Just got my car back from the installer today--all the posts in this thread, and others detailing everything from pulling the dash apart, pulling door panels, details for wiring, etc. were a great help for the installer. Also provided the installer my new workshop manual as well to help with the install. Really took the mystery out of the install for him. They do a lot of install work but this was the first Solstice so again, with all the info I provided him from this thread and other install threads in a concise Word document with color pictures saved me money (material & time shop) and less chance for screw ups.

Very pleased with the results, such an improvement in sound quality. Need some adjustments--a bit too bright for my tastes, but that is adjustable. The MB Quart speakers are sooo clear and accurate.

Will posts photos of the install once we get back from my fishing trip to the East Cape of Baja this next week. Dynamat Extreme for the full inside--floors, back wall, trans tunnel, sub enclosure, and doors. Took a full bulk pack and a few more strips to get it all covered. Also photos of the VSS wire connection. Alpine amp mounted behind driver’s seat with front coming through the back wall. Mounted low on the wall where the depth is the greatest and no problems with seat travel, air ventilation--and no loss of truck space. The large MB Quart crossovers mounted behind the driver side back wall but do not punch through the wall like the amp. Installer used the existing threaded studs that the Monsoon amp were mounted with to bolt a 3/4" thick piece of MDF for mounting the amp.

New XM/Nav receiver mounted in factory location and used the existing factory XM antenna. GPS antenna mounted where others have installed it--on the top of the storage box on the back side of the waterfall. Very good signal.

Had a Boyo backup camera/license plate frame installed--great backup view! Installer said the mounting bolts were a nighmare--the bolts are recessed into the frame so it cannot be unbolted from the outside--but threading a nut on from the inside was a major time problem for them--took them at least an hour or so to complete this. Knew it made sense for me not to do this--getting to old for the install game.

Installer said they contacted the Pioneer tech folks who said there is a definite order for connecting the bluetooth adapter and the XM receiver to the H/U if you want the best results--they Daisy Chain together before connecting to the head unit, but the order in which you Daisy Chain is important. Believe my installer said the bluetooth then XM then to head unit. Will confirm.

They wired up my Gentex inside rear view mirror with auto dimming, Homelink, compass, outside temp & map light. Works like the factory one with the map light staying on for a short period of time after turning off the ignition and existing the car. Now to program the Homelink--no more separate garage door remote that I have to lock up in the glove box when parking and leaving the top down.

Love the iPod direction connection and operation with the head unit. Just have to remember to lock the glove box up. Sound is great. Do not like the fact the song starts from the beginning once turning off the ignition and then starting the car back up. Possible there is a work around on this.

Have to finish packing for the fishing trip and cut this off, but will be bringing the operation manual with me on the trip for some reading--this H/U does so much and so many things to learn to operate it efficiently. Very happy with this H/U--love it! Thanks to all for the input.

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GXP--Cool / 5-Spd.

TSW Nogaro 19" Rims, 245/40ZR-19 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx XL Tires, M/F 3" Exhaust, Norm's Cowl Panels & Side Skirts, Gentex Rear View Mirror, Stubby Antenna, Little Chromies, Momo Shift Knob, Hand Brake, & Floor Plates, Full Interior Reupholstery.

Stereo Upgrade: Kenwood DNX8120 w/Garmin Nav, iPod, DVD, XM, Bluetooth, Rear Camera, Alpine PDX-4.150 Amp, MB Quart QSD 216 6.5" Speakers, 8" Boston Sub, Full Dynamat Interior.