G6 Upgrade Project

Legend's Pontiac G6 GT Convertible upgrade project!

A few people were interested in this, so I created a website to detail all the hard work and sweat I've put into my G6.

Ever since the old Knight Rider TV show featuring the Pontiac Trans Am, who hasn't wanted to own a K.I.T of their very own?

As it stands now, there are only 3 more upgrades to do! Here are a couple of photo's of the car as it is now. Scroll down a little farther for a closer look and more details.

Outside

Inside

View a demo of the AVIC Z120BT by going here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXbQSYpKawM

Oh, and I can now get Netflix on this thing while on my lunch break: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xg6SN6D_Fk

The Original Plan Was...

To replace the standard 2-DIN Pontiac G6 CD/radio/XM stereo with the Hiinfo N5 (or comparable) onboard computer. In addition, I also wanted to replace the rear view mirror with the Mocar 4” TFT LCD or the DL0550B rear view mirror monitor to be used as a backup camera, clock, and temperature gauge. This system was going to run on Flux Media's Centrafuse software. This included GPS navigation, CD/DVD/MP3 playback, internet access, and so much more.

G6 Images
Stock image of a Pontiac G6 convertible demonstrating the convertible feature

A image of the car after bringing it home the first week.

What Was Going to Be the Onboard Computer

http://www.sulekhab2b.com/viewoffer/product/33072/hiinfo-n5-car-pc-2din-with-touch-screen-gps.htm

What Was Going to Be the Rear View Camera

· http://szdelong.en.alibaba.com/product/50384445/51824649/car_rear_view/Car_Rearview_CCD_Camera.html

Software That Was to be Used

· http://www.fluxmedia.net/

The Plan I Actually Implemented

Obliviously, the first thing I had to do was BUY the car. I bought it brand spankin new in 2008 (though it's a 2007 model). The only difference between the 07 and 08 models of the car, is that the 08 model comes with Onstar standard. I wasn't going to need Onstar for voice navigation of course since the AVIC comes with voice navigation. Back then I paid over 33k for the 07 model with the premium package. You could get the sports package for 3k more, but I didn't need the bigger engine, a V6 is just fine with me. I'm sure you'll be able to get a WAY better deal on a 07 now...

The second thing I did to the car was to add chrome grill inserts for the top and bottom of the car. Apparently the inserts for the top of that style, are hard to find. The image below is of a G6 (not mine) without the chrome.

G6 Before Chrome

Here is a picture of my car after having the inserts installed.

My Chromed Car

After this upgrade, I added a variety of other upgrades. See images below.

Mudd Flaps

Can easily be ordered via Pontiac or GMC

Chrome Handles

Part number CCIDH68516B can be found online

Chrome Pedals

Can be ordered in AutoZone catalog. These are the Razo model.

Chrome Mats

Made by a company called Rally. Apparently discontinued.

Chrome Plate

These can be ordered via Pontiac. Be sure to get the right one. The other inserts are cheesy.

Next came the hard part, adding the electrical equipment.

Here's the old stereo for comparison

G6 Image

Here's my car after having the Pioneer AVICZ120BT Installed
Dash Image
This unit was close to $2,000 at the time of purchase (brand new). You can get a MUCH better deal on it now on www.crutchfield.com. You can view a demo of the AVIC Z120BT by going to this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXbQSYpKawM

Daylight image of the inside of the car (radio turned off).

The steering wheel controls actually work with the AVIC with the right parts. You'll need to order the additional add-on from Pioneer.

Custom startup screen for the navigation system

Importing the startup image is easy and you can view Pioneer's directions on how to do this on their website.

Navigation menu layout

FYI: You can change the color of the buttons for the unit by going into the settings menu. This way it matches whatever car you put it into.

Installation of the microphone. If you look closely, you can see it just above the rear view mirror

Installing the mic on the convertible takes some skill and you'll probably want someone to do this professionally.

USB Dongle & Metra's 99-3303 OEM Integration Package

Installation of the Metra 99-3303 will let you keep the settings that the factory stereo let you set. That way you don't lose control of things like the remote start and auto-door lock features. This also lets you keep all of your ODBII monitoring features. The second image is actually a picture taken by a like-minded pontiac owner's center console. I used his image as a base of how to install mine. He took a better picture, so I'm including his image here so you can see what it looks like when there is no "junk" in the center console. The third image is what the Metra looks like before you "shape" it. In order to get this in the center console, you'll have to either have it done professionally, or have the tools to cut the plastic into the correct shape and mount it in the center console. The USB connection lets you connect a USB flash drive. The USB also serves as a connection for the iPod. The cabling is actually minimal, the rest of the "junk" you see here is the power cable for my cell phone charger and other items.

Voice activated iPod integration (iPod Touch 32 GIG) with Pandora internet radio via the wifi on my phone

You can get the cable from crutchfield.com

Pioneer remote control interface for those back-seat drivers

This unit can easily be purchased on Crutchfields website.

Pioneer remote control mounted in the back seat inbetween the seets.

Sadly, this remote is not sold with the IR unit. You'll have to find it online seperately. I've screwed a piece of velcro to both the back of the remote, and the center console of the back seat. If you don't do something like this, and the top is down, it blows all over the place.

Z-Dash RACING head lamp assembly and HID lighting kit (10K brightness).

G6 Image

You can get the upgraded light assembly for Z-Racings website. You can get the HID kit from www.avielectronics.net. You'll need the H1's no matter what the website says. The H11's only work for the fog lights. The 10K brightness is the highest you can get while staying legal.

Rear view camera

Connects to the AVIC Z120BT when the car is put in reverse. Can be purchased on Crutchfields website. FYI: If you do get this done on your G6, it will likely take a LONG time. It took 2 hours just to find a way to run this cable because of the convertible top.

Pioneer XM Module

FYI: No reason to use the GPS that comes with this device as you can just plug it into the GPS that came with the XM tuner for the factory radio. Save yourself some wiring.

Pioneer HD Radio Module

Oblviously not seen externally. Installed behind the dash.

PAC Sound Integration Unit

This unit allows you to keep the audible sounds that the factory radio used to have (for when the door, trunk, and warning tones need to sound).

The AVIC Z120 BT has the ability to read SD cards up to 16 GIG. It also takes CD's and DVD's. When you press eject, this is what you see.

The unit playing a DVD

FYI: The AVICZ120BT has the ability to play different AV sources between the front and back speakers/video.

So What's Left to do?

There are only 3 more things I'd like to do at this point. The first is to add chrome rims to the car. See the image below for an example. Looks better on a black car I'd imagine. This will likely be my reward for when the car is paid for.

After that, I want to add HID lighting to the fog lights to match the HID lighting for the headlights. There aren't any images where anyone has done this yet so after this is added, I'll take some pictures. I'll need the H11's for the fog lights.

Lastly, I'd like to get the spoiler redone in chrome to match other cars like Acura and Infinity. I've also never seen this done on a G6 before so I'm not quite sure if I'll need to have one fabricated, or if I can just get it painted. Either way, it can't just be "grey and shiny", I'll have to find a way to make it chrome.

That's it! For more information and documentation or if you're looking to do something like this for your G6, you can click here.

Of course I have to thank Benchmark Soundworks for doing most of the electrical work and installation of electrical components. Myself and Pontiac did the rest of the upgrades. You can visit their website by going to http://www.benchmarksoundworks.com/

Home

Quick Launch