'08 Saturn Sky Redline Upgrades

[@bullet2096]

I enjoyed the video and music.

[@cheapme1850]

Wouldn’t an inexpensive new headunit have been the better way to go instead of the separate screen? Much neater and better integrated and I can tell you you’d get much better sound than the generic GM radio.

[@johnlawrence2928]

Yes, the ultimate (and much neater) solution is a modern radio. Sadly, there's no such thing as an "inexpensive" new head unit that works well in a convertible. With the top down the sun makes most screens useless. There are head units available that aren't as bad but cost around $600 for the unit and appropriate harness. That's not exactly pocket change for me. If you'd like to contribute to my radio replacement fund I'll be happy to accept.

[@cheapme1850]

@@johnlawrence2928 Just offering a suggestion, especially with the tight space in the Kappas, but I guess it’s about priorities. For the cost of the screen and the LED lighting you could probably get a Boss headunit from Crutchfield that has a decent screen - at least as good as the stock one and as good as the add on screen - and for not much more you could get a Pioneer or Kenwood. I actually purchased a wirelessly Pioneer for $500 open box from BB. Prices have come down since the chip shortage so good deals are out there. I can’t offer you a donation but I have those exact same resistors you used for the LEDs - I tried to go the fancy light route but the resistors got so hot I was worried about them burning my car down so they’re sitting on a shelf because no one want to buy or even take them.

[@JohnnyH12]

Looks awesome! What do you have at the base of your wind deflector to hide the LEDs? I saw Afternoon Garage here on KZbin made an aluminum frame, but that might be above my skill set.

[@johnlawrence2928]

My wind deflector (WindRestrictor brand) has a small notch in the bottom that's 8 or 9 inches long. I cut a cobb led strip to fit under the notch.

[@JohnnyH12]

@@johnlawrence2928 awesome, thanks! How does the Velcro hold up in the wind? Any issues? I'd rather not drill into my car

[@johnlawrence2928]

@@JohnnyH12 The Velcro used to attach the WindRestrictor is industrial strength. It's not going to come loose on you. As noted in the comments I've done dozens of mods to my car and haven't drilled a single hole. There are existing pass throughs from trunk to cabin to engine compartment for everything but the largest cables.

[@JohnnyH12]

@@johnlawrence2928 Thanks again! You've made the decision easy for me!

[@RedAndGoldF8ful]

@johnlawrence2928 Nice video, along with very cool car mods! Sky Redline owner here too, stock everything. Gives me few ideas, thanks a lot!

[@transam790]

Do you have an install video for the dash lights? For me the factory setup is just too dim in the daytime.

[@johnlawrence2928]

I didn't create a video but the fix is fairly simple. I used an LED strip over the top of the instruments as shown in this video. If you'll remove the cover (pull straight toward you while in the driver's seat) and look down at the instruments you'll notice a gap between the instruments and the 'tunnels' in front of them. Use an LED strip long enough to cover the top and sides of that gap. Use any color you want, even RGB. Secure the strip with tape. Connect the strip to a switched circuit in the cabin fuse box using an add-a-fuse. Some owners have used a simple on/off switch, I used a dimmer with a remote that also controls brightness of the mood lighting (also as shown in this video).

[@transam790]

@@johnlawrence2928 thanks for the reply and instructions.

[@snkhill]

I can do without that countryass music!

[@johnlawrence2928]

I'm pretty sure you have a volume control. Hit mute!

[@gavinvalentino1313]

And mute your brainflatulence too. I'm a metalhead, but I enjoy a few minutes of bluegrass that reminds me of childhood trips to Busch Gardens.