VXAddict's Addiction Therapy Log

[vxaddict]

As promised, some pics of the new stereo install:

The Alpine CDA-9886 head unit



Here's the seriously useful USB power adapter for your cigarette lighter:



Here's the IPOD link to the Alpine Headunit



I didn't take pictures of the speakers yet. They haven't installed the 4" Polk Coaxials yet, so I will take a snapshot of those. I do have the original 6.5" woofer that was completely ripped from the rubber/foam surround. Apparently one of the previous owners loved to listen to their music LOUD...

[Mile High VX]

Very nice...I have the 9835.

The ipod adapter in mine is finished off in the center console with a cradle in there to hold it tight.

[vxaddict]

Very nice...I have the 9835.

The ipod adapter in mine is finished off in the center console with a cradle in there to hold it tight.

I'd love to see a picture of the cradle. My installer said there wasn't that much slack in the cable, but he said he might be able to pull out about another 3-4 inches. I was just thinking of putting in some velcro tape and call it a day.

[Mile High VX]

The arms on the sides expand and contract to hold the iPod in place...I really like it.

[vxaddict]

Awesome - so you have that mounted inside the armrest? I've got a similar cradle that attaches to the heating vents for my phone. I wonder if I can just mount it inside there.

Do you have a problem w/ your Ipod adapter staying powered on after the car and radio are turned offer? I'm concerned that if I keep the ipod plugged in after i turn off the car, that eventually it drains the battery...

[Mile High VX]

Awesome - so you have that mounted inside the armrest? I've got a similar cradle that attaches to the heating vents for my phone. I wonder if I can just mount it inside there.

Do you have a problem w/ your Ipod adapter staying powered on after the car and radio are turned offer? I'm concerned that if I keep the ipod plugged in after i turn off the car, that eventually it drains the battery...

Yes, if I don't shut it off it will stay on and drain the battery.

[vxaddict]

Yes, if I don't shut it off it will stay on and drain the battery.

Yup - it's annoying, but I just keep the old Ipod plugged in. I know it's bad for the rechargeable battery to keep draining it like that, but it's easier than constantly unplugging it in and out when I get in the truck.

As long as the VX battery doesn't die out - its all good...

[vxaddict]

The poor UPS delivery guy had to drive through Snowpocalypse 2011 Chicago today to bring me this... I hope it's worth it!



I hope to get it installed at my local shop when all this white stuff stops falling.

[vxaddict]

I stopped by Autozone today and picked up a few things to add to the VX:

1. LED Dome Light - I followed MSHardeman's suggestion and picked up one of the superwhite 12 LED wafers for $14.99.

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...ght=dome+light

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=205000_0_0_

The install was just as easy as mentioned. Pop off the dome light w/ a flathead and use the smallest bulb-attachment in the kit. Pop back in and it's good to go.

2. Replacement rubber antenna rubber mast - $5.99

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=545537_0_0_

My original was starting to crack at the end, and I didn't like the really long antenna. I saw JDM Monkey's shorter version and found this one for cheap. It's about 2-3 inches shorter. The universal adapter for the 6mm screw fits, but there's a bit of a gap. I'll take pictures tomorrow. Reception seems better than OEM, but that could be the placebo effect.

3. Hopkins SEJ Euro Junior Cupholder.

This I didn't buy at Autozone, but at a Napa Auto Parts store. Here's a link to what it looks like:

http://www.race-mart.com/Hopkins-HOP-SEJ.html

I mounted it on the center console square piece. It's the perfect width and is adjustable to hold regular cans and larger drive-thru cups. I used the velcro strips instead of drilling a hole into the console. The velcro mount allows some side-to-side play which was scary at first since I thought my drinks would fly off. Nothing has happened so far. I didn't want a permanent mount since the adjuster is so fragile, I figured I'd be replacing the whole thing at least once.

[Cobrajet]

3. Hopkins SEJ Euro Junior Cupholder.

This I didn't buy at Autozone, but at a Napa Auto Parts store. Here's a link to what it looks like:

http://www.race-mart.com/Hopkins-HOP-SEJ.html

I mounted it on the center console square piece. It's the perfect width and is adjustable to hold regular cans and larger drive-thru cups. I used the velcro strips instead of drilling a hole into the console. The velcro mount allows some side-to-side play which was scary at first since I thought my drinks would fly off. Nothing has happened so far. I didn't want a permanent mount since the adjuster is so fragile, I figured I'd be replacing the whole thing at least once.

A few of us have the Euro Jr. Mine is mounted with double-sided tape only, after trimming the bottom and right edge to get a snug fit in the square hole. Trimming also allowed me to shift it over a bit to get it away from the hand brake. It's been there for 8~9 years, so I know it's not going anywhere!

[vxaddict]

As promised:

Euro Jr. Cupholder mounted in center console:



LED Dome light from Autozone:



Replacement rubber antenna from Autozone:



New mod: Stick 'n' Click Rear Cargo LED light



I forgot that I picked up some of these at Bed Bath & Beyond awhile back. It's not the brightest light, but definitely helps when you're putting things in the back at night. It's powered by 3 AAA batteries, but since it's a single LED, it will last awhile. It's just double taped to the headliner. Very simple.

[H3_VX]

Yo guy I bought my VX end of 99 brand spankin new still have it , has 196,458 miles I'll die with mine!!

Thats how I feel about my H3, eventually I'll pick up my VX also.

[VX KAT]

Here's a thread with some additional cargo lights options that several have done:
I put in the Sylvania 3 LED unit.

http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...ar+cargo+light

[vxaddict]

Thanks Kat - I was going to go to Walmart to see if I could find the same one Ldub used. The stick 'n' click single LED just didn't put out as much light as I was hoping for.