2004 Nissan Maxima

Anyone have any tips on installing a non-factory head unit in a 2004 Maxima? The stock system takes up the entire center console, and there is no way to remove anything without doing some cutting. If a new head unit cannot be done, how about connecting some subs, amps and crossover with the existing unit?

There should be photos of the interior here if you have not seen it: http://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/MediaGallery/0,9441,20360,00.html#photos

Thanks in advance.

ohh man that looks like a tough one!!  The only "good" news I might be able to give you is that it looks like that entire section just comprises controls for the stereo, and not other functions like climate control or navigation.  So theoretically some sort of dash kit would probably be able to work to fit a DIN head unit (assuming it's deep enough).

My guess is you're going to have to wait a few months at the very least, for Metra, Scosche, or BestKits to come out with a kit for this car.  Man that would be one heck of a dash kit, replacing that entire section!  Probably it'd be pretty expensive and I doubt it will be available any time soon (if at all).

A simple line out converter tapped into the rear speaker leads will give you a good signal to send to the RCA inputs of an aftermarket 2-channel amp to push some subs.  If you did this you'd be able to keep the factory head unit and amps to power the main speakers.

Thanks for the reply. I'll check it out tomorrow and see what it looks like from behind. I've been afraid to get back there for fear of what may be waiting for me.  I'll look for a line out converter as that would most likely be the easiest way to go. 

Thanks for the info.

Man, I feel for you.  Mazada did something similar with their new 6.

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsGallery&modelYear=2003&vehicleCode=MZ6

The console has "holes" for the radio control poking through.  I think that's the new thing with automakers.  It seems like they are trying to compete with the aftermarket.  I mean, the new honda accord and acura tsx have in dash dvd navigation?  Makes it sooo much harder to work with.  But if you get any other info on how to do it, please share it.

I think what I am going to do is go the route of a line-out converter. The setup am putting in consists of:

2 - 12" JL 10W2s, 2 - PPI A50 amps, AudioControl 3xs crossover. I also have the option of using a phosgate punch 100, one of the older models from 93.

Any recommendations on what model/manufacturer line-out converter I should use? I haven't read too much into detail, but the stock stereo is a Bose 300 watt 8 speaker system. I haven't really searched for much info on these, but it appears fairly simple to install.

Yeah, they are using the display for nav, and if the system doesn't have nav installed, it is used to display info such as temperature, radio controls (station and CD info), trip computer, etc. Seems like they are doing it because they want to offer the nav on certain cars, but don't want to have two completely different installations going in their line, especially if one model is selling more than another. With the nav, it's just a display swap and a chip install.

Thanks in advance