to install.

Mike I haven't tried with the front defroster, but its no go for the rear defroster for sure. Unit has to be on for the rear to turn on.

okay I tired turning the front and rear defroster while the unit was off. No dice. It has to be on auto for you to have them work. I hope that clears up your question

This is why I hate pulling it out.   If you still have your oem cubby, it uses the same white clips so you can reuse those. 

Was the heat problem fixed?

I don't have my stock radio or cubby and they don't sell spare parts.... lol

Heating problem was fixed after update and reprogramming. Not sure which one did it, but it works now.

Here is the part number for the white clips for the oem cubby that fit.   90666-SDA-A01

http://www.hondapartsunlimited.com/oem-part/honda/accord-parts/2007/4dr-ex-v6/ka5at/interior-bumper/instrument-panel-garnish-passenger-side/clip-snap-fitting-po-natural/90666-sda-a01 (http://www.hondapartsunlimited.com/oem-part/honda/accord-parts/2007/4dr-ex-v6/ka5at/interior-bumper/instrument-panel-garnish-passenger-side/clip-snap-fitting-po-natural/90666-sda-a01)

^ thanks  ;D I know what I am doing on spring break  :D

I noticed that the price went up on that one site you bought it from Ike.  It's $299 there now.  The good news is that Crutchfield has it for $250.  I've seen it on Amazon for as low as around $200.  I'd rather play it safe with Crutchfield.  They have amazing customer service.

Someone on another forum told me that crutchfield will give it to you for 50% off if you buy a CD player with it.  The cheapest CD player is like $80 so it is worth it to buy one and then just sell it when you get it to get the metra kit half off. 

Too late.  I already placed my order with Crutchfield.  I had to pick up something else from them, so it was more convenient to just buy everything from them at once.  I'm going to do a complete revamp of my audio system this summer.  I've been wanting to redo the wiring for my audio and security systems for a few years now.  I'm probably going to pull the interior and rewire all that stuff this summer.

Are you installing the kit as is or wrapping it first?  Over on v6p, a guy sent his out to get hydrographically printed and it turned out really nice. 

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u629/speakerguy63/99-7803GinRosewoodBurl_zps1027df0d.jpg) (http://s1325.photobucket.com/user/speakerguy63/media/99-7803GinRosewoodBurl_zps1027df0d.jpg.html)

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u629/speakerguy63/P1000148_zpse5eff62b.jpg)

That looks really good

The hydro dipping looks really good, but that's not really my style.  I'm going to keep it stock looking.

That looks pretty good. I think it would look better in a tan interior though. I think my old red accord had a similar look on the cubby door and bezel around the shifter. I cant remember for sure, it's been a while.

I wonder how much something like that costs?

http://www.v6performance.net/forums/7g-honda-accord-exterior-interior-mods/216810-new-metra-99-7803g-dd-dash-kit-2.html (http://www.v6performance.net/forums/7g-honda-accord-exterior-interior-mods/216810-new-metra-99-7803g-dd-dash-kit-2.html)

Ike i've emailed a company twice about this and no response. Do you happen to know what company he went with? Came out nice ;)

 :tongue:

Forest camo would look pretty cool actually.

My stuff should be shipped tomorrow.  I should be able to get it all in when I get home from vacation. 

Looks good.. How did he manage to keep the cubby? Will it open and close properly?