I want to upgrade my stereo but I am not sure what to buy to install a new head unit. I want a double din but my question is about the a/c controls. Does anyone make a kit to use the existing basic ac controls? I have seen the touch screen stuff but mine doesn't have a touch screen. Do the $399 ($199 at Crutchfiled I think) kits come with built in ac controls to convert what I have to something else?

Thanks in advance!

 

Metra and Scosche both make kits that will adapt to your existing A/C system. IDataLink is "coming soon" with theirs. All three will work no problem. Need to know more about your build though before we can talk specifics.

 

You will have to get the dash kit (it's $399, they knock it down to $199 if you buy a head unit from Crutchfield at the same time) along with something called the PAC Interface, it's basically a bunch of wires & modules that allow you to interface in with your stock wiring, including steering wheel controls. It's another $130.

 

do a search here and you will find a bunch of info. I saw a couple of the Scosche kits on fleabay over the weekend going for about $200. It's not that hard to do, but you have to do a bit of research to make sure you have everything you need to do it right the first time.

 

I just received a message from iDatalink and a link that the kit is available starting today...

http://maestro.idatalink.com/maestro...g-dash_en.html

 

Thanks! I guess my question is, does the dash kit completely replace the ac controls or just have cut outs for the existing controls? That is where I am confused. The one we got for our Mazda left the stock AC controls alone and just had cutouts for all of that stuff. But it was not $200 either.

 

Hi,

See here: https://themustangsource.com/f811/ke...stangs-525300/

12V Guy

 

That looks like a lot of fun, but I am looking for something basic that plays music, on a budget. I know I can do better than stock.

 

You cannot retain the stock HVAC controls in a Mustang. That's why any install kit you choose is going to be spendy. The controls are built onto the same circuit board as the factory radio controls. You can thank Ford for that!

Sorry there isn't a better answer. Idatalink, Scosche and Metra all make kits, but they are all much more expensive than a basic install kit.

Cheers,

 

That's a bummer. Thanks for the information.