More progress. Yay. Getting stuff done!
PROTIP #1:
If you have a fancy-ass template you just drew up and need to transfer to a 2x4' sheet of MDF, don't cut it out with scissors, tape it on, and trace it! I used to do that before I realized that 1)all that paper cutting takes FOREVER and 2)you still have to align each piece perfectly and tape them in place. Now, I've decided to spray some Super 77 on the printed sheets and stick them to the MDF, smoothing the whole thing down with a fiberglass spatula/scraper.
PROTIP #2:
don't even bother trimming the template and peeling away the excess paper. Just add Dremel + router attachment + Rotozip wood cutting bit. You can cut this stuff almost right on the line, without too much deviation.
The time saved is definitely worth the somewhat rough edges created by the Rotozip bit on MDF.
Oh, and I also got around to installing the new version of the DCGM09. It's a different shape from last year's black one, but it also has an option to adjust the chime volume. HERE'S SOME WIRES!!!
Everything rewired and reassembled:
Now I have to make like a tranny and tuck it back. This is actually the hardest part, since there was barely any room for the factory radio and harness, and now I have to jam a larger harness and a bunch of crimpcaps and butt connectors, another 4pair speaker wire, 4 pair RCA cables, and the damn DCGM09 box into this little space...
There we go:
Things the DCGM09 gave me that the standard GM wiring harness on a Pioneer head unit didn't have:
12v+ switched on the head unit (no more having it still on with the keys out)
Check Oil Chime
Low Fuel Chime
Seatbelt Chime
Headlights on, igniton off Chime (no more leaving my lights on!)
Leaves head unit powered up with keys out of the ignition until door is opened
Sends "okay" pulse signal to car's diagnostic computer (hopefully that gets rid of the false "emissions system" error code and check engine light)
Other things I'd like to do to the car this summer, not necessarily in order:
New brakes
New tires
160A alternator
Diode Isolated battery coupler
Optima yellotop battery
Voltmeter/Ammeter
3 10" Pioneer shallow mount subs (in the rear deck)
Pioneer Premiere 6.75" component fronts (have to make new door panels and tweeter pods)
Pioneer Premiere 6.75 rears (in the doors, not the rear deck. Have to make new door panels)
New 4 channel amp
New Head Unit
MAYBE 8" screen in the dash. I don't know if I'm putting the xbox in the car yet or not...
More Dynamat
New fiberglass headliner with amps/caps built in
Window tint
Trailer hitch for bike rack
So ummmmm...yeah. I can probably get that all done by fall if I have the money. Oh, and I also have 4 sony marine 6.5"s and a cd player to stick in The Plank if it floats, and subs to put in Jen's car! INSTALL SEASON, I MISSED YOOOOO!!! <3 <3 <3