cosmicr

Thanks again for the reply. Just browsing ebay I've discovered you can actually get aftermarket cameras that slot right into the number plate light socket, so no drilling required. I think I might sell the pioneer camera and get one of those. Oh yeah, I'm 34 years young, take that as you will :)

Thanks for the reply SteveAndBelle. 1. Thanks that's perfect for what I want. Does it also include the reverse signal wire? (violet/white in the diagram above) and the park brake wire? (light green above). I don't think the original Corolla harness has those. 2. So I can power the camera in parallel on the same cable as the rear lights? Or do I need to run additional power through one side of the car also? If so, should the power and output wires be on different sides to avoid interference? 3. The ZRE152R Sedan doesn't have a release button or handle. The boot only opens using the lever inside, or by key. There's a small inset space directly above the number plate between each of the number plate lamps. That's where I'll have to drill. It's all plastic though. I think. 4. Yeah I'm not looking for anything over the top, I'll have to read some reviews of underseat subs. I'm also old now too haha.

Hi all, first post, hopefully it's worthy! I'm about to upgrade my 2007 Corolla Ascent Sedan's radio to the Pioneer AVH-X8750BT. It's got all the usual stuff plus Android Auto which has got me very excited, and I've also got the Pioneer RCAVMIC. I haven't done an install since about 2003, and after quite some research I realise I knew nothing back then, hopefully now I have learnt something. I want to run my ideas past others to make sure I'm not going about it the wrong way and also to clarify some things. My plan is as follows: 1. Upgrade/replace the head unit. 2. Upgrade/replace front split speakers. 3. Install amplifier/sub woofer combo. Head Unit Upgrade In addition to the unit, I have also bought on ebay a fascia kit, and a Corolla compatible wiring harness. I note that my dash doesn't look like the one in the picture above, I have the three round knobs for the aircon and my radio has less buttons. The pioneer manual shows the unit to be wired up like so: This seems relatively simple, I plan on doing my joins with solder, not unlike the way shown in this instructable: http://www.instructables.com/id/Master-a-perfect-inline-wire-splice-everytime/?ALLSTEPS I'll join the two harnesses outside of the car in my workroom, and then bring the finished harness out to connect. I'm going to run the microphone up the A Pillar. It's ugly, and I'd rather have it hidden, but can't really see any better place. For wiring the rear camera, I figure I'll connect the signal line to the reversing lights. The camera itself I think I'm going to install just above the number plate, but I'm not confident about drilling a hole in the boot lid. Front Speaker Upgrade The next step in my plan is to replace the front speakers. I am looking at getting either some Pioneer TS-D1730C or the Focal IS165TOY component speakers. The latter doesn't need any additional custom work, but is a bit more expensive. or I am considering putting some sound deadening in the doors at the same time. Is it worth it? Amplifier and Sub Woofer Upgrade Lastly, the one that I have been struggling to work out what to do is putting in a Sub. I want to be very discreet, and not lose any boot space in the car. I have considered the Stealthbox from JL, but it's rather pricey, and I'm also considering building a box myself. There's also the option of under-seat subs, but I'm not sure they'd be any good. I'll probably be getting a 5-channel amplifier - perhaps class D? The 5 channels being: 1-2 Front 3-4 Rear 5 Subwoofer Looking for recommendations. Questions 1. Will the steering wheel controls work with the new unit? The Pioneer manual doesn't make any mention of it, or connecting them. Will I need another harness? How do they work? 2. What's the best way to wire up the camera? Using the reversing lights? Do I just run the cable along the edge of the car under the carpet into the boot? 3. Where is the best place to put the camera? Has anyone else done this? Like I said I am reluctant to drill into my boot lid, but can't see any other place really. 4. When I get to installing the amplifier, I'm guessing it needs to be connected directly to the battery. Will I need to add an inline fuse or anything like that? Any tips for doing this? For example, wheres the best place to penetrate the firewall? Anyway, thanks for reading, hope to get some answers! I'll post pics of the install when I do it if anyone's interested (probably a couple of weeks away while I wait on parts to arrive).