Worse case, cover the dash with a a towel or console w/ a towel. Regardless, if someone wants an item in your car they are going to get it. I have learned the less conspicous the car, the less likely someone will attempt something. Remember, flash attracts, so if you have nice rims, body kit, tint, drive by your area with stereo cranked, fancy exhaust sounds, people will notice and think--hey they have alot of $$$ tied up, lets see what we can get!

If you have a factory-stock car, no one will pay attention......
If someone plans to put a lot of cash into the car, a garage would be ideal for overnight storage.

 

Also, Eclipse units have ESN so if it is stolen they cannot be used. This will help in insurance claims. What I have done is let my agent know that I have a stereo installed (bolted in) make sure you say that-- and I have taken pictures incase it is stolen. Save your recipt because they will need to give a Valur estimate. Good insurances will cover yoiur equipment. Just remeber to tell them it is attached to the vehicle/bolted on. Don't know why but they always ask that.

 

The way this unit is installed and the amount of time and difficulty required to take apart the dash, I think they would damage your dash/unit at best.

You definitely can not steal this unit in 60 seconds and expect it to be funtional....

 

Covering the dash with a towel is REALLY tacky. Maybe if I had a 15 year old car I'd think about it, but putting a towel over it, especially with a new car, would attract attention.

Parking in a garage would be the ideal solution for more problems than just the stereo. The problem is a garage spot can cost upwards of $200/month!!

I'm not really worried as much about them stealing my stereo as I am them breaking into my car to get it. I would almost prefer that it was a quick release to get it out, so the A-holes don't tear up the interior trying to get the stereo out. If they can't get it out, they'll probably smash it (and the window and dash) and other fun stuff. You'd probably be out more money having it easy out then bolted down.

Funny (well not really) sidenote. I had a buddy who had a junker car and POS Head Unit. Since his car was a POS and thought that no one would ever want to steal his car or stereo, he never even bothered to lock his doors. Well, some dumbass smashed in his window and stole his POS stereo. It cost almost 2x as much to replace the window than it did for his radio, which he didn't even use anyways. Hell they could have just opened the door and taken it in under 15 seconds (literally) and he really wouldn't have cared, but instead he had to fork over some cash and time to replace his window.

Really, I'm not worried about the cost of replacing the HU and whatnot, I'm more concerned with all the headaches that come with someone trying to take your stuff. For example, let's say they smash out your window and cut up your dash to get your stereo out faster. Then you have to replace your window (and of course, it always rains when this type of stuff happens) which takes time to get an appointmentt. Then you have to replace your dash, which takes time for them to get one in and install it. And maybe it rained and ruined the inside of your car. Then you have to waste time getting that stuff fixed too.

Ultimately, I'm just looking for a reason for them to not break into the car. Once they are in they can have the stereo, just don't F with anything else!
Ideally there would be a removeable face plate or one that reverses itself (didn't the Sony's used to do that?)

 

I see your concern, but you have insurance and it is just a car. We could debate about what will and won't attract a theif, but ultimately if there are thieves running around looking in cars for this stuff ; then it relies on luck. Personally I had two things stolen from first car --radar detector and an attempt on the stereo. But the Eclipse does look factory. It is all piece of mind. Call your Insurance agent and ask these questions. If you are really worried, then I would discourage the matter of buying a stereo. Just goes with it. A towel may look stupid, but they won't be able to tell what you have.

Here is another idea, get an installer to custom make a false Infinti radio face to cover your headunit. You will have to have the HU mounted further in, but would have an excellent cover. (use the Infinti face)

 

Yeah, its good idea, like one on the Audi TTs... big reason that I didnt like the double din size unit, its just that! they are there all the time.
TokyoJoe? maybe you should be looking some sigle din size unit with retrackable screen and removeable face plate like the N2s or Alpine's?

 

found answer earlier in thread

 

Orange/Black can be left floating

 

that would be cool to get a look-a-like face plate... i wonder how much that would run

 

if you put a towel there, it lets them know that you have something to hide...

 

I just noticed this, the Nav has roof-top mapping when near downtown. Besides the cool factor, I'm not too sure what the benefit would be....

 

Looks awesome!

I am interested as well, but have a few questions.

Will this in anyway void the G's warranty? Or the extended warranty?

Assuming no warranty issues, any recommendations on where I can get it installed here in Dallas? Is it better to go to the dealer (say Grubbs) or can someone recommend a place?

Thanks!

 

The only thing that could void your stereo warranty would be the solder work. If done right, its completely reversible, so they would never even know...

The 2005 isn't to hard, but I would recommend you take it to an above average shop.

Stay away from Best buy, Circuit City, etc....

 

I give you mad props for the Pioneer AVIC-D1 installation. It looks like a very clean install. But I must say that those subs in the trunk look like they just got thrown there.

What's up with that?

 

Saw this model at Ralph's audio today...they were thinking about $1000 (Canadian) for the install..sound expensive?