I got a Honda RF1 Stepwgn recently and am looking to swap the radio out. That said, I have never swapped a head unit or done any AV before so I need to take it somewhere to get this done, but am not sure where to go.
My local Best Buy does installs, and theres several shops nearby that advertise installs, just don’t know if it being JDM is gonna hurt where i can go. Any suggestions?
by Legoboy514
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7 Comments
I want one of these vans.
shouldn’t be too difficult to install a radio. most audio shops should be able to do it. very likely to be the same wiring configuration used on domestic Hondas. older stuff is very simple and similar from model to model.
First off, sick van!!! The fact that it’s JDM shouldn’t make a difference. I swapped the radio and speakers in my wagon r without issue.
I recommend taking it to an independent car/marine audio shop. They will take care of you and you can feel good about supporting a small business.
Don’t go to Best Buy. I used to work there and have heard enough horror stories for a lifetime. The guys are underpaid and not well trained.
Wishing you all the best
Have two JDM cars both with US spec radios. Your answer is, it depends on if climate control and/or amplifier is hooked up. One car was really simple to install. The other required a climate control module from a model that did not have Navigation since the JDM factor radio had a bunch of integrated stuff. I’m about to help a friend with his Aristo which will be a pain since he has a factory integrated amplifier. He needs a different climate control and we are going to try out a company that makes a harness to hook up the factor amp.
If you are not going to do it, Id suggest you find a stereo shop in your area that has high reviews. It’s not difficult, but someone that has tools to trace and identify signals is what is required. I have no experience with Best Buy installs.
No idea but I LOVE Hondas and have never seen a van like this. Good luck!
Most vehicles of that era have a single DIN or a double DIN radio. It’s no different than any other car, wiring isn’t hard to sort out either.
On older cars it’s pretty much plug and play using an off the shelf ISO adapter.
Only point of attention is that Japan uses different frequencies for their radio recievers (including keyfobs and tire pressure sensors), but that shouldn’t be a problem on cars that just use a regular antenna and don’t have antenna amplifiers or the like.
There shouldn’t be any issues in terms of JDM and USDM. Btw, I love your Stepwgn. I fell in love with these when I was in the Philippines for 2 weeks, they have them LHD converted over there. Good luck!