Possibly Upgrading Infotainment From 4" Base To 8" SYNC 3 w/Nav, etc

[m2016v6]

I just purchased a 2016 base v6 convertible, and it has the rather lame 4" infotainment unit. I've been going through the forum reading about similar upgrades.

This thread was enlightening, but in the opening post, the installation steps jump from #4 to #14. It's also a bit old, I was wondering if any progress has been made since then:

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/sync-3-swap-its-all-in-here.82973/

There is a "kit" on ebay i'm thinking about buying, which includes all the parts, plus all the harnesses, cables, etc. The actual parts appear to be sourced from a single vehicle (the VIN is provided).

If anybody has performed this operation, any tips/advice would be appreciated.

If I pull the trigger and do this, I will post a step by step description of what I did, with (probably lame) pictures.

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[m2016v6]

I have acquired the parts, and am collecting data from related threads. And more or less waiting for good weather to perform the operation. For some measure of practice, I replaced the (automatic) shifter trim assembly. The "P RNDS" plate was cracked and was annoying me, so it had to go. I pulled up the center console to push the shifter assembly out from below. It was fairly straightforward. I learned something I already knew: the plastic is brittle, so be careful (I've done this type of thing on other cars).

 

[m2016v6]

The offending part (note the crack hear the "P"). Please excuse the state of the interior, I haven't detailed it yet.

 

[m2016v6]

I took the "P RNDS" plate off of this part. Note: at some point, around 2018, I think, Ford removed the light from underneath the plate, so it no longer glowed when the headlights are on. Kind of lame, because I like the glowing letters. So I pried off the "P RNDS" plate and just used that. The attached picture shows the replacement part.

 

[m2016v6]

This image depicts the cables and antenna for the head unit replacement.

 

[m2016v6]

This image features the infotainment parts. I will be going from base 4" infotainment to 8" with nav and HD/Sirius ready (God, Allah, and Vishnu willing).

 

[m2016v6]

If anybody floats through and thinks I might be missing a part, please leave a comment.

 

[m2016v6]

The project has finally begun. The photo below depicts the starting point, the sad little screen. No nav, no nothing.

First, I will have to disassemble the dash.

 

[m2016v6]

Starting with this little panel by the passenger side door.

 

[m2016v6]

Using a plastic dash pry tool and my delicate fingers, I removed the panel. I thought I broke it, but it seems fine.

 

[m2016v6]

Using the same tool and fingers, I pried off the main dashboard panel.

 

[m2016v6]

This is the dash panel in repose on the canvas top.

 

[m2016v6]

This is a bag of replacement clips for the interior plastic panels. I suggest getting some for projects like these.

 

[m2016v6]

Step back, this is where we are. I recommend taking many small breaks to slow down. Taking apart automotive interiors is one of the worst things a person can do. It's how many less reputable countries torture dissidents.

 

[m2016v6]

Now I am going to move the center console up and back, to make for bezel removal and to replace the USB hub in the console glove box. I will start by removing these panels (driver and passenger side; driver pictured. They are held in by clips and a magnet, I think. Using the pry tool, they both came off fairly easy.

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