C5 Corvette Product Development | Tripleds UPDATE | MaxDin

[@billypurdy8581]

Keep pushing on MAX DIN! The C5 crowd will come around even if the price hurts their feelings.

[@dennisbright9659]

This is awesome for the c5 community!! Very cool can’t wait to

[@coreysteinhauser1191]

Great to hear about the progress! Us C5 guys are loving these updates. Also (recent electrical engineering graduate) if you’re ever looking for development ideas, reach out, I’m an avid fan and am loving where Knightdrive is heading!

[@KnightDriveTV]

Working on it...lots of things planned for 2024...just gotta get past these hurdles. Congrat on graduating.

[@carllarsen2769]

These update videos make me really miss my C5. I bought your headlights but sold the car before getting them installed, so I never got to enjoy them. Now with the max din, I'm really considering buying another but a Z06 this time. I just wanted to thank you for putting all the time and R&D into producing these products for a car that I feel has been forgotten in the aftermarket world.

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Looks awesome!

[@solbaid008]

Personally I love seeing the behind the scenes of the operation. It really humanizes the business and gives me even more respect for what you're doing and what you've been able to accomplish so far.

[@KnightDriveTV]

I appreciate that. Thats the goal of why I am doing the videos and business this way. I hope it can really keep growing and maintain behind the scenes feelz.

[@Stingroo]

Super stoked. Loving the updates. Totally in to beta test! 😎

[@Cool_Mellow_Man]

Just ordered my headlights last night! Can’t wait to get them. Super excited for the C5 max din!

[@KnightDriveTV]

Me too!

[@Cool_Mellow_Man]

@@KnightDriveTV are the max dins going to be able to have front and rear cameras integrated in?

[@gregcosta7759]

I ordered round sleepy eye for my z06 can't wait

[@djones1678]

Cant wait for the c5 max din!!🙂🎉

[@joemandy271]

Looking forward to when this becomes available. Great upgrade for the C5

[@anthonyhouse6702]

I can’t wait until these release

[@knightlabbs]

If you cut the cage like most have to do with installing the double din any way, I think you can move the brain part of the unit down drastically making the plug ins much easier.

[@KnightDriveTV]

No cutting here...the hardware box sits very high anyway and easily fits in the space of the original radio unit. The vette guy in me doesnt want to see any cars chopped up...lol

[@richardelliott8352]

@@KnightDriveTV I once cut the dash to put a very nice radio upgrade into an old jag I had. even though the finished install results were just as nice as planned, in time I realized cutting the dash was a mistake, and vowed to never cut a dash again. because with old cars you want everything to be reversible. because if the car becomes old enough , the modern improvement will become obsolete, and out of place. whereas the original will still be correct to the car. as everyone knows, one can restore a car as original or as modern. the modern choice is valid, but is unending as tech advances.

[@rev.lelandcore4875]

@@KnightDriveTV I agree, the beauty is not cutting and that gives value to the unit and installation

[@drwright7]

You're heading in the right direction! Just keep pushing! I think the response from the C5 guys will be much better than the C6. We need this! Love the updates. I'm a fan 😁

[@KnightDriveTV]

I think you're right, but I dont want to get my hopes up

[@samcarlile647]

I can’t wait for the C5 Maxdin to be ready!

[@suboptimal4539]

I cant wait to get my hands on these!! my stereo NEEEDS and overhaul asap!

[@engineman02]

track day in the S2k!!

[@user-yn6no5hm6h]

I'm wanting one more and more with each video. The call quality sounds great. I'm sure the beta users will be able to help with some of the issues you're running into. Keep up the amazing work!

[@KnightDriveTV]

I like to get the big issues out of the way, then dig in a little more with beta. The advantage for C5, is the majority of the small issues are being wiped out by the C6 crowd, as their unit shares most of the UI. The testing on C5 will really just come down to verifying we have audio across the board, hvac is good to go and installation issues don't arise. C5 guys are in a good position due to the C6 unit being released earlier this year.

[@DavidDaniel-tf2ju]

I am super excited for the C5 Din interface. In my mind in todays economy if it is less than $2000 I think it is reasonable. You probably have a lot of NRE in developing this unit. I know I will be very interested in it based on this price. Thanks

[@KnightDriveTV]

I appreciate it. I tend to agree.with you, but some do not. Were this 2019, I think the cost would be different, but there are factors across the board that really impact development costs and things today. This is the best I can muster...I'm a guy in a garage. I have low overhead, efficient processes, etc. If this were big brand itd be 2000+ all day long.

[@TheMagicBambi]

Yeah I'd have to agree on the pricing being a "deterrent". An amazon double din bezel for $50 and a nice touchscreen radio for less than $400 seems like a better option for the majority of us.

[@BasinMotorsports]

I don't have any suggestions to add on how to make everything on the Max-DIN better, but as an engineer I can see the thought process going through every little revision. There is so much there that most buyers would never recognize the R&D to get the product to market. As you and Lace both say, "It won't be for everybody." Nothing ever is. All you can do is try for the middle of the Bell curve to get most of the market.

[@mikehall5064]

I can’t wait to get one

[@greggdepalma-vu8dr]

Def fix the box in the car so just the face removes anll the plug connections can be done while the box is being installed Then make the final connections to the screen or face as that last bezel snaps in like an old school detachable face radio If you can design it like that I think installation is ez This also helps your concern of the weight being help by the pinch system because the box is bolted into the car Nice Product looking forward to the final system Good luck

[@KnightDriveTV]

Yep, certainly agree...working on it.

[@MiamisFinestUnseen]

You may be interested in how Joying radios connect their screens. It’s actually pretty ideal.

[@tcolesen]

Joying screens are also a decent amount smaller, and I'm guessing a decent amount lighter. Could make a difference? I'm sure there's some lessons learned, though! (FWIW my C5Z has a Joying stereo)

[@TenchiFreak5]

I think people just dramatically underestimate how hard it is to get something like this in a state where you plug it in to the factory systems and harnesses and it just works and looks like it belongs; even before you consider the smaller buyer pool than there is for the Civics and F150s that the Chinese units on Amazon cost. I owned a 2003 911 until last year and I bought the plug and play modern upgrade radio that Porsche themselves made; and despite the fact that that unit doesn't replace that car's *also* troublesome HVAC controls, and was made in bulk by Porsche, when all was said and done to get that wasn't any cheaper than this setup made by mostly one guy for an even smaller potential buyer pool than the people daily driving similarly-aged 911s and Boxsters. And even though that came straight from Porsche to work specifically with only two (extremely similar) models, that also had bugs and glitches.

[@KnightDriveTV]

Its definitely got its challenges, no question. We have about 300 units out in customer hands at this stage. Its going well, but its been very hard to recapture the investment.

[@jacobhughes9580]

What about adding an extra harness to connect to the main harness, then to the stereo? Give the main harness some slack, and make it easier to plug in

[@jbcope1000]

Been waiting for the c5 Max din since i saw the c6 one drop. I'm rocking the factory deck until i can get this

[@blazinwithjames8449]

Need that c5 screen

[@KnightDriveTV]

Its gettin there

[@sammyc1234]

Subed and interested. Picking up a z06 c6 soon and this will be something I would like to add

[@KnightDriveTV]

Appreciate it! KnightDriveTV MaxDin Support group on fbook has all the owners.

[@nashrambler5246]

I ordered bezels six months ago, I am very much looking forward to receiving them so I can complete my car. 😎 👍🏻

[@KnightDriveTV]

I didnt release the bezel prebuy until the last 3 days of August so...just sayin. I appreciate the support, the mold company has it all but it got delayed due to the supplier losses and that issue requiring a design change. If you need a refund or dont want to wait, please email me and let me know.

[@nashrambler5246]

@@KnightDriveTV I don’t doubt I got the dates wrong, I buy so much for the car I always forget details. 😝 Heck no I don’t want a refund, I may be looking forward to them more than even you. LOL!!! I love my headlights and they work perfectly. Everyone always asks me where I got them and I tell them all to visit your KZbin channel. 👍🏻

[@swmelter13]

Love the product and appreciate your effort. Perfectly understand about the pricing. I have an aftermarket double-din in my C5 but will replace it with this as soon as available. Let me know how to commit and provide a deposit and I will be all in. Good Luck and keep pushing forward!

[@KnightDriveTV]

Sounds great! Look out for updated videos announcing the first round

[@SunGxdRa]

Looks good!

[@robsnell4429]

I like the concept but I would prefer the units outer frame be molded into the bezel for a more factory look. It looks like it is just stuck onto the front. If I could obtain the outer frame that goes around the screen I could do this. Then the bezel could have a mold made for the screen. Kind of like the Vettenutz double din bezel. This would be a favorable option.

[@KnightDriveTV]

The product wont be for everyone and if the product fails to sell, then it fails to sell. People have made it abundantly clear they wont pay a certain amount for the unit and money is where the rubber meets the road. That being the case, any possibilities of doing the development, incurring the mold fees, logistics, CAD development and steps to create the product you describe are FARRR outside the boundaries of what people are willing to pay, regardless how it fits. This unit will be compared to a double din and a vettenuts bezel regardless how it fits. Double dins are universal, dont run hvac and wont connect to the cluster I intend to develop later. People have choices in life and many will choose a double din, choose cutting their dash up and a installing a bezel that doesnt match their interior. To each their own. The free market will speak with their dollars and I have failed at many things in life...many folks predict this will be another. So be it.

[@ryleynoyes]

At 10 minutes. If you mount the main unit into the metal frame and just have a harness going to the screen portion, it looks like that will solve the issue of wire length and alleviate concerns of the unit flying out. I think you already are at the sa.e conclusion yourself.

[@KnightDriveTV]

Yeah, thats likely the direction we will be going. Extending the oem harness is trickier than remotely mounting the main hardware box, then just having a display harness. The costs will end up cheaper, and adding more cost is what I am trying to avoid.

[@3kevin88]

Price wise I don’t understand most people thinking it’s that crazy, to do what I originally had planned with mine was looking at 1300 to fix and upgrade my HVAC control and head unit with the required good fitting bezel. This is a whole better system and in one complete package. I am a part of the founding members purchase of the headlight bezels and I am excited for when these will be ready for beta testing, I am a collision technician with plenty of experience with wiring repair pin outs etc and a lot of experience on plastic repairs as well if that helps my case for beta testing lol

[@KnightDriveTV]

I'm with ya, believe me...I look at double dins, the bezel, the failing and dim hvac module parts, the work required for a double din and it seems like a no brainer but man the C6 crowd talks like I'm robbing their kids of their future with this thing...lol

[@jbcope1000]

@KnightDriveTV I really don't understand the hate that comes from the corvette crowd. If you do anything outside the box to your car, you get drug through the mud. Max din has OEM fitment in the C6. If they don't want it, they should just move along.

[@3kevin88]

@@KnightDriveTV I have noticed that the c6 crowd is…….. ill just say weird to be nice but especially my area the c5 people love functional upgrades to make the cars better than factory maybe a few quirks, somethings that isn’t perfect but neither was the OEM stuff but the c6 crowd seems to think everything OEM is godliness and anyone that try’s to make it better thinks you’re just wrong and look for any excuse to hate. The corvette crowd will always be divided by the cheap people, the all stock or you have ruined it, and the Fast And functional crowds and they will never agree lol

[@daleshafer7070]

Hope your looking at front and rear view cameras on the maxdin

[@KnightDriveTV]

We have both included with the C6 units already

[@justencaron9209]

Why not make an extension and remote connect the unit. Ill buy it when it comes out

[@justchillinlikeavill]

I'd make extensions for the wiring

[@justincogdill7335]

I have about 2500 set aside for this unit just in case it really is that much. Hoping for 1800 realistically but still cant wait.

[@KnightDriveTV]

Definitely wont be in 2000+ range, so youre safe.

[@techandgadgets4u]

Possibly add an adapter extender to the plugs. 3D Build a clip that will hold the screen in that screws into that existing hole.

[@KnightDriveTV]

We are considering an extension harness. I was able to get it plugged and unplugged, its just tight. I hate to add cost with any additional parts, but it may be unavoidable.

[@RicheySynthetics]

One of the problems with DHL is they are probably equivalent to the US post office. They sick!! Plus, DHL is having a lot of issues with the Teamsters union and there’s a lot of places on strike right now so that may be one reason your shipments are being affected?? As far as the haters go, I wouldn’t sweat those guys. It’s either you’re gonna do it or you’re not and unfortunately, as you know, way better than me, people are just wishy-washy! And in your situation that sucks because obviously commitment would be great. Keep doing what you’re doing, don’t get discouraged, I feel like I hear that in your voice and it’s understandable but as one of the other comments said, I feel the C5 guys will step up better than the C6 guys!

[@KnightDriveTV]

Thats my feeling on C5 side...we'll see.

[@masonde]

Thanks for the updates! Looking forward to purchasing a unit sometime in 2024. I have a suggestion regarding the plug that connects to the top of the unit. Is it possible to use an extension adapter to connect the unit without the struggle to make the connection? This is similar to an extension for 02 sensors after installing upgraded x-pipes.

[@KnightDriveTV]

I think moving the main hardware components inside, then just using a simple harness to link to the screen is likely our best solution. I think itll reduce the added cost also, as doing a main car harness extension will require oem style plugs, etc, in addition to more molds.

[@rev.lelandcore4875]

Good work, would you consider an extension with maybe 3", I know it will affect the cost or make the unit mount into the car and the screen interface with the unit....just a thought

[@KnightDriveTV]

If we relocate the main hardware box, then the car harness will reach, then we just need a cable to go to the screen for display which shoukd be easier. We'll see...we are discussing whats most cost effective. The cages have been chopped up by people with double dins though...so its tricky to figure out.

[@rev.lelandcore4875]

@@KnightDriveTV understood, if I can assist, I have a manufacturing engineering background… I’m going to do a quick install video on my channel on the C6 Max Din

[@CBaileyII]

Thanks for the updates Damian. Curious what kind of lift it would be to source or print a 90 degree male plug body for those top plugs? If too much from a material perspective, I tend to agree with the potential of cutting the bracket like most DDs. Also could consider a solution where we mount the brain box and then plug the display into it, to keep with maintaining the ability to return to stock.

[@KnightDriveTV]

No cutting or mods, thats the objective. Its better for costs and better for car owners, or even those who sell the car and want to pull the unit and sell it separate.

[@wrthrash]

Any chance of shale bezels for C5 MaxDIN? If so you just need a light coat of promoter (or scuff w ScotchBrite) & 2 coats of ColorBond LVP #153 GM M DK NEUTRAL (VetteNuts uses the wrong color on theirs), no top coat is needed. Thanks & 'preesh the behind the scenes info!

[@KnightDriveTV]

Unfortunately for you 50th anniversary guys, you'll have to have your unit painted. The upside is, the trim is pretty easy to remove. I'll note your data there though for sure, as maybe I can have a contractor locally, do these for me in batches. Great information you've provided there!!! Thank you!

[@troy8940]

So I'm assuming that the current battle frame if you will of the C5 we'll be what will be offered in the shoot in coming months and not the C6 style I mean what's going to be available it's illegal I really like the C6 it fits so snug and tight and crisp Is there any way that you guys could really work on that.

[@matttortorich7560]

Where do I go to pre-order c5 max-din and new headlights? Still looking for/accepting founding members?

[@mikelam6888]

Great to hear. I've been patiently waiting. Could you make the frame thinner? Maybe in carbon fiber?

[@KnightDriveTV]

Frame is as thin as it can be at this point. Carbon will only blow the cost well into 2200+ dollars range, per unit

[@dailytransparencywithcovid4666]

I have $250 for a deposit when ready lmao

[@thunderlighting2006]

Is this including the round headlights too lol

[@KnightDriveTV]

Yes, we have rounds going out. Waiting on DHL...supposed to see a bunch of boxes here today.

[@cwright___]

max din please

[@davdirios8634]

It’s either you have the money or not ez as that but I promise I am getting one fs

[@KnightDriveTV]

Yeah, pretty much where the rubber meets the road right there.

[@rmendoza8130]

Just a comment: For me I love the Idea, but can it possibly be Plug and Play, as in no soldering required, no cutting of stock brackets, and so easy to install a novice could install in an hour or less? I want to be able to install it without modification to my stock C5. This way I can easily return it to stock if it fails/breaks; I decide I don't want to continue with it; or when selling the car, the new owner wants it or can return to stock with my saved OEM parts if they don't want it. I'm in if that's what will be produced. All the hacking and soldering and or installation cost is why I haven't installed a Double Din. Love it and the cost would be fine with me and C5 owners like me if it was plug and play.

[@KnightDriveTV]

It plugs in, no cutting, no soldering, no nothing. Totally reversible and installs easier than any aftermarket radio, double din or not.

[@odishoyounan]

Out of curiosity, and not to make the development more difficult, but would you be able to design it in such a way where the screen separates from the head unit, making the install easier? Something akin to the Boss Audio BE#ACP line.

[@KnightDriveTV]

I think that's the idea I expressed toward the beginning. We are thinking of placing the bulk of the units hardware separate from the screen, then just feeding the screen data through a single cable.

[@cometmargiela5321]

When is it coming out I’m tryna get one soon

[@KnightDriveTV]

C6 has been out. C5 is about to release in video up ahead

[@jdmvette]

Question: If you've already cut out the middle piece of the cage in order to mount a double DIN head unit, will this positively/negatively or have no impact to the mounting of your MaxDIN kit?

[@KnightDriveTV]

I dont think it will impact it. If we relocate the main hardware box, I just need to be sure to mount it to something that remains in those cars. Shame that people had to chop up their cars for a radio. I remember in 2011 when I got my car watching double d mods handmaking all that. I just did the ipod interface thing and called it a day. The double din was appealing but it definitely seemed like a lot of work. I like this because its simple. Just took time to get to this spot I suppose.

[@JavaByter]

Would it be easier to find/make an extension for the factory wiring harness so that it'll reach better?

[@KnightDriveTV]

Yeah, thats likely what we are going to do. I just hate to add any more cost or material, but it seems unavoidable

[@mostheinous]

when you do start shipping out lights would you have the information on the orders filled from the time we have made purchases and the back orders filled how many orders are there in between loss of supplier to gaining a new supplier to fulfillment of orders the orders shipped will get an email with tracking and the orders that still need fulfillment will have to wait until next shipment of lights to go out I understand that DHL has a way with messing with plans is there a way to understand who will get there orders and who will have to wait a little bit longer it’s ultimately my fault for not ordering sooner I just have to face another x-mas driving a long distance in the dark and we all know how far our GM lights help us to see at night time I think VW Bug can see farther them my C5

[@KnightDriveTV]

Thats a lot to answer. We are shipping nearly 100 kits tomorrow. More shipments throughout the week will follow as well. All I can do is keep.workin through it

[@timahlers266]

Pigtail the MaxDin connection ..

[@jrbdtx]

Give us a link and I’ll put down a deposit. I’m at least willing to install and try it out, although if it doesn’t run CarPlay I doubt it’ll be a keeper for me. I’m more than open to giving it a shot since it’ll install without permanent modifications. Question though, how hard would it be to pop the bezel off to paint it to match my shale interior?

[@KnightDriveTV]

It runs carplay wireless as well as android auto wireless, just like my C6 unit

[@mostheinous]

If you give her a little pry device it might be easier for her remove the lights from the bracket something that won’t damage the lights but give her a prying chance now for the pro max I would love to be able to test subject I can do machine work but once it starts looking like wiring I can’t do I don’t understand there language or diagrams I can not use a multi meter pin this to that and you get a brain explosion but I would love to be a beta tester if not I would like to put some money into the program for down payment ..Damon make a prying device to help the lights get removed from bracket ..

[@KnightDriveTV]

She usually doesnt have to take them apart. In this case, she built like 20 incorrectly and had to take them apart and fix what she did. Been months and she just overlooked something for some reason. Usually she puts them together, not takes then apart...lol.

[@markvitelli6312]

Anything under $2000 is a BARGAIN.....I paid $2500 for a pos 7" unit for my SL55......if you cant afford $2k for this, you should be driving a Volkswagon Golf.

[@KnightDriveTV]

Definitely selling for less