Easy Mods - Stereo upgrade and more

Good morning all,

Brand new and been going through some threads - I’ll introduce myself and keep it short for what I’m inquiring about. This seems like a cool community.

2012 Tundra TRD crewmax - 43k Mike’s - have a lift and wheels/tires but that’s it - I’m from the Pacific NW and bought in April of 2018.

I’m looking at upgrading my stereo HU and adding a back up camera. The stereo I was looking at was the Alpine iLX- F309, the 9” single dim stereo and getting a back camera as well.

I currently have the stock system. What all is needed for a full replacement of the stock HU. (Wiring harness and whatever else needed for the transition to look nice). If anyone has direct links to the items needed that would awesome .

Also - is there a way to change interior lighting from the ugly orange to a blue/white - if so and somebody has a direct league to their recommendation that would be awesome.

Also, any other sweet quick mods for aesthetics ? (Pics/links)

I’m new to this and know these are noobie questions but hey, I’ve got to start somewhere.

I’m having a good time going through all the past threads for cool easy mods - Of anybody has a favorite or two and want to message me or add to this thread I’d love to read them.

Best,



Thanks for your times and look forward to any replies !

 

I’m going to contribute early to my own post - replacing dash LED link is here : https://www.tundras.com/threads/blue-and-white-led-dash-lights-goodbye-amber.128/page-2

there isn’t a how to but there is a link for the LEDs, some photos, and some general info about pricing and that soldering is required.

Also: a YouTube video including what exactly is needed, source to buy and instructions:
https://youtu.be/OloOc05nPJY

 

Sir if you’re not sure what you’re getting your best bet is to go on a website like Crutchfield and they will sell you all the speaker adapters and wiring harness adapter’s and dash kits that you need for your truck.

 

You will need a dash kit for the head unit, available online, some automotive shops, or installer will can provide. Recommend gloss or piano black to match,.

Some HUs need an anteanna adapter as well. If DIY, contact Crutchfield, they can get tell you what you need.

Whole interior LED kits available on Ebay or Amazon. I think I got a $20-30 kit.

 

Reviving an old thread as I'm still hating my stock HU and backup camera quality. Crutchfield definitely is a one-stop-shop and they have great customer service. They can even do a lot of the harness wiring for you, you can get a kit to keep your steering wheel controls, etc.

Two things holding me back are having to install another GPS antennae, and same with mic for hands-free phone. I want to leave things as stock as possible to put the OEM HU back in if necessary. How have folks dealt with those two issues? I guess with GPS you could just rely on Android Auto and use your phone for nav...

Thinking about one of these:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DMX907S/Kenwood-Excelon-DMX907S.html

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-YVOyP...D7O3rQDGJjlL9IFnIsmVwpKKKWAkniKsaAn0uEALw_wcB

 

There are options that will allow you to keep the factory HU and gps/mic.
You can install a replacement amp and speakers.
Contact @james@tech12volts

 

I placed my after market mic in the stock location on my 2013. Took the roof console down and it just pops out. Makes a perfect little pocket to hold the mic that can with my sony head unit. I did not use a nav unit becasue i went with car play so no help for you there BUT i have seen multiple people place the gps antenna on the head unit itself so that it is in the dash out of site. I do not know how this would affect signal but I have not seen any in my research say it caused a problem... I also haven't cared enough to look deeper into it.

 

Headunit with the “ready harness” from Crutchfield makes it sooo easy! Highly recommended.

 

Did this on my previous head unit. Plug and play.

 

I did the head unit and back up camera, I wish I would have spent more on the back up camera. But yes good customer service, tech support. You will spend a min of $550. I looked at Best Buy because it’s “free” NOTHING is free. I wish my HU would have anti glare.