Soooo I've been a bit lazy with updating this thread lol, but luckily I've gotten some stuff done in the past couple of months
Firstly, was the nightmare that was trying to install my new sound system...
Decided after getting all the parts that I'd give it a shot myself, turned out to be a bad idea haha. In the end I ended up getting the shop I bought everything from to install it for me, which was super helpful. In any case, I learned lots in the process, such as what not to do.
Specs:
Sony XAV-AX 200 Head unit
Hertz 2-ways in the front
Hertz Components in the back
Pioneer GM-D9605 five channel amp
Kicker 12 inch sub
Here are some pics:
[April 24]: Started by deconstructing the area surrounding the head unit:
First, remove the shifter surround-ring-thingy
Pull off the silver trim pieces on either side
Unclip the cigarette lighter piece
Undo all the screws holding the head unit in, then gently pull it out
You can then admire the nest of cables under the dash.
Last I removed the passenger seat, and factory amp
The next day (ANZAC day) I drove down to the Shire to pick up a fascia from Paul, one of his piano black ones. The cool thing about these is that they look just like the factory facelift facias (gloss black) but have the appropriate hole and mounting points for an aftermarket head unit. Would definitely recommend to anyone doing an audio upgrade. Plus, it's cheaper than buying one from somewhere like AvoJDM, especially if you swap your stock fascia. Anyway, some more photos.
New fascia all ready to go
Door off
Some of the stock speakers removed - they look to be in ok condition but definitely sounded like some where detereorating
Rear door
I ended up accidentally cutting a bunch of wires I needed in the passenger door... thought they were old speaker wires, ended up being the wires for the window, door lock, mirror, and light. Big mistake. Decided not to go around snipping any wires after that
Luckily, my neighbour was in the back lane and came over to see what I was up to, he gladly offered to help me solder all of them back up - showed me how to do it first, then left me to finish the rest myself. Total pain in the ass, but sometimes making mistakes is how you learn haha.
Didn't take too many pics of this (mostly cos I was frustrated and trying to concentrate) but here is a pic of the door harness out of the car. Most of the wires you can see at the end I had to resolder. (some to a plug with VERY minimal wire left) Also visible is my failed attempt at crimping. Decided I much prefer soldering
Don't worry, I insulated the connections before putting everything back together.
Had a bit of trouble fitting the head unit in, mainly because there was a small bit of plastic at the bottom corner which was in the way. Paul was nice enough to come over and visit me after I noticed the issue, and helped grind away the bit which was causing the problem. Amazing customer service if I say so myself, and can't thank him enough for coming over to give me a hand. After that, the head unit fit great:
After noticing that even with the appropriate Aerpro adaptors things still wouldn't all reconnect, and noticing just how much work would be involved in wiring and mounting all the speakers, I decided to just let the professionals do it. And I'm glad I did, because I picked it up after getting it all set up and was amazed with the result. The system sounds amazing, and it was useful having the audio place be able to tune the system and make it sound proper. They also told me that the sub they recommended didn't sound great in my car, so they advised I swap it out for a bigger 12 inch (same price) which although I don't like how much space it takes up in the boot, definitely sounds sick. The head unit (Sony XAV-AX 200) is also awesome, if you don't need the CD/DVD player you can opt for the less expensive version without it. Android auto is also so nice to have. Only got a few photos of the setup though: