I own a 2007 Veracruz Limited and would really like to get my iPod properly integrated without FM modulation. After combing the forums, nobody has any ideas.

I have one idea I have been considering. Replacing the factory stereo with an aftermarket unit would do the trick, but there are no aftermarket dash or wiring harness kits available that I can find, making this very difficult. Well, the 2008 Veracruz offers a factory navigation system and has a different console trim panel as a result. I was considering purchasing this new trim panel from the parts department of my local dealer and using it to provide a means for installing a double-DIN aftermarket navigation / receiver unit.

If you look at pictures of the '08 console, it looks like the opening that houses the navigation system is larger than a standard double-DIN opening. This would mean a trim place would need to be fabricated to fill in the gaps around the aftermarket unit.

Also, since there are no wiring harness adapters available (that I can find), you would either need to cut the factory wiring harness that leads to the speakers and other components, or fabricate a wiring harness adapter using the various connectors required by the existing factory wiring.

I'm a pretty handy guy and I am capable of performing this type of work, but before I do I was wondering if any of you had ideas of your own that you could share.

One way or another I will find a way to have proper iPod integration / Bluetooth integration / navigation all in one unit. Maybe we can work together to find a way.

Many thanks for your opinions...

Matt

I own a Veracruz SE 2007 and was interested in installing something similar. I did some research and found this:

Circuit City, Bestbuy and Crutchfield websites mention that only single-din units can be installed in Veracruz. It seems to be wrong since the Navigation in VC is a doubleDin system.

The dash unit from VC with Navigation can't be used in SE model, since navigation in available only in Limited version and the AC controls for Limited are different from SE. This might work for you, but I will have to wait for some third party kit.

I went to a local store which specializes in these systems. The person there showed me Pioneer AVIC-D3, which seems like a decent system for the price and has Bluetooth capability, GPS, DVD, MP3, iPod integration, Rearview camera capability, XM and more. The only issue for me is the absense of dash kit.

BTW, were you able to open up the dash kit and have a look inside? Can you please give instructions on how to open the dash kit. I don't want to scratch the chrome finish by mistake.

I did a little more digging and found the factory radio bezel that accomodates the factory navigation system. The part can be ordered from just about any Hyundai parts dealer. I don't have the part # handy, but it costs about $200 for the factory bezel.

Since there are for fewer Veracruz owners out there, I have been researching what Santa Fe owners have done for aftermarket head units. I found a photo on the european Pioneer web site that shows a Santa Fe with what appears to be the factory navigation bezel, only the factory navigation system has been replaced with the AVIC-D3. The fit is pretty good, but there is clearly a trim ring around the AVIC-D3 to fill in the gaps. Here's a link to the where the photo is shown:

http://www.pioneer.eu/eur/products/10/20/AVIC-D3/media.html

I believe the Santa Fe and Veracruz share the same factory navigation system, so if the AVIC-D3 can fit in a factort Santa Fe dash opening, then it can fit in the factory Veracruz opening as well.

The remaining problem is how to interface an aftermarket unit, such as the AVIC-D3, with the factory wiring harness. There are no aftermarket wiring harnesses available for the Veracruz. The Santa Fe uses a different harness.

I was able to find some excellent technical information on the factory radio at hmaservice.com. You can setup an account there for free and access repair and part information for any Hyundai model. You should be able to find precise instructions on how to disassemble the factory stereo and just about any other subsystem of the Veracruz on that web site. It's an awesome resource.

Here's a link to the factory stereo in the Limited without the Rear Seat Entertainment System:

http://hmaservice.com/viewer/dispimg.asp?p.../senbe7004n.gif

At this point I have not removed the factory bezel or made any other alterations to the Veracruz. I am going to wait until the 2009 model arrives and see what features the new factory radio offers. I heard read the 2009 Sonata will have iPod integration as well as integrated Bluetooth in the factory radio. I would expect the Veracruz will as well. If so, I may be able to swap out the old factory stereo in my '07 with a new one from an '09.

Let me know what you're thinking or have heard and maybe we can come up with some more ideas.

Thanks.