2007 Ram Navigation Radio (REC) installation (PIC'S)
 

I knew when I bought this truck that since it did not have a Navigation radio that I would, at some point, install one.

Today was that "at some point" day.

The REC Navigation Radio was bought off E-Bay for $599.00, new in the box Chrysler kit.

I reviewed the instructions that came with the radio kit and it looked SOOOO easy!
Well...it isn't a hard install ...just a little involved.


A New radio/dash bezel was obtained off E-Bay for $87.00 and was also a Chrysler part. This does not come in the Radio Kit.


Enough talk...onto the pic's!

This is the truck.
2007 Ram 1500 Laramie, 4x4

http://images56.fotki.com/v542/photo...SCN8827-vi.jpg




The Laramie edition trim level includes a full center console.

This complicates the radio install because it needs to come out.

There are 2 screws that secure the bottom edge of the bezel to the dash. You can't remove the radio/dash bezel without removing those 2 screws...well... you can....if you want to break stuff.




Remove center console upper trim pan by pulling up on the edges 1st.

http://images108.fotki.com/v205/phot...SCN8789-vi.jpg




You will be able to pry the top panel up about 1/2" or so.


http://images57.fotki.com/v256/photo...SCN8790-vi.jpg






The 3 spring clips I'm pointing to are VERY hard to release. one here...

http://images50.fotki.com/v1515/phot...SCN8791-vi.jpg





here...

http://images50.fotki.com/v1529/phot...SCN8792-vi.jpg




And here.

http://images61.fotki.com/v1610/phot...SCN8793-vi.jpg




I tried my non-marring tool but it wasn't stiff enough. Ended up using a small Flathead screwdriver to CAREFULLY pry the clips up out of the retaining slots.

http://images42.fotki.com/v663/photo...SCN8794-vi.jpg




It gives a loud POP when it breaks loose. You need to pry up on each of the 3 clips. The other clips don't release themselves once you get one done.


http://images57.fotki.com/v505/photo...SCN8795-vi.jpg




Then the upper tray/pan can be pulled up and out.

http://images43.fotki.com/v504/photo...SCN8796-vi.jpg




The the bottom tray/pan has to come out as well. You also get to see how much coffee and pop you have spilled.

http://images43.fotki.com/v504/photo...SCN8797-vi.jpg




Only three 8mm screws need to be removed.

http://images15.fotki.com/v587/photo...SCN8798-vi.jpg





Then again, pull up to remove the bottom tray of the console.

http://images14.fotki.com/v384/photo...SCN8801-vi.jpg





Next, these 2 screws are removed.

http://images60.fotki.com/v361/photo...SCN8802-vi.jpg





Then this panel is easily pulled away and removed.

http://images51.fotki.com/v303/photo...SCN8803-vi.jpg





This next panel is what covers the 2 elusive screws. To remove you just pull the panel straight down. No need to remove the electrical connection, you can access the 2 screws with the panel laying on the floor.

http://images43.fotki.com/v504/photo...SCN8805-vi.jpg




This pic was taken with the camera on the floor, looking up. The 2 screws highlighted need to be removed. Once the screws are removed you can then pry off the radio/dash panel.

http://images50.fotki.com/v399/photo...SCN8808-vi.jpg





SO.. we have the center console out and thos two pesky screws are removed.

We can now finally start on the actual radio instal.


Here is what I started with.

http://images57.fotki.com/v300/photo...SCN8777-vi.jpg




I found the easiest way to start to remove the panel was to pry (with 2 hands) on the steering wheel side of the panel. Once this corner releases you can then easily get the others.

http://images55.fotki.com/v608/photo...SCN8778-vi.jpg





Here is where the 2 screws come up and secure into the bezel and dash.

http://images41.fotki.com/v9/photos/...SCN8787-vi.jpg




All the control connections release without too much trouble...except this one.I needed to use a small screw driver to help release the tab.

http://images42.fotki.com/v663/photo...SCN8779-vi.jpg



http://images108.fotki.com/v191/phot...SCN8780-vi.jpg





Remove these 6 screws and the old radio can come out.

http://images58.fotki.com/v513/photo...SCN8782-vi.jpg




Release the 10 pin and 22 pin connectors as well as the antenna.The Antenna actually pulled itself loose when I pulled the radio out to access the wire harness.

http://images58.fotki.com/v154/photo...SCN8785-vi.jpg




Then the tray/spacer comes out.

http://images51.fotki.com/v303/photo...SCN8786-vi.jpg






Left with a big empty space.

http://images59.fotki.com/v222/photo...SCN8750-vi.jpg


http://images58.fotki.com/v506/photo...SCN8744-vi.jpg






The dash needs to come out to gain access to where the GPS antenna will mount. Using the non-marring tool I lifted the very corner and inserted the tool...I pried up until the 1st retaining clip released.

http://images52.fotki.com/v1553/phot...SCN8751-vi.jpg

http://images9.fotki.com/v114/photos...SCN8752-vi.jpg






Then work your way across the dash. There are 10 clips along the front edge and 5 clips along the back edge to release.

http://images56.fotki.com/v774/photo...SCN8753-vi.jpg





Once all the front clips are released you can see the rear retaining clips.

http://images9.fotki.com/v120/photos...SCN8754-vi.jpg






To release the rear clips hold the dash as shown and give it a pull towards yourself.

http://images58.fotki.com/v448/photo...SCN8757-vi.jpg


http://images110.fotki.com/v302/phot...SCN8745-vi.jpg


http://images41.fotki.com/v9/photos/...SCN8758-vi.jpg






TO BE CONTINUED....









.

CONTINUED.


Here is a scan of the installation instructions that came with the Radio kit.

http://images59.fotki.com/v683/photo...ionspg1-vi.jpg



http://images50.fotki.com/v1571/phot...ionspg2-vi.jpg




http://images14.fotki.com/v777/photo...ionspg3-vi.jpg



http://images17.fotki.com/v62/photos...ionspg4-vi.jpg





Seems simple doesn't it!

New GPS Antenna

http://images52.fotki.com/v729/photo...SCN8748-vi.jpg




This is the spot on the dash where the GPS Antenna mounts.

http://images9.fotki.com/v114/photos...SCN8761-vi.jpg




You fish the GPS Antenna wire through this area of the dash. I used a screwdriver to show where.

http://images15.fotki.com/v587/photo...SCN8762-vi.jpg




The screwdriver tip as seen from the radio mounting hole.

http://images56.fotki.com/v774/photo...SCN8763-vi.jpg





The GPS Antenna mount area of the dash has 2 areas for screws but because the windshield is in the way you have no room to screw the Antenna down. The 3M adhesive tape that is already on the antenna is used to secure the GPS antenna to the dash.


http://images58.fotki.com/v450/photo...SCN8773-vi.jpg





Clean the mounting area of dust 1st then peel the red backing tape off the Antenna and stick the GPS Antenna to the dash.

http://images60.fotki.com/v662/photo...SCN8774-vi.jpg





I learned the hard way. Just brushed up against the edge of the radio opening. The stamped steel edge is razor sharp and WILL cut you if your not careful.


http://images14.fotki.com/v390/photo...SCN8809-vi.jpg





Once the GPS wire was fished through the dash I used the supplied foam tape to secure the extra length of wire.

http://images50.fotki.com/v1558/phot...SCN8775-vi.jpg






As shown in the instructions...it calls for more foam tape "here" to secure the GPS wire to the dash.

http://images55.fotki.com/v585/photo...SCN8776-vi.jpg






This pin/plate is to be removed before REC installation. It prevents Cd's from being inserted into the radio before installation.

http://images56.fotki.com/v1298/phot...SCN8765-vi.jpg



The new REC Navigation radio.

http://images49.fotki.com/v1496/phot...SCN8766-vi.jpg





Back side

http://images110.fotki.com/v615/phot...SCN8767-vi.jpg


http://images60.fotki.com/v662/photo...SCN8769-vi.jpg



http://images108.fotki.com/v205/phot...SCN8770-vi.jpg



http://images51.fotki.com/v424/photo...SCN8771-vi.jpg



http://images56.fotki.com/v127/photo...SCN8772-vi.jpg






Labels on top of REC unit.

http://images17.fotki.com/v62/photos...SCN8812-vi.jpg


http://images56.fotki.com/v168/photo...SCN8813-vi.jpg




I connected the GPS wire 1st, the main wire harness 2nd and then the AM/FM antenna 3rd.

http://images50.fotki.com/v1559/phot...SCN8814-vi.jpg





Then just slide the new Nav. Radio into the dash.

http://images15.fotki.com/v587/photo...SCN8816-vi.jpg





Only 4 screws secure the REC to the dash.

http://images59.fotki.com/v222/photo...Cscrews-vi.jpg





Then reconnect all your dash control wires and push the new radio/dash bezel into place.

http://images51.fotki.com/v102/photo...SCN8819-vi.jpg






Radio Mode

http://images51.fotki.com/v748/photo...SCN8820-vi.jpg





Navigation mode.

http://images9.fotki.com/v120/photos...SCN8821-vi.jpg





CD mode.

http://images58.fotki.com/v132/photo...SCN8822-vi.jpg





Satellite radio mode (I don't subscribe).

http://images61.fotki.com/v536/photo...SCN8823-vi.jpg






So there you have it.

It took me about 4hrs to install but I was also messing around with the camera.It could prob. be done in 1/2 that time or less.Depends on your experience I guess.


Now I just have to read the manual and learn how to work this thing and get familiar with all the bells and whistles.


Hope this helps anyone who may be thinking about this swap.





.

Nice write-up! Great Pics!
I copied this thread to the FAQ/DIY section located HERE
I also moved this to Audio/Visual for similar thread comparisons and search efforts.

Nice little Mod right there.

Thanks! This will help me install my aftermarket Double din Radio.

Very nice

Would you happen to know how to do similar work with a challenger body? I'd like to install a Navi system in my car as well and haven't found a detailed explanation as you did on the forum yet.

To my knowledge, the Challenger doesnt have a navigational bezel. That means one has to be custom made

I own the Ram, I'm not a pro installer so i have no other experience with installing this Nav. unit in another vehicle.

Aftermarket suff is pretty easy to instal if you have a grasp on automotive wiring.

My only advise is search the web for your vehicle and start reading. I'm sure there is a post out there somewhere that will give you an idea how to take things apart and in what order.

Good luck.

Did a quick google search, here's one of the 1st result's that came up.

http://www.challengertalk.com/forums...-install-5327/