How to Install a Double DIN Head Unit and New Speakers in a Jeep TJ

Project Billd said:
I recently bought a 2004 Rubicon TJ (my dream car) and made a video about it. One of the first things I did was to upgrade the head unit and speakers. The video link below will start at the head unit and speaker install section.

Click to expand...
Well done video. I too just picked up my TJ! 🙌 Will you be documenting the build on a thread here, or just on YouTube?
 
FreeBird said:
Well done video. I too just picked up my TJ! 🙌 Will you be documenting the build on a thread here, or just on YouTube?
Click to expand...
Thanks! I have a build thread that I started when I first got the jeep that's linked in my signature, do you see it? I plan to put everything I do to the jeep in the build thread and make videos for the bigger things that are less jeep specific (painting doors, reupholstering seats, etc.)
 
Zorba said:
Its all about the PHOoooOOONE!!!!! ;)
Click to expand...
For me that WAS part of it. I was a commercial truck driver the last 10 years before I retired. Just a straight truck, but I had to have a CDL. The Feds came out with the rule about hand-held phones for CDL drivers about 5 years before the states got around to civilian laws covering them. I first used bluetooth headsets, then switched to car radios that linked to the phone. I liked my job too much to jeopardize it by getting busted for holding a phone in my hand.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hopper and Project Billd
BillW said:
For me that WAS part of it. I was a commercial truck driver the last 10 years before I retired. Just a straight truck, but I had to have a CDL. The Feds came out with the rule about hand-held phones for CDL drivers about 5 years before the states got around to civilian laws covering them. I first used bluetooth headsets, then switched to car radios that linked to the phone. I liked my job too much to jeopardize it by getting busted for holding a phone in my hand.
Click to expand...
Big reason why I love Android auto/carplay for navigation. No reaching for my phone ever.

It's disturbing driving around and seeing so many people looking down and then occasionally glancing up at the road...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Akitadog, Ron505 and BillW
Project Billd said:
Big reason why I love Android auto/carplay for navigation. No reaching for my phone ever.

It's disturbing driving around and seeing so many people looking down and then occasionally glancing up at the road...
Click to expand...
I see that crap all the time - BUT - here's a revolutionary idea: Leave the phone in the glove box or at home. "Hang up and drive." You don't need it, you just think you do - convinced by the TelCos who are making money so fast on this worldwide gadget addiction that they might as well be printing it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: inkedrose and Project Billd
Zorba said:
I see that crap all the time - BUT - here's a revolutionary idea: Leave the phone in the glove box or at home. "Hang up and drive." You don't need it, you just think you do - convinced by the TelCos who are making money so fast on this worldwide gadget addiction that they might as well be printing it.
Click to expand...
Or just have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for a hands-free experience with the convenience of endless navigation and music at your fingertips - as stated, with your eyes on the road the entire time. ;)

This is definitely on my short to-do list. Thanks again for the detailed video @Project Billd , I do see your thread in your signature (y)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Project Billd
FreeBird said:
Or just have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for a hands-free experience with the convenience of endless navigation and music at your fingertips - as stated, with your eyes on the road the entire time. ;)
Click to expand...
Navigation is done with a Garmin, music "at your fingertips" is done with any "mechless" head unit that a "geek stick" can be plugged in. No phone needed, easier, and FAR cheaper!
 
Zorba said:
I see that crap all the time - BUT - here's a revolutionary idea: Leave the phone in the glove box or at home. "Hang up and drive." You don't need it, you just think you do - convinced by the TelCos who are making money so fast on this worldwide gadget addiction that they might as well be printing it.
Click to expand...
As a pro driver, I did not have that option. My boss needed to be able to contact me when he needed to. Basically for a while,it was a requirement of my job. And it was damned convenient. Now that I am retired, I find that I need it much less, but still the laws are on the books, and hands-free is the way to go.
 
BillW said:
As a pro driver, I did not have that option. My boss needed to be able to contact me when he needed to. Basically for a while,it was a requirement of my job. And it was damned convenient. Now that I am retired, I find that I need it much less, but still the laws are on the books, and hands-free is the way to go.
Click to expand...
Yea, yea - I've heard it all before. Everybody is *the* exception.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: BillW and Kid Mechanic
Can you post a couple of pictures of the before and after?
I'm curious how much the AC controls are moved for the Double DIN.
It looks like the profile of the dash didn't change very much (ie not sticking out further).
There is a nice radio with a pop-out screen that fits the factory dash, but it partially covers the AC controls.
I have the ARB air lockers below the AC controls and I assume those don't move much
s-l1600 (18).jpg
Click to expand...
 
Nightmare9 said:
Can you post a couple of pictures of the before and after?
I'm curious how much the AC controls are moved for the Double DIN.
It looks like the profile of the dash didn't change very much (ie not sticking out further).
There is a nice radio with a pop-out screen that fits the factory dash, but it partially covers the AC controls.
I have the ARB air lockers below the AC controls and I assume those don't move much
Click to expand...
I don't really have any good before pictures but the ac controls barely moved. I shimmed the controls out with 1/8 inch nylon washers but it wasn't entirely necessary, just was a small gap and I thought it looked better. The profile of the dash is pretty much identical so none of the switches below should be impacted.

I can take some better after pictures tomorrow if you'd like.

I looked at the various radios with pop out or detachable screens that fit single din openings but in the end I thought they seemed a poor choice for a vehicle that I would be taking off road. Plus blocking controls/vents would drive me crazy very quickly
 
The AC control panel & the switches below did not move at all with the conversion.
Minor trimming inside the dash to make room for the taller radio is all that was required.
 
Project Billd said:
I recently bought a 2004 Rubicon TJ (my dream car) and made a video about it. One of the first things I did was to upgrade the head unit and speakers. The video link below will start at the head unit and speaker install section.

Click to expand...
was that mic part of the sony head unit or an add-on?
 
Top Bottom
Back