idatalink maestro dash kit - Installed

[cfosceola]

Originally Posted by rotwiler

I finally installed the cam1 kit. I thought I would not like it since the pac kit had the knobs at bottom and looked kind of stock. But, I actually like it better, to me looks cleaner, not so overdone, and the stereo looks really good when the screen edge blends in with the gloss black on top. I can also see the gauge pack perfect now and like the dual usbs right there under stereo. The maestro kit was simple, the only issue was took me awhile to get all those harnesses in there to fit stereo in. I did buy a large stereo the ddx 9905s, if was a media only 1/2 deep stereo would been super simple to install. I have a couple minor adjustments, the right side the stereo is like 1/10th inch out and left is like 1/20th of inch out, simple loosen screws and adjust and done. Maestro worked perfect right when I turned it on, steering wheel controls worked perfect, color of kits buttons match the OEM aqua color perfectly. I modified the lower area of kit where the 2 screws hold it in and cutout the extra plastic except the area that holds the screws. Can remove center cover, then take out cam1 kit in seconds now.

Do you happen to have pictures on what you modified in the last sentence?

[rotwiler]

Originally Posted by cfosceola

Do you happen to have pictures on what you modified in the last sentence?

Depends how you cut the plastic on car in lower area. My car was modified and the plastic was cut and all the extra plastic behind radio was removed for new stereo instal before I bought the car. I seen a YouTube video on the Cam1 and the installer cut each corner of the kit bottom, for same reason, to remove easier. I tried that, but was hanging on the cars plastic. So I cut all off(there's a lip on bottom of kit, with the 2 screw holes, each screw hole has a square flat area around it) I left that square around each screw and removed all the plastic up to about a 1/8 inch on rest of that area. I have the gauges so is hidden behind, so can't see it was cut. If no gauge I am not sure if it would show or not. So instead of cutting on the car more, I just cut the kit. Now I can pull off the bezel around shifter with the gauges, unplug it. Then just 2 screws and Cam1 kit comes right out, no hanging on anything and really easy to remove, I could probably have the radio out in under 3 minutes and that's removing center console cover, kit and radio and being careful.

[cfosceola]

Originally Posted by rotwiler

Depends how you cut the plastic on car in lower area. My car was modified and the plastic was cut and all the extra plastic behind radio was removed for new stereo instal before I bought the car. I seen a YouTube video on the Cam1 and the installer cut each corner of the kit bottom, for same reason, to remove easier. I tried that, but was hanging on the cars plastic. So I cut all off(there's a lip on bottom of kit, with the 2 screw holes, each screw hole has a square flat area around it) I left that square around each screw and removed all the plastic up to about a 1/8 inch on rest of that area. I have the gauges so is hidden behind, so can't see it was cut. If no gauge I am not sure if it would show or not. So instead of cutting on the car more, I just cut the kit. Now I can pull off the bezel around shifter with the gauges, unplug it. Then just 2 screws and Cam1 kit comes right out, no hanging on anything and really easy to remove, I could probably have the radio out in under 3 minutes and that's removing center console cover, kit and radio and being careful.

Thank you,

[Black_SS10]

I'm really liking this kit more than the PAC. I just need to decide what radio I want. Anyone have any recommendations? I replaced my speakers and factory amp already.

[cfosceola]

Originally Posted by Black_SS10

I'm really liking this kit more than the PAC. I just need to decide what radio I want. Anyone have any recommendations? I replaced my speakers and factory amp already.

You have to get one that is compatible with the kit. If you go on crutchfield, they have it as a search option

[Black_SS10]

Originally Posted by cfosceola

You have to get one that is compatible with the kit. If you go on crutchfield, they have it as a search option

Excellent, thank you for that info!

[bumblebeecamaro]

I decided I'm going this route with the iDatalink Kit and the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX headunit mainly because it supports CarPlay wirelessly. I do have a question if anyone can answer... I bought the Pioneer from Best Buy and they mention it needs some sort of radio antenna adaptor. Is this true? I checked around and I can't seem to find any info if I'll need the antenna adaptor for the install.

[cfosceola]

Originally Posted by bumblebeecamaro

I decided I'm going this route with the iDatalink Kit and the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX headunit mainly because it supports CarPlay wirelessly. I do have a question if anyone can answer... I bought the Pioneer from Best Buy and they mention it needs some sort of radio antenna adaptor. Is this true? I checked around and I can't seem to find any info if I'll need the antenna adaptor for the install.

Yes it is true. Why didn't they show/offer it to you? Crurchfield has it and the part number is Item # 12040EU55 by metra

[SIM GhostrdrZ]

Originally Posted by cfosceola

Yes it is true. Why didn't they show/offer it to you? Crurchfield has it and the part number is Item # 12040EU55 by metra

I just go with crutchfield for everything now. They have kits and I actually had issues with the idatalink and they sent a new piece right out. There customer service is one of the few places anymore that is top notch. All of these questions of stereos, kits and such are all solved by speaking with them.

[SIM GhostrdrZ]

Originally Posted by Black_SS10

I'm really liking this kit more than the PAC. I just need to decide what radio I want. Anyone have any recommendations? I replaced my speakers and factory amp already.

They have great stereos now that are almost half the depth so you don’t run into all the wiring issues of the past(cramming wires into crevices and cutting plastic out). Unless your dead set on cd/dvd, I believe it’s the way to go. No one uses cd’s anymore and not sure if I’d go to my Camaro to watch a dvd. But that’s me.

[Cheap Guy]

^^^What he said. I’ve had my aftermarket radio for a couple of years now and I’ve never used the CD/DVD and it would have been a lot easier instal with the extra room.

[bumblebeecamaro]

kinda dumb question: How would I know if my SS has a factory installed amp? The door speaker grills say Boston Acoustic.... I'm asking because I'm getting everything lined up for when all my goodies arrive on Friday. I haven't played with car stereos in over 30 years but I'm sure I can handle the install.

[Black_SS10]

Originally Posted by Redhotls1

They have great stereos now that are almost half the depth so you don’t run into all the wiring issues of the past(cramming wires into crevices and cutting plastic out). Unless your dead set on cd/dvd, I believe it’s the way to go. No one uses cd’s anymore and not sure if I’d go to my Camaro to watch a dvd. But that’s me.

Indeed true! I still use a cd every now and then. Lmao. But I have been moving towards streaming my music.

Originally Posted by bumblebeecamaro

kinda dumb question: How would I know if my SS has a factory installed amp? The door speaker grills say Boston Acoustic.... I'm asking because I'm getting everything lined up for when all my goodies arrive on Friday. I haven't played with car stereos in over 30 years but I'm sure I can handle the install.

If it has the Boston Acoustic system it has a factory amplifier. It is in the trunk, behind the driverside tail light.

[bumblebeecamaro]

Originally Posted by Black_SS10

If it has the Boston Acoustic system it has a factory amplifier. It is in the trunk, behind the driverside tail light.

Thanks for the info. I will check out the trunk area tomorrow just to be sure. On a side note. I checked around my area and I found a shop that says they have installed several of these units in our cars. They quoted me $250 labor to do the whole install with me providing all the goods.

Now I'm wondering if I should try the instal myself or pay $250 and not worry about it.