if i order the dash kit from japan $400, how much will it cost the dealer to install it? estimate? did most of you install it yourself, or at a stereo shop? I don't really have the time or knowledge to do this and mess up my car so i would prefer to pay someone to do it, but i would like to know how much it would cost around for those of you who have had this installed at a stereo shop. and how long it took?

does the dash kit come with instructions?

 

Installing the double DIN dash at a car shop will vary from place to place. My place (in Honolulu, Hawaii) was going to charge $200 to replace dash but that included swapping the Dual Climate Control button which can be tricky. Mind you, I would need to supply all the v35 Skyline dash/ACC parts. Most places, I've heard and read, will charge you over $150 b/c of mostly the labor, desolder/solder DCC, disassembling your dash, etc. I even heard a quote of $400! Just for the dash swap and not anything else.......BS.....

The other problem is if the install shop has not done it before, they can mess up your dash too.

Funny story. I visited a local shop here that coincindently was doing a double DIN swap on a 2004 G. I said, "Hey how's it going?" and peeked in to see how they were doing. On the seat was MY DIY guide printed out in color, neatly stapled in the upper right hand corner! lol

I ignorantly said, "hey that guide is pretty nifty... where did you get it... can I get a copy?" The guy cautiously said, "NO, our manager made it (the guide) up." How's that load of crap?!?!? lol

I didn't correct the guy, I should've but I didn't. Oh well.....what goes around comes around....

IT is a funny story though.

ANyway, most guys have done their own. It takes about 3-4 hours depending on your skill and also depending if you've already prepped your aftermarket deck with your wire harness and Nissan antenna adapter. ITs not that hard, I'm pretty electronically illiterate (they don't teach you basic electronics in medical school unfornately). The worse thing you could do is to scratch your paint....and screw up your Dual Climate Control buttons I guess...both if you're not careful and rushing.

I also had help from g35mt and tig488 as well as other people. Use my guide .......PM if you have any questions. Dash kit does not come with instructions, it comes wrapped in bubble paper in a plain Nissan brown box.

http://www.g-owners.com/article_read.asp?id=33

Aloha,
docron1 aka joepaniolo

 

heheh thanks joe, unfortunately i have the non premium system, that means i don't need to worry about the dual climate control buttons... so hopefully it should cost no more than $150... i hope... by the way, excellent guide... thats what i did, printed it out and decided to give it to my installer whenever i get the dash kit...

 

Where are you located? I may be able to suggest someone.

 

im in houston... please do!

 

I am sorry, but I do not have a connection in Houston. The closest industry friend I have is in El Paso. It was worth a shot.