Here's my new RioCar. Received today - Installed today (in about 30 minutes)

Turn's out the dreaded Mach 460 system is actually easier to install a RioCar into than a normal system. It already wants a low-voltage signal! Albeit it wants 5v, but the RioCar's 4v outs seem to push my stock amps just fine.

I'M SOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY!!!

Pictures attached... (Gotta lose the old stock CD deck and install my smoke lens from Steve to complete the look, though)

Wow, that's great news.

The install looks fantastic, like it belongs there. Having the CD and the empeg together in such an easy install must be nice.

Have fun with your new toy!

Actually, the CD's gotta go. No way to connect the stock player through the Aux In's. No biggie, though. I'm thinking more and more that I probably won't be missing it much...

That's odd. If your empeg plugged straight into the car's amp, then why wouldn't the CD plug straight into the empeg? Maybe it's just a question of finding which wires are which and fashioning a plug?

With the Mach 460 system, the CD deck gets its power through the head. I suppose I could try and figure out the proper voltage and rig up some sort of power switch, but why bother... who needs a CD player?

who needs a CD player?

'atta guy. :)

Glad to hear the Mach 460 install went well. I've got the stock Mustang sound system and it was pretty easy. Except I never got the dimmer/headlight sense connected. Not about to open everything up just so I can get two different dimmer settings, though.

Ah, I hadn't realized that the CD deck was a secondary add-on to the head unit. I thought it WAS the head unit. I see now.

Still, looks like it would be a fun hack to figure out its pinouts and slave it to the empeg. Just 'cause it looks cool there and blends nicely. And because it would be a fun hack.

Hmmm... Yeah, actually, come to think of it... I don't think my headlight sense works either. Might just have to take care of that...

Would be fun, alas I just don't have the time to figure it out...

O.K... DarkStorm's Smoke lens arrived yesterday and the Ford stock DIN bay pocket a few days before that. Check out the porn now... Purty sweet, eh? Thanks to 'tonysee' for the origins of the boot logo in the pic.

Ya know... the darn message really shouldn't get posted if the file upload is unsuccessful. See pic next message...

Image Reuploaded

Hey, where did you get the DIN pocket? Is there any chance it could be shaved down to fit inside the Empeg docking bay to provide for a "stealth" appearance when my 'Stang is parked? My guess is it's too big, but I figured I'd ask. I rarely if ever leave my Empeg in my car anyway, but I'd really like to have something to place in the Empeg's sled to hide it completely so nobody breaks my window looking for my Empeg.

There are other pockets that should fit into the empeg's sled if that one won't. Metra has kits of all shapes and sizes for a wide range of vehicles. Their pockets vary from model to model and can probably be cut from the rest of the kit and used in that way.

This reminds me that I was going to test the OEM Acura pocket inside my sled...

Bruno

If you have a Volkswagen dealer near you you could see if he has, or could get, part# 6XO 857 058. That's the number on the pocket in my VW Polo (IIRC someone else checked for it in the US, and his dealer couldn't find a part with that number, so it is possible that it's not available in the US) which fits perfectly inside the MkII bay once you cut away all extranous fins, ribs etc on the outside of it (nothing that affects the external look once inserted).

/Michael

Pretty much every auto manufacturer makes the part. They come in all different configurations. This one (original Ford part specifically made for my year Mustang) only has four small tabs that snap it into place, so there wouldn't be much shaving involved.

Yah but my concern is that it might not fit in the DIN slot while that DIN slot is occupied by the Empeg's docking sled... Think it would?

Hmmm... No. I doubt any of the stock parts would. You should probably go with a cover that goes over the whole opening.

Yeah that's what tfabris did... Just gotta find one. I refuse on principle to put a Honda part in my Mustang... That's just wrong... But I'm sure they're available somewhere.

Yeah putting a Honda part in a ford is a no no. Honda parts deserve better

I install many systems and have to say that I try to avoid Mach 460 systems at any costs. I've cut my hands up and everything trying to rewire those things. I figured that one possibly cannot get the sufficient SQ and stereo separation when the front and rear "subs" are low passed and in mono!!! If you would like a challenge, get tons of painkillers and run new wires and new full range speakers. And get a four channel amp. Those tweeters are horrible and need a replacement too. Get an amp that is 2 ohm stable per channel. If it already floats your boat, you are SOOOO lucky that the amp inputs accept such a close voltage as the Rio's outputs. Hehe... I fixed my brother's 2000 Mustang and ran all new speakers except for the rear 5x7's / 6x8's, and I added a Zapco Studio 300X on the highs and a JBL BP1200.1 driving an IDMax 12" sub.. If you ever do replace the horrible rear speakers, I recommend that you build a divide inside to separate both speakers. It didn't matter that they were in mono before, but you need better sound since the Rio is really good at that (.wav files only!!!)

I noticed the headlight sensor is reliant on the CD player and radio to be hooked up since they are in series with the circuit. No problem though... if I find which wires go to which, I'll let you know (you'll need gloces, for you'll cut your hands up in that little dash.)

Have fun and rock on with that RioCar everyone!!!