Bad news....(Man this P's me off)
 

Bad news....(Man this P's me off)

The bad news is: the install has now been downgraded to a multi-stage install.
The problem is Alpine. Alpine has been a thorn in my side since the beginning of this install, here's why:

The original design called for Alpine's digital 5 channel amp and 1 sub amp. The problem - Alpine couldn't deliver the product (though it is in their 2004 catalog, which came out LAST YEAR) We switched to JL audio amps...hmm, that's funny, they delivered without a hitch.

The original design calls the Alpine TV tuner. The problem - again, Alpine cannot deliver the product (though again, it is in the 2004 catalog) - we're still waiting

The original design called for the Alpine MP3 Hard drive head unit. The problem - Alpine can't deliver...they stopped making it. IN THE SAME YEAR THEY STARTED MAKING IT, with no explaination why. (Again, it's in their 2004 product catalog)

seeing a trend?

We modified the MP3 design to utilize the new Alpine - iPod controller. The Problem - you guessed it, we have yet to get it (We'll see what happens in sept. when they say we should have it...ha)

The original design called for a rear touch screen to pop up out of the rear center counsel. The problem - for once not alpine...there simply wasn't room.

We redisigned to utilize 2 rear touch screens fold down from the ceiling. The latest greatest problem - Its not designed to be a fold down. We're in a rut here. I've called Alpine, asking if they could help us out in any way...maybe they have it in the works, and I could simply wait, maybe they could give us a roof mount shell from another drop down screen? NO...I just got shuffled off like a nobody.

This is the last friggin' staw. For all the money I'm spending on this system, and you KNOW its a friggin' boat load, you would think I would get some accomidation...just a little bit of satisfation, something to show me they'd like to work with me. Instead I get a tough, better luck next time. I am so ready to rip ALL Alpine gear out of the car. As I already said, they are a friggin' thorn in my side. Does anyone know a good series of product to replace the Alpine equipment? Maybe someone has some other suggestions?

I am SO PISSED now. I would love to boycott Alpine. They make great products...that is when they make them. They are notorious for not following through with their commitments, especially delivery dates.

I would still like to use the TME-M770 Alpine screens in the rear as drop down, so if anyone knows where to get a universal roof mechanism for an LCD, please let me know...I've searched high and low, and come up dry.

So right now, the car will come back to me, sans:
iPod adapter
TV tuner
both rear screens

The plan is if, and we me IF, Alpine delivers the products in Sept, the car can be completed in Sept/Oct and we'll have to design and create custom mechanisms for the rear screens.

sounds like a headache
sorry to hear it

I have been sneaking a look at your pics like every day to see your project grow

i have a question...

Are you a "stand-alone" individual? Meaning you aren't affiliated with any sound shop or custom stereo shop...

Reason I'm asking is because when I owned my shop, Alpine was a sponser for several of my vehicles as well as many customers...and I NEVER had a problem with getting anything out of them..as far as disconituation of products and availability...welcome to car audio buddy..stuff changes in a heart beat...it's almost as bad as the computer world...a lot of it, sadly, has to do with $$$...

Well...I'm an individual, and its being done through a professional shop...and I just think that have a sucky district rep. I'm otherwise not affiliated with the shop...just in having them do the work on the car. They are a huge Alpine dealer for our area, but non-the-less Alpine apperantly could give a damn about me.