MP3, GPS, SD, USB 4 SUV. OK?

June 6, 2010 10:11 AM

I need a COMPLETE in-dash GPS-Stereo-Mp3 solution for a 2001 Lincoln Navigator to replace the factory soul-crushing CD/Cassette pile of disappointment.

The actual question is the last paragraph below :-)

I have a 2001 Lincoln Navigator that I love. 38000 miles, looks, runs and rides like its brand new, but the factory stereo is WORTHLESS. am/fm 6-CD changer and cassette. I haven't bought a CD on over 6 years or a cassette in 20. Right now its only saving grace is that I can use a cassette adaptor to listen to my ipod or generic MP3 player. I also use a Garmin Nuvi GPS as an SD card reader (it has a headphone port) to listen to music that way through the stereo. I seem to use the Nuvi as my most frequent music source. I also use the Nuvi's Bluetooth for my phone.

The FM modulators anymore (even the ones built into these devices) just aren't good enough to give me the sound quality I want (I listen to a lot of classical) and have bought at least half a dozen over the years, all disappointing, and of course add another level of tech/cable/device to the mix. Additionally, it seems in my area (northeast US) there is something on almost every frequency.

All the cables and power cords and bolt-ons make it a cluttered mess and I feel is very unsafe when driving, especially if one wants to switch devices.

This is where you come in, hive-mind.

I got excited when I saw this, but its only for 2005+ Ford Expeditions/Lincoln Navigators. What a bummer.

Here's what's important feature-wise:

Must have-
-Must have the form factor to fit in the existing spot without a major mounting kit. a minor kit is fine, but I don't want a unit that is 1/3 the size of the hole in my dash with 2/3 being mounting kit :-)
- Play MP3s from an SD card on front
- GPS in dash on a screen 4.3" or larger
- AUX port on front
- Touch Screen, but some dials /buttons are OK


Would like to have, but not necessary-
- Bluetooth
- Play MP3s from a USB on front
- Powered USB on front
- On-screen Ipod Controls
- Multiple AUX inputs
- AUX input on rear of unit

Couldn't Care Less About-
-CD
-DVD
-BluRay
- Cassette :-)
-Remote Control

Absolutely Do Not Want -
- Motorized flip-up screen

Note-
I have steering-wheel controls for the volume, which i would like to retain, but will sacrifice for the right unit.

I need a complete solution compatible specifically with the 1998-2002 Navigator. if there isn't a "factory fit out of the box" like the one in the link above out there, what unit AND what parts/cables/harnesses do I also need to make it work?

Thanks in advance, gang!

posted by sandra_s to Technology (10 answers total)

Crutchfield has what you're looking for.
posted by Jon-o at 11:19 AM on June 6, 2010

Response by poster: Sorry, Jon-0, but the 4 that crutchfield has that they say fit are all the small form factor and motorized flip-top screen.
posted by sandra_s at 1:08 PM on June 6, 2010

Response by poster: P.S. Why flip-up screen doesn't work: the Bezel around the stereo and climate controls of the 1998-2002 navigator sticks out further than the face of the stereo and therefore wont let the flip-up display stand vertical.
posted by sandra_s at 1:10 PM on June 6, 2010

If that one you linked to physically fits in the dash there's probably a way to make it work. It might involve custom mounting, a custom wiring harness, modifying some things, etc. It's probably not a DIY job. I'd check with the manufacturer of the unit and talk to a local car audio shop. They'll probably have additional ideas for you. In any case, definitely talk to a local shop. You're going to need the expertise. And not a place like Best Buy that happens to install car stereos.
posted by 6550 at 2:09 PM on June 6, 2010

So, your Navigator came with the big headunit, not the narrow one, right?
posted by Jon-o at 3:35 PM on June 6, 2010

Hmm... I took another look around. It appears that your year Navigator came with a single-DIN size headunit. Car stereos come in two basic industry standard sizes, single-DIN and dual-DIN. Single DIN is the short one of a standardized size and Dual DIN is twice the height. If your car came with a Single DIN unit, the flip-up style screen is going to be the easiest way to accommodate the large screen required by a touch-screen navigation set up. Depending on the dash-trim, there might be aftermarket mounting kits that allow the Single DIN flip up unit to extend far enough out that it clears the HVAC bezel.
This installation is likely going to require the expert custom fabrication and experience of someone who does this kind of installation for a living. Most aftermarket installations require some customization and, most importantly, compromise.
posted by Jon-o at 3:43 PM on June 6, 2010

Response by poster: My factory one is a Dual-DIN. Its like 2 stereos on top of one another.

I did talk to two shops. They wouldn't tell me what models they would use (and I didn't expect them to), but I got 2 prices. $3700 and $4100. Sorry, on a 9 year old vehicle, four grand is never going to happen. :-)
posted by sandra_s at 5:11 PM on June 6, 2010

I got a Pioneer system to replace the in-dash one for my 2005 Lincoln Town Car. It plays my Ipod, my XM radio, and regular radio, and also hooks with my phone via Bluetooth, or any other Bluetooth device. I also replaced my speakers and put in a great subwoofer, but I'm quite an audiophile. Car Toys offers some good choices and reasonably priced service to do it all for you.

I'd suggest you think again about the GPS . . . I alternate in my cars between using a Garmin nuvi or my Motorola Droid. Both are better GPS systems, and way more up to date, than any in dash model. Also, there is tons to be said for a GPS you can take with you on bike rides, trains, other cars, and walks.
posted by bearwife at 6:24 PM on June 6, 2010

I should add that with all the bells and whistles, my bill was $2700 for my Lincoln's sound system upgrade at Car Toys -- with a no interest deferred finance charge deal that made paying for it all completely painless.
posted by bearwife at 6:26 PM on June 6, 2010

For example, this unit might work for you. Here's an interesting page of suggestions for your vehicle make/model from the Pioneer site.

I also forgot to mention that the Car Toys guys managed to link my receiver with my steering wheel controls. Very nice.

Leaving now . . . sorry, love my Lincoln and Pioneer receiver . . . . good luck on this.
posted by bearwife at 6:43 PM on June 6, 2010