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Retrofitting The 03 DVD Option Into An 02

jackalanche

jackalanche

Charter Member
PM 2015
SM 2008
SM 2003
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Mar 4, 2002
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OK, the time has come for me to post one of those "what do you guys think?" questions. You folks who traffic on this A/V forum are miles ahead of me, so I ask -

1. How tough would it be to install the 03 DVD option in the 02?

2. And if so, why not in a sunroof-equipped Av - replacing the dome light unit? (I know that they don't offer the 03 DVD option in the SR-equipped Avs, is their reason valid?)

thanks for any informative (or even non-informative :2: ) replies
 
I went to 3 different shops and none of them suggested the overhead display with sunrood because of lack of bracing points behind the headliner....in AV w/sun the headliner drops down a few inches to accomadate the SR sliding back...all of them suggested headrest mounted if no sunroof then it is ok....can get an aftermarket setup a lot cheaper than the 03 version :B:
 
so it's a question of headliner support for the weight of the DVD screen then. I guess that makes sense, if the unit is any heavier than the dome/courtesy light unit that sits in there right now.
 
I am not an A/V expert by any means, but you may want to look into installing LCD's in the rear side of the headrests of the driver and passenger front seats. I am interested in doing this in the future (funds permitting).
 
Goo, how did you glue that thing up there? You mentioned added support, I never thought there would be room for anything between the headliner and the window track without totally stripping the headliner and working from there.
 
Hey, Jack, I mounted my drop-down LCD panel on a stalk in the back of the console, in the cubby between the rear a/c vents. Children seem to be happy with that.

No permanant mounts to the truck, it comes out easily for storage or security. Plus, if I want to go to a larger screen someday (funds permitting), I don't have to re-do the whole installation.

-k.
 

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olsontru said:
Goo, how did you glue that thing up there? ?You mentioned added support, I never thought there would be room for anything between the headliner and the window track without totally stripping the headliner and working from there.
Click to expand...

Detailz Audio did this one for Ty Laws EXT. You can email or contact them from their website. I am sure you can find someone locally to do it for the AV.
 
Well here is my opinion. You can do anything as long as you have money. Would it make fiscal sense? probably not. You will typically find it's cheaper or get better quality for the same price by going aftermarket.

I guess Iif I understood what's driving you: using OEM equipment or that location? I know some may disagree but I had to keep the sunroof closed most of the time with the shade thingie closed when I wanted to watch the screen because of the sub glare. Granted it's always sunny here but something to consider. I think you could many MANY better locations in our rig to mount screens.

I don't want to speak prematurely but I am working with a local fiberglass place to re-do my front console that will hold a 7 inch screen.
 
this 10" screen wieghs 2.8 lbs, for instance:

205-208m.jpg


and it includes courtesy lights and/or a dome light
 
ok, here are my motivations for the single, roof mounted screen:

1. single screen (hopefully swivelling when only 1 kid watching) means only 1 purchase of a screen

2. aside from head rest location, I can't think of another location that is nicely out-of-the-way.

3. I suspect, but don't know, that the headrest location is screen-size limited.

4. as for the GM oem inquiry, I tend to favor an original equipemnt look wherever possible, although other considerations (cost, quality) can outweigh this criteria
 
Has anyone seen the DVD system in an '03. Can anyone post a picture - or reference another thread that might have a pic of this?

I WANT ONE TOO!
 
wrchism said:
Has anyone seen the DVD system in an '03. ?Can anyone post a picture - or reference another thread that might have a pic of ?this?

I WANT ONE TOO!
Click to expand...

Look at page three of TonyM's photo gallery.

My '03 has arrived (W/Pictures)
 
jackalanche said:
this 10" screen wieghs 2.8 lbs, for instance:

205-208m.jpg


and it includes courtesy lights and/or a dome light
Click to expand...

Jackalanche, you might have missed a previous post Ordered my Stuff today
RBBRMADE has installed that exact (I believe) unit into his SR Avy. Incredible detail on the mount bracket he fabbed. RBBRMADE is DA SR MONITOR MAN :cool:

opened.jpg

 
You ca put a 7" widescreen in the headrest or a 5.6" standard screen. But how big does it need to be, you are less than two feet from it.
I installed 5" screens in my headrests. and you can see them fine, if you go with a roof mounted screen you can't use your rearviev mirror at all.
Click on my link and you can see how good they came out.
If you want I can install them for you for a small fee
 
Another option is the rear of the console. (See pix)

113-1331_img.jpg
 

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Added this to the wifes new Tahoe.
My guy said he could get it for:
with or with out A/C
With or with out sunroof
and in Graphite or shell
 
I put in a new head unit with a dvd player and dual zone you can listen to the radio and they can hear the movie Its a pioneer DVH P7000
 
I've started looking into screens because I'm getting more and more interested in them.
KEC makes some really nice screens. They have this 10" that is amazing. It was so clear I was amazed.
I'm learning that Audiovox is on the lower end, (sorry if you have it).
I've seen a lot of screens that get fussy if you aren't looking at them straight on. The KEC's stay clear at any angle. So when you're looking for screens. Stand in front and then move to the side a little and see if the picture gets fussy.
Dealing with the sunroof isn't that difficult. When you mount your screen to the headliner, be sure it is secure. Remember, you're going to be opening and closing the screen, so it needs to withstand the backwards and forwards rocking motion when the screen is moved.

I like he headrest displays for a neat installation. I've yet to see any overhead screens that match the interior. They always look like an after thought.
Should be a fun project though either way you go.

 
NYAVALANCHE

That is a nice console setup in the picture. Is that yours and if so, who makes it and at what price range?

Millerman
 
this place sure is a great resource for ideas from guys who actually did it - my interest in this is drven by the fact that I have a little boy (Sam, 20 months) and another one on the way, and I am new to this Dad game but as near as I can tell, entertaining the kid(s) on those longer car rides is the name of the the game . . .

questions: NY Av, is that center console (or at least the rear piece) a custom job, or can it be bought? (nice install on the head unit in the front console, btw)

Rbbrmade, did you need to add any support to the roof liner?
 
I guess I should have actually visited an 03 Av first before wondering if the 03 headliner DVD unit would work in a SR '02 - I now see that the good folks at GM used a massive DVD console with screen and player that would intrude on the SR area, but as for my original title, if I had a non-SR equipped 02 I would consider getting the OEM DVD setup from an 03, perhaps a takeoff or a wreck. As for me (SR issues) I have moved on to aftermarket DVD solutions.

just wanted to clear up any misconception I may have planted re the GM DVD unit.
 
Come on jackavalanche, don't tell me you're giving up that fast. Nothing is impossible, you just have to be creative.
 
Jason ol pal, I will get wickedly creative if nec, but that freaking GM DVD screen and player ceiling unit is simply too freakin' long and, I suspect, heavy! At least for a good ol sunroof Av boy like me.

NYAV is gonna let me have a peek at his set up this Sat, he has a console mounted screen and a front visor screen for front seat passenger - wow keeping my wife and the kid(s) occupied on long drives - VERY ATTRACTIVE PROPOSITION

I have three serious mods lined up: second battery a la what Helmut did, a converter with 120v plugs, and a DVD player with one or more screens for back seat passengers and perhaps the front seat passenger. It will happen!!
 
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