On JP Customs site they've got a touchscreen navigation upgrade that fits in the stock opening, looks totally stock, and uses the stock steering controls. The deal looks sweeeeet. ):h
I've never seen one before that looks & functions as OE as this seems to. I'm wondering does anyone know what brand that is? That $2100 price tag they've got is a little steep, and I'm wondering where else to find one... :eek:
It's not by chance the GM unit for an Escalade, that just happens to fit in the Sierra dash is it?
Thanks ):h

IMO you're better off with an after-market unit. you can get a Pioneer or Kenwood for less with way more features, superior sound quality, bigger screen and better Nav. Plus you can upgrade it and transplant it into your next rig, try that with an OEM...

Ox

pioneer makes good stuff but they have some issues with the avic-n1........screen flip motor is burning out fast

I have the older Pioneer touch screen and the latest N1. From what I hear this system is better than the GM version. I have not had any problems with the power screen.

You can use the escalede unit in our trucks, it's not easy but it can be done.

The reasons I've not gone aftermarket lately are:
1: Factory head unit is less inviting to thiefs.
2: After-market units tend to look like something was made to fit in the dash, rather than belonging there... OE just looks cleaner.
3: It's my impression (probably wrong :confused: ) that I'll loose some of the steering wheel controls?
4: The pop-out screens are less appealing to me than the screens that are just in the dash like an Escalade... again, I think it looks cleaner, plus fewer moving parts to worry about.

Plus you can upgrade it and transplant it into your next rig, try that with an OEM...
Ox
While this is true, I've never yet transferred... by the time I get a new rig... I want a new setup.

With that said... are there some aftermarkets that look good, keeps function, and addresses the rest of my whining??
Thanks again for the input... you guys are the best :p

Maximus,

Ebay.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7945313196&category=38649

Thats the most complete system I saw, just search "Escalade Navigation"....

Tom :cool:

It doesn't end there. From my recollection, you have to buy the escalade bose amp (yes, it's different). Then you have to disect the wiring harness to connect it correctly. Didn't want anyone thinking it was an easy swap.

Michael,

That sure does get in depth....this new GM electrical data bus system sure is making it difficult on you installers, isn't it? It never is just a simple "radio swap" anymore....

Tom http://dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=107

I'm not an installer, just a hobbyist, JPCustoms make it sound like this is a swap across. Maybe they have figured out how to do that, but I don't think it is compatable with our bose amp. Also, 03 and 04 is a different animal than the earlier models, that has to be factored. If anyone really interested in this (and doing it cheaper) look

HERE (http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28030)

Plan on a whole day reading it to understand what's involved

Thats the thing. IIRC, I don't think you can put a radio from an 03+ into an 01-02 because of the data bus systems, because the radio needs to be in communication with the BCM in order to work. I'm sure someone out there (will) has figured out how to do it...

Second, Is the Escalade amp really different from the Chevy/GMC one? Did the Caddy have a "better" Bose sound system? I'm not ?? your knowledge, it's just I'd never heard that....

Tom :eek:

Yes. it had more speakers or something. Apparently better sounding also, I've never heard on.

The reasons I've not gone after-market lately are:
1: Factory head unit is less inviting to thiefs.
Have you seen the new Kenwood unit? If I were a thief I'd take a stocker before I'd take an after-market one. Why? You can get good money on eBay for a stock Nav. You wouldn't get crap for an after-market one used with no wire harness or brain box...
2: After-market units tend to look like something was made to fit in the dash, rather than belonging there... OE just looks cleaner.
Again have you seen the Kenwood? Look at the install in crackerjack's truck... very nice.
3: It's my impression (probably wrong :confused: ) that I'll loose some of the steering wheel controls?
Get a PAC SWI-X and you're all set..
4: The pop-out screens are less appealing to me than the screens that are just in the dash like an Escalade... again, I think it looks cleaner, plus fewer moving parts to worry about.
It depends on what you like I don't like the pop out so much, but the bigger screen is nice. IMO the Kenwood looks better than the Escalade unit. IIRC you can't hook up a back up camera to a stocker, or easily connect extra screens. Then think about warranty, do you get a warranty on a radio that came from another truck? you do with an after-market one...

That ebay head unit has a $1500 reserve, nuts really. Those NAV units are fetching some dough. The person selling it knows nothing about it, I asked him about his GPS, he said it was a Navigation unit, not a GPS.

Anyway, I wonder if they mark a vehicle for theft.

You can hook up a bacjkup camera to it BTW.

Thanks again for the input... you guys are the best :p
BlueOX...
Well put, & thanks for pointing me to crackerjack's rig... that definetely sheds a little light on a few ideas... I'll be checking into the Kenwood system.

I knew I could count on you guys to help me spend $$$$$!
Grazie, Grazie :)

How did you find out the reserve? Did he tell you?

Gotta wonder what he thinks drives the "Navigation" part of the dealio if he dosn't think it's a GPS :rolleyes:

Yes, he told me.

You can get these new for $1200, find the sources in that thread. Then you have to add CD, mic, amp etc.

I am selling an almost new one...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=7983238659&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT