[LinearGriffin]

Excellent write-up! This is one where you never have too many pics. :lol:

 

[jstockton]

Does anyone know if the trim kit from InCarTec is rubberized, flat or glossy?

 

[iamamused]

Does anyone know if the trim kit from InCarTec is rubberized, flat or glossy?

It's flat / rubberized and is a very close match to the surrounding OEM stock dash.

 

[jstockton]

- MIC:
I purchased an noise canceling mic to help with convertible noise. I mounted on the steering wheel column and ran the wires between the leather surround (that attached to the CIM and moves when you adjust the steering column) and the dash. This was very easy to do.

Which microphone did you get?

 

[iamamused]

Which microphone did you get?

An "Olympus ME-52 Noise-cancellation Microphone for Digital Voice Recorders", it was $20.

 

[black se7en]

Quick question - is there a reason why the setup is going from head unit amp output to the factory amps through a converter/step down? Why not simply use the head unit's pre-amp outputs to the factory amps using something like CT20SA04 or CT20SA05/PC9-415? I'd think that amp>converter>amp would be louder over all but wouldn't have the cleanest audio. Plus it would basically negate the power output matched from the factory amp to the factory speakers. I'd imagine that going from pre-amp to factory amp would have the least amount of noise and keep the factory amp/factory speaker match that Bose intended. That would preserve audio quality as well as prolonging the life of the speakers. Yes it may not be as loud but if you're going for loud you may as well do a complete audio setup with custom amps and speakers. Thoughts? Am I missing something?

 

[Mimmi]

I use HU pre-amp outputs direct to amplifier, works just perfect.

 

[black se7en]

I use HU pre-amp outputs direct to amplifier, works just perfect.

What wiring harness/adaptor did you use?

 

[Mimmi]

I modified HU wiring loom.

 

[black se7en]

First off, thanks iamamused for starting this thread. I wanted to give back by adding what I did and the parts I used to keep the info updated with parts availability, especially for those wanting to purchase in the USA. I wasn't able to find any InCarTec items locally so I looked at other manufacturers. One departure from iamamused's method was I hooked audio from the head unit's pre-amps to the factory amps rather from the head unit's amp'd outputs and then requiring a converter/step-down. It ended up being cheaper and, IMO having better audio quality.

Car Harness Adaptor:
Spiral Audio WH-0020
https://www.spiralaudio.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=345

Steering Wheel Control Adaptor:
Metra Axxess ASWC-1
https://axxessinterfaces.com/product/ASWC-1

Antenna Adaptor:
Metra 40-EU10
http://www.metraonline.com/part/Volkswagen_Antenna_40-EU10

Dash/Fascia Kit:
Connects2 CT24SA05
http://www.connects2.com/Product/ProductItem/CT24SA05

All parts were available on Amazon, eBay, or direct from the manufacturer.

Install went super easy. Match the colored wires from the car harness to the head unit harness and plug the labled RCAs into the pre-amps on the head unit.

Didn't have to cut any wires. I did have to source two wires though and I used T-taps for those. 1) 12v switched, energized when key is turned from LOCK to OFF 2) Illumination/Dimmer

1) 12v switched - Thanks to swedespeed7 this was very easy to find.
https://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=416026

2) Illumination/Dimmer - sourced this from the cigarette lighter/power port. Basically same as what iamamused did.

 

[Dark]

First off, thanks iamamused for starting this thread. I wanted to give back by adding what I did and the parts I used to keep the info updated with parts availability, especially for those wanting to purchase in the USA. I wasn't able to find any InCarTec items locally so I looked at other manufacturers. One departure from iamamused's method was I hooked audio from the head unit's pre-amps to the factory amps rather from the head unit's amp'd outputs and then requiring a converter/step-down. It ended up being cheaper and, IMO having better audio quality.

Car Harness Adaptor:
Spiral Audio WH-0020
https://www.spiralaudio.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=345

Steering Wheel Control Adaptor:
Metra Axxess ASWC-1
https://axxessinterfaces.com/product/ASWC-1

Antenna Adaptor:
Metra 40-EU10
http://www.metraonline.com/part/Volkswagen_Antenna_40-EU10

Dash/Fascia Kit:
Connects2 CT24SA05
http://www.connects2.com/Product/ProductItem/CT24SA05

All parts were available on Amazon, eBay, or direct from the manufacturer.

Install went super easy. Match the colored wires from the car harness to the head unit harness and plug the labled RCAs into the pre-amps on the head unit.

Didn't have to cut any wires. I did have to source two wires though and I used T-taps for those. 1) 12v switched, energized when key is turned from LOCK to OFF 2) Illumination/Dimmer

1) 12v switched - Thanks to swedespeed7 this was very easy to find.
https://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=416026

2) Illumination/Dimmer - sourced this from the cigarette lighter/power port. Basically same as what iamamused did.

Thank you for the update. I'm doing some research and would love to do this. What head unit did you go with?

 

[black se7en]

Thank you for the update. I'm doing some research and would love to do this. What head unit did you go with?

I went with a Kenwood Excelon unit. Works great!

 

[david482]

Thanks for all this great info as I am about to tackle this project with a Sony XAV5000. I have been looking at the radio and I have both fm and situsnin the factory radio 2007 convertible. It appears that one antenna wire carries both signals to the factory radio. Is there a splitter i have not yet tried to trace back the wires to see if I can find just the satellite connection behind the dash.

 

[scott47]

...
Steering Wheel Control Adaptor:
Metra Axxess ASWC-1
https://axxessinterfaces.com/product/ASWC-1
...

Hi,
I'm curious with the ASWC-1 unit, how did you hook it up? Did you use the GMLAN1 plug or tap into one of the SID wires?

I'm trying to get the same unit working in my '07 9-5 but it just doesn't work with the GMLAN1 plug. I've read that I can tap into a specific wire running from the SWC to the SID but I can't find exactly how that would work...

Thanks!
Scott

 

[Anthonybhoy]

I haunt want to thank you for the great how to guide. I had installed a pioneer app radio into my 93 and had an awful experience with the sound being too loud and horrible hissing even when the volume was muted. All you information has been awesome and I have now fixed my issue!

Thanks again

 

[901SaabNewbie]

Amazing Tutorial

;ol; Great tutorial..very detailed and informative love it. Long post warning!!!
I am in the U.S and I have a 2007 Saab 93 with the exact interior and factory but no facelift. Two questions tho. Will this work for my Saab because the ebay guy who sales the complete harness kit is not sure and after replying to a Saab oem radio youtube video, the guy replied that i must use the Tech II to "divorce" the radio from the car and "marry" the new aftermarket radio. Did you have to do that?

 

[Palaris]

Hello guys. First off all thanks for an amazing DIY guide. I'm from Poland and get on this theread accidentialy when searching for some advice hot to install an aftermarket HU in my 2011 Saab 9-3SS. I can buy InCarTec kit that iamamused used, but I've been thinking about what black se7en have written. Do You think it is possible to use just the steering wheel adapter and connect the rca cables (from the pre amps outputs of the HU) directly to the leads comming out from the adapter (taking them out from ISO connector and soldering or using some quick splice)? It will allow me to save about 40-50 bucks. Can You see any minuses of this solution?
Sorry for any mistakes I've made. English is not my native language, but I'm doing my best to make as few linguistic errors as possible.