PurdueGuy

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a touchscreen headunit for my new-to-me 08 Panel 2LT with Pioneer package (mostly for backup camera). I see many, many recommendations on here for purchasing through Crutchfield. They do have good info, and their pricing came out pretty close to piecing together the bits through Amazon, so I was getting ready to give them my order... but they're automatically assuming I need the black dash kit, when I have the gray interior.

Does anyone have pics or experience with the "silver" version of the stereo dash kit? I can't find it on Crutchfield, but here it is on Amazon. Also, I was going to go ahead & order everything but the dash kit through Crutchfield, but can't find a way to remove only the dash kit from my cart.

I'll probably wait until tomorrow morning when sales reps are available for chat at Crutchfield, and give them a chance to show off their customer service, but I also thought I'd post up here & see what others had to say.

And in case it's helpful, here's an interior pic of my HHR.

Oldblue

It seems to be a little lighter in colour. Let us know what the rep says

donbrew

You could just get a rattle can of ABS paint in any color you desire.

PurdueGuy

I found a photo of the "silver" kit... and it really is silver. So it looks like there isn't a kit that truly matches the medium gray in the HHR center stack, and the black is a better match, since it pretty much matches the buttons and such, and would blend with the headunit bezel.

Trex08

Thinking about gettting a touchscreen nav/ back up cam also. What head unit are you putting in. Link. Is it totally compatible with the pioneer speakers and sub?

aradmahogany

With a panel I would DEFINITELY do a backup camera mod. Regular HHR has pretty good visibility with all the windows!

donbrew

I am not an audio guy, but from what I can tell by the schematics, the difference is the radio outputs a "low level" signal to the amp. I am guessing that means no pre-amp.

The basic radio has "speaker" outputs.

PurdueGuy

Here's what I ordered, (adapters per Crutchfield's recommendation). Total around $350. Ordered all from Crutchfield except the camera (Amazon). Probably could've gotten the rest a little cheaper from Amazon, but it was close enough that I'd rather support the site that had all the info gathered together. I'm still debating how/where I want to mount the camera. Leaning toward right under the 3rd brake light, so I don't have to find a way to get the wire outside the hatch (I don't want to make any new holes in sheetmetal, that's for sure.)

Someone said that the car's chimes, etc, may be really loud after the upgrade?

Pioneer MVH-AV290BT


Metra 40-CR10 Antenna Adapter


Metra 95-3302 Dash Kit - Black


Axxess ASWC-1 Steering Wheel Control Adapter


Axxess GMOS-LAN-04 Wiring Interface


Esky EC170-06 HD Color CCD Waterproof Car Rear View Backup Camera (170 degree viewing angle)

Oldblue

Cool, pictures of the install are always fun!

PittKrewBowling

So how did it all work out? Don't forget - also included in the kit - Crutchfield MasterSheet with Custom Instructions - Priceless!