Nissan Skyline GT-R Replacing the Radio Headunit

Guide on replacing the radio headunit in 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R. Replacing an old Pioneer CD player for a new Alpine IDA-X100 car stereo.

Tools Required for Replacing the Radio Headunit

• Phillips Screwdriver

Replacing the Radio Headunit Step 1

The first two screws we need to remove are located behind the ashtray. Pull the tray out, and behind you should see two large screws. These hold the centre panel, which we need to remove.

Replacing the Radio Headunit Step 2

Depending on how much room you have, you can get away with only partially removing the centre panel. Once the screws have been removed, you can pop the clips and pull the panel away. The panel also goes over the steering wheel and up to the door. You may be lucky and not need to remove it completely.

Replacing the Radio Headunit Step 3

With the panel clear, you should be able to see four screws holding the cage on. There are two below the cage and two at the top, one on either side.

Replacing the Radio Headunit Step 4

The cage should now be free from the chassis, and you can remove the screws holding the radio to the cage.

Replacing the Radio Headunit Step 5

Slight problem with the areal connectors; my GTR is fitted with a banana clip-style connector while the areal on the new head unit has a coax-style connector. I don't listen to the radio anyway, so I left these loose and wrapped them in tape.

Replacing the Radio Headunit Step 6

Replacement is the exact reverse procedure, but you should remember to screw the head unit to the cage again because Nissans ground through the chassis, not the loom. If you put everything back together again and strange things happen, like the alarm going up and down, no power to the radio and so on, check your grounding.

Alpine iDA-X100 - In Car iPod Radio Review

I was looking for an in-car music device where I could change the music I was listening to quickly without hunting down one of many scratched CDs. The solution had to be some digital music management system, either a USB device or a Hard Drive unit, so I looked on various websites and forums until I found the Alpine iDA-X100.

Now that I have my iPod all set up how I want it (no thanks to iTunes!), I set about installing my new Alpine iDA-X100.

I was looking for a solution that didn't involve 30+ CDs rattling around in the glove box and getting scratched up. I was looking for a solution that meant I could quickly change what I was listening to without hunting down a particular CD. The solution had to be some digital music management system, either a USB device or a Hard Drive unit, so I looked on various websites and forums until I found the Alpine iDA-X100. It looks great and is easy to use. I did more research into the unit, and everybody is praising it. Only one problem - I didn't have an iPod! After some net trawling, I got the Alpine and a new iPod Nano 8GB delivered for around £330.

The Alpine iDA-X100

The radio features a large control dial on the front, which functions like the iPod wheel, and a few buttons on the front. The right-hand side of the unit is dominated by a large colour TFT display used to show track information and album art.

Once the unit was installed, I quickly plugged in my iPod, which the unit found immediately. It presented me with a list of the music on it. Using the front wheel (double-action encoder) to scroll and pressing it into select made changing the albums lightning fast. The unit also sounds amazing, with clear, undistorted bass and crisp and sharp trebles.

I also tested the unit with a standard USB memory stick (thumb drive), and the unit functions the same as when the iPod is connected, except that you do not get album art through a USB stick. Album/Track navigation is just as quick.

So, you are looking for a similar in-car media solution. In that case, I recommend the Alpine iDA-X100 iPod USB Digital Media Receiver.