HighlineCA Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 When we offered our bezel/hvac mod, we didnt know how many members would be interested. Many were, but was detered due to pricing. We got info that a member on LGT owned a JDM bezel/hvac setup, and was willing to send his setup in for further testing. Here is our initial findings: http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/40808/2267109860053137009S425x425Q85.jpg During initial test fitting, we can clearly see the JDM not fitting correctly. The top and bottom of the double din opening is tweaked, and there is a gap on the drivesr side of the hvac panel. Its clearly evident the bezel was made for JDM only, and is not a direct swap into a USDM LGT. This is due to the dash angle between LHD and RHD. http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/40247/2681086940053137009S425x425Q85.jpghttp://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/29291/2137249820053137009S425x425Q85.jpg Upon further inspection, you can clearly see the 1/8"+ gap on the drivers side of the hvac panel. The passenger side sits ok once the panel was spaced out with washers. The shifter panel was reinstalled (no pic) and showed a gap of almost 1/4" between the hvac and shifter panel. http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/37217/2143779280053137009S425x425Q85.jpg Here is the JDM hvac controls next to our modded USDM. The JDM controller is seperate from the radio assembly, whereas the USDM is attached. http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/36236/2837934190053137009S425x425Q85.jpg The JDM controller is housed in an enclosure, no more than 3" thick. When taken apart, you will notice 2 circuit boards inside. The one attached to the hvac controls (larger board) is the hvac controller board. The smaller board is the power and data feed for the controller. On the USDM, the controller gets power and data from the whole faceplate, which is connected to the radio. The hvac controller is made by Kenwood as well. http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/42076/2163571720053137009S425x425Q85.jpghttp://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/19145/2454276590053137009S425x425Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/40306/2312484580053137009S425x425Q85.jpg The front and back of the JDM hvac controller. http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/13781/2758814720053137009S425x425Q85.jpg USDM and JDM bezel side by side. The hvac controller was plugged in and did not work (we already knew that). The reason why it doesnt work is 2 things: The USDM harness doesnt carry power, and the unit is programmed for JDM CAN. We believe it is possible to reprogram the unit to be compatible with the USDM LGT. The next issue is how we would mount everything. The JDM bezel doesnt fit, so there is no way we would continue with it. Goal - To provide a more cost effective solution to installing aftermarket radios into a LGT and drive the price down on our solution. Whats the plan? - Convert the JDM controller to USDM specs and graft in the JDM hvac panel into a USDM bezel. We already know the bezel doesnt fit, and would be a waste of time trying to make it fit. We believe we can embed the JDM controller onto a USDM bezel and customize the bezel how ever you wish. Timeframe - Few months easy. Since there isnt any diagrams for the JDM bezel, everything must be traced down to the component level. With our mod, we were able to find technical diagrams for the entire radio, which helped a ton. Pricing - It will take us a few hours to add in the wiring needed and refinish the bezel. We are hoping Japanparts.com will give us some sort of wholesale pricing on the units. As it stands, this is what is bare essentials needed for this mod: JDM controller $300, USDM radio $100. We are not sure what the final cost will be. the big plus is, no Groupbuy needed, and we will stock them. Thank for everyone for your interest in our products. We are here to provide over the top customization and service for everyone. If there is a custom project you have in mind, please contact us via pm/text/call/email. Thanks again, Rich @ HCA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gire Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 Awesome. I will bite the bullet and finally get a double DIN in my car this year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panamajack Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 where there be a core exchange rogram for the USDM radios? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy05 Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 So you still would need your stock US radio for this to work? I am confused ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 If this ends up in the $500ish range, then half this site will get them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 Awesome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zmarko Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 Looks good Rich! Good luck with the R&D. Any chance my HVAC bezel will ship today? *crossfingers* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HighlineCA Posted March 4, 2008 Author Share Posted March 4, 2008 Panamajack - We could do a core exchange as well. Just keep it mind it will take more time to get back to you. Legacy05 - Yes, or purchase a core. Whitetiger - We would love to, but I dont think its possible. We will know for sure once its fully deciphered. zmarko - All we can do now is dig deep and hope the solution pops up. The connectors are on order and will be here in the next few days. We need a whole 5mins with the bezel and it will be packed up and on its way. Again, sorry for the unforseen delay. Thanks everyone, Rich @ HCA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy05 Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 I guess the question I have, is, does this JDM bezel, allow you to get an aftermarket radio, etc? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 ^i think thats the whole point to this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief_Wiggum Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 If you guys can make this work, I'm in. I was really hoping the bezel itself would fit better. It would have allowed a swap with no radio core. Oh well. Thanks for the update, Rich. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy05 Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 If that's the case, that's awesome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpawnGT Posted March 5, 2008 Share Posted March 5, 2008 can't you guys use the canadian HVAC i was under the impression(could be a wrong one) that the canadians had a different HVAC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fweasel Posted March 5, 2008 Share Posted March 5, 2008 Sounds like a plan guys. i was under the impression(could be a wrong one) that the canadians had a different HVACYou were under the wrong impression. ignore him, he'll go away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f1anatic Posted March 5, 2008 Share Posted March 5, 2008 Sounds like a plan guys. i was under the impression(could be a wrong one) that the canadians had Vimy101 You were under the wrong impression. Damn straight , we're the ones stuck with him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpawnGT Posted March 5, 2008 Share Posted March 5, 2008 got it. sorry. well if a solution arises for under the 950 price, like 500ish then id be interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HighlineCA Posted March 5, 2008 Author Share Posted March 5, 2008 If you guys can make this work, I'm in. I was really hoping the bezel itself would fit better. It would have allowed a swap with no radio core. Oh well. Thanks for the update, Rich. The bezel will fit perfectly, as we will graft in the JDM setup onto a USDM bezel. We can swap cores if you dont mind waiting. We planned to have them in stock and selling them as a whole complete mod (no waiting). We will update this thread as new information comes about. Thanks, Rich @ HCA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hops Posted March 5, 2008 Share Posted March 5, 2008 Subscribe Buy my cars! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief_Wiggum Posted March 5, 2008 Share Posted March 5, 2008 I meant the JDM bezel. Instead of having to modify the stock bezel, you could have used the JDM setup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzydd Posted March 5, 2008 Share Posted March 5, 2008 Interested in seeing the final pricing on this So assuming we exchange our core, we're looking at 300+labour? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enthusiast Posted March 5, 2008 Share Posted March 5, 2008 I am interested as well. Let me know when you need me to come in again. My mod list Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eb50 Posted March 5, 2008 Share Posted March 5, 2008 subscribe. the old double din i had in my 03 legacy might finally get some use again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTATV Posted March 5, 2008 Share Posted March 5, 2008 subscribe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HighlineCA Posted March 5, 2008 Author Share Posted March 5, 2008 I meant the JDM bezel. Instead of having to modify the stock bezel, you could have used the JDM setup. The bezel itself was developed for RHD, and has a slight angle towards the passenger (hence why it bows a bit and some gaps on the drivers side). We will not accept that look, so we deicded to graft it all onto a USDM bezel for perfect fitment. fuzzyd - Yes. Enthusiast - You are more than welcome to stop by anytime . Thanks, Rich @ HCA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 5, 2008 Share Posted March 5, 2008 How expensive would it be to manufacture these pieces of plastic? You know getting proper mold, etc? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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