Can a HU 'fascia' be detached and relocated?

**justintime** · 07-28-2005, 09:20 AM

I have an OEM Honda HU, which is Radio only (no CD PLayer) That I am planning to use as an amplifier via Aux adapter (thru CD changer).

Anyway, the HU itself barely fits in the spot I want to put it in. Is it possible to detach the 'fascia' where the volume knob and buttons are, and separate it from the case itself? I envision having the case located somewhere behind the dash, where there is plenty space, and then placing the fascia on the specific spot I had planned for.

This would assume that there are a number of wires running from the case to the fascia. Or I might just need to cut, extend and resolder...

Crazy idea?

**rsd212** · 07-28-2005, 09:28 AM

Really depends on the radio. My Mazda HU's face connects through two little connectors, so when I extend mine it will require soldering 20ish wires between the two, or finding those connectors. Only way to find out is to rip that HU out and see if it comes apart.

**justintime** · 07-28-2005, 04:48 PM

Thank you sir. I will rip apart and see what I find. If it works, I am golden!

EDIT: Was your HU detachable fascia to begin with? (did it have a detachable anti-theft facia?)

**rsd212** · 07-29-2005, 10:34 AM

No, the front face on mine was vital because it also included the mounting brackets, definately not designed to be taken apart. However, since faceplates are plastic and the radios will be metal chassis, I'd almost guarantee its a seperate piece.

**blackflux** · 07-29-2005, 10:49 AM

Are you talking about somethig like this?

**MatrixPC** · 07-29-2005, 11:30 AM

My GM AC/Delco/Delphi made OEM HU on the Matrix can be separate. There are connect by 2 connectors about 18+ wires.
The only way to findout is crack open it or if some one with similar unit already did it.

**justintime** · 07-29-2005, 12:41 PM

Well, I took my Honda radio apart (seems like it is made by Alpine, byt anyway...) and it appears that the front fascia and the unit itself are attached to each other by a connector. It seems to have 24 pins or so... Only solution would be to separate this, and wire each connector together with long cables, which seems very very risky to me. How could one possibly do this while at the same time properly insulating each solder point to avoid unwanted contacts/shorts?

Oh well, I will have to abandon that idea.

**rsd212** · 07-29-2005, 12:46 PM

Get better at soldering?
If you can find the actual connectors on Newegg or Mouser or something you may be in business. Buy the male and female and make your own cable between them.

**justintime** · 07-29-2005, 02:51 PM

Well, it does appear to be a very unique conector. I'm sure it can be found, but it is unlikely that newegg would carry something like this.

I might dis-assemble it again, and take a picture of it to see what you guys think.

Originally Posted by rsd212

Get better at soldering?
If you can find the actual connectors on Newegg or Mouser or something you may be in business. Buy the male and female and make your own cable between them.