Sophisticated A/V systems may be very common these days in new cars, but they aren't standard in all vehicles. Sometimes you pay a lot for not that much. Here we take a base model Altima SE and upgrade the entertainment package, not only for better quality but for more options and functions as well. By the time we're done, this Altima won't simply be another '07 vehicle but a truly new ride. The key to the system will be the Kenwood KOS-V1000. This is what will allow us to forgo a traditional head unit. Who needs one these days, right? Then by adding on to the V1000, we can have the latest in-car technology, such as a hard drive for all of our media, connectivity for iPod or thumb drives, Bluetooth for hands-free phone use and HD or satellite radio, if we so choose. Stock, the Altima has 6.5" speakers in the doors and 1" tweeters in the dash; as for the rear speakers there are 6x9s. In part two of this project, we will swap out the speakers, add amps and plug in a Tivx for our media. Stay tuned for the full feature.
KOS-L702Our monitor of choice for the Kenwood KOS-V1000 is the Kenwood KOS-L702 touchscreen - a perfect complement to the controller.
CCD-2000Universal rearview camera
The factory head unit.
KCA-BT100The Kenwood KCA-BT100 Bluetooth integration kit is a lifesaver; using this frees up your hands so you can concentrate on the road.
The Kenwood KOS-L702 (touchscreen for advanced integration A/V controller) pairs with a Metra 99-7423 aftermarket kit.
KOS-V1000The brains of it all, the Kenwood KOS-V1000, controls everything from AM/FM, iPod, USB, Bluetooth, satellite radio and multi-disc changer.
We modified the Metra kit by sanding it to make the surface rough so that the body filler sticks to it.
Supergluing the two parts together makes them one.
Rage Gold was used as the final filling step; once this was finished it was time to prime.
After wiping the piece down, it was time to spray on the dye, in this case, SEM satin-black dye. This gives the dash that factory look.
Where we plan to install the equipment, behind the back seat.