Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Stand Alone CarPlay / Android Auto

bbaldwin237

TJ Addict
Original poster
Supporting Member
Joined
Jun 27, 2023
Messages
2,203
Location
Grays Harbor, Washington
Recently came across this and thought it seemed like a decent idea for the TJ. The PO installed a single DIN Alpine head unit that I don't mind but would like to have Android Auto for OnX. I also have a cheap Red Rock phone mount that I think this could replace and not really block any extra view. Has anyone tried something like this and can provide feedback or input?

Also, I would be interested in wiring it in to come on with the radio rather than use the 12v plug.

I don't know that I want to cut up the dash and go with the aftermarket center piece for a double DIN. However, I may just go that route eventually. I don't really like the way the aftermarket dash piece looks though.
Screenshot_20250115-072235.png

https://getcartablet.com/products/pro-max-1?variant=47944020296024

Or more likely this one because it's a bit smaller
https://getcartablet.com/products/pro-1
 
Last edited:
nowadays on aliexpress you can find 1DIN carplay radios that fit perfectly the console and have decent estethics (I wanted it to seem OEM)
I bought for 100euros a radio, as mine was not working, and I am satysfied.
connection to carplay works, waze/music/calls from the phone works and everything is ok for the very low price.
Not the most performing/fastest radio ever, nor the biggest screen, but depending on price you can really have stunning units (as one of my friends bought).
maybe this is helpful for you!
Luca

WhatsApp Image 2025-01-15 at 16.52.38_fc65949c.jpg
 
nowadays on aliexpress you can find 1DIN carplay radios that fit perfectly the console and have decent estethics (I wanted it to seem OEM)
I bought for 100euros a radio, as mine was not working, and I am satysfied.
connection to carplay works, waze/music/calls from the phone works and everything is ok for the very low price.
Not the most performing/fastest radio ever, nor the biggest screen, but depending on price you can really have stunning units (as one of my friends bought).
maybe this is helpful for you!
Luca

View attachment 586055

How big is that screen? I like the idea of the little bit larger screen for mapping.

I've looked at some of the other single DIN units but not many options with a volume knob and reviews are usually hit and miss.
 
Recently came across this and thought it seemed like a decent idea for the TJ. The PO installed a single DIN Alpine head unit that I don't mind but would like to have Android Auto for OnX. I also have a cheap Red Rock phone mount that I think this could replace and not really block any extra view. Has anyone tried something like this and can provide feedback or input?

Also, I would be interested in wiring it in to come on with the radio rather than use the 12v plug.

I don't know that I want to cut up the dash and go with the aftermarket center piece for a double DIN. However, I may just go that route eventually. I don't really like the way the aftermarket dash piece looks though.
View attachment 586052
https://getcartablet.com/products/pro-max-1?variant=47944020296024

Or more likely this one because it's a bit smaller
https://getcartablet.com/products/pro-1

I had one of these, the first one with the wide screen, in another vehicle and it was hit-or-miss. The screen size was nice, but it was glitchy and eventually died after a few months of infrequent use.

I just recently installed a single-DIN unit that was $50 (normally $80 I think) that does pretty well. AA/Carplay isn't wireless, but that isn't a big deal since I'd have the phone plugged in to charge either way. The screen isn't huge, but comparable to my S22 Ultra that I was using for mapping before. It also has a volume knob that works super well.
1000006237.jpg
 
I just went to DD.

Sony XAV-AX6000. Has OnX, Google Maps, Messaging etc Al. All working via CarPlay Wireless.

IMG_5310.jpeg
 
I just recently installed a single-DIN unit that was $50 (normally $80 I think) that does pretty well. AA/Carplay isn't wireless, but that isn't a big deal since I'd have the phone plugged in to charge either way. The screen isn't huge, but comparable to my S22 Ultra that I was using for mapping before. It also has a volume knob that works super well.

That unit looks really nice. Would you mind sharing what unit that is, and where you got it from?
 
I had one of these, the first one with the wide screen, in another vehicle and it was hit-or-miss. The screen size was nice, but it was glitchy and eventually died after a few months of infrequent use.

I just recently installed a single-DIN unit that was $50 (normally $80 I think) that does pretty well. AA/Carplay isn't wireless, but that isn't a big deal since I'd have the phone plugged in to charge either way. The screen isn't huge, but comparable to my S22 Ultra that I was using for mapping before. It also has a volume knob that works super well.
View attachment 586142

Thanks! Good to know.

This might be my better option. Just go for a cheap Amazon unit and hope for the best. Seems like there are a few that have wireless AA for around $100. I have wireless AA in my company truck and have to say it's really nice when it just pairs when I get in and I'm off and going
 
  • Like
Reactions: lBasket
Thanks! Good to know.

This might be my better option. Just go for a cheap Amazon unit and hope for the best. Seems like there are a few that have wireless AA for around $100. I have wireless AA in my company truck and have to say it's really nice when it just pairs when I get in and I'm off and going

I was initially looking for one with wireless AA/Carplay, as I had it in the vehicle I had before the TJ, but it seemed like the trade-off was no volume knob (or really bad reviews) to get wireless in a single-DIN. That previous vehicle also had capacitive touch controls for the volume that were frustratingly distracting while driving, so I am willing to take plugging in my phone to have a physical wheel to spin for the volume. Plus it was cheap enough that if it dies, someone steals it, or something better comes along, I won't feel bad about replacing it.

Speaking of which, let us know what decide to go with (especially if it has a volume knob and wireless AA/Carplay).;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: bbaldwin237
I was initially looking for one with wireless AA/Carplay, as I had it in the vehicle I had before the TJ, but it seemed like the trade-off was no volume knob (or really bad reviews) to get wireless in a single-DIN. That previous vehicle also had capacitive touch controls for the volume that were frustratingly distracting while driving, so I am willing to take plugging in my phone to have a physical wheel to spin for the volume. Plus it was cheap enough that if it dies, someone steals it, or something better comes along, I won't feel bad about replacing it.

Speaking of which, let us know what decide to go with (especially if it has a volume knob and wireless AA/Carplay).;)

You can make any radio with wired carplay wireless car play if you desire.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCNDSKMC?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
  • Like
Reactions: bbaldwin237
I was initially looking for one with wireless AA/Carplay, as I had it in the vehicle I had before the TJ, but it seemed like the trade-off was no volume knob (or really bad reviews) to get wireless in a single-DIN. That previous vehicle also had capacitive touch controls for the volume that were frustratingly distracting while driving, so I am willing to take plugging in my phone to have a physical wheel to spin for the volume. Plus it was cheap enough that if it dies, someone steals it, or something better comes along, I won't feel bad about replacing it.

Speaking of which, let us know what decide to go with (especially if it has a volume knob and wireless AA/Carplay).;)

I found this one and a couple others but this one had the best reviews. But I try to not put too much weight in Amazon reviews when talking a 3.5 vs 4.2 star rating.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHSMK73D?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
  • Like
Reactions: jhama78
  • Like
Reactions: bbaldwin237
Interesting. I looked at few 1.5-DIN ones like that, but wasn't sure if they would clear the dash bezel when the body of the radio isn't centered on the screen?

Little curious about that, but Amazon returns are easy if not. I've never been a stereo guy, so I'm not sure what kind of wiggle room there is to get the radio to sit a little lower and center the screen. Maybe one day I'll pull my bezel and try to get a better idea.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cliffish
I have bought and returned several Amazon ones, They all seem to be the same. Occasionally drop signal but works enough of the time to use it for maps as my eyes suck. I also like that it has the front dash cam in it. It was cheaper when I bought it in November.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CWKNPG95/?tag=wranglerorg-20

That's a good point about the dash cam, and the one I bought that was identical to that one (different brand name) also came with a backup camera that I never used.

Aside from the glitchiness, the biggest struggle I had with it was with it stuck on the top of the center dash it blocked my view of the front passenger corner. Not really an issue if you are willing to mount it lower so it blocks the vents a bit, but I was always worried that the heat from the vents could lead to premature death (which it did anyway).
 
Recently came across this and thought it seemed like a decent idea for the TJ. The PO installed a single DIN Alpine head unit that I don't mind but would like to have Android Auto for OnX. I also have a cheap Red Rock phone mount that I think this could replace and not really block any extra view. Has anyone tried something like this and can provide feedback or input?

Also, I would be interested in wiring it in to come on with the radio rather than use the 12v plug.

I don't know that I want to cut up the dash and go with the aftermarket center piece for a double DIN. However, I may just go that route eventually. I don't really like the way the aftermarket dash piece looks though.
View attachment 586052
https://getcartablet.com/products/pro-max-1?variant=47944020296024

Or more likely this one because it's a bit smaller
https://getcartablet.com/products/pro-1

Ive got one of these. someone stole my indash so to be cheap i went to this. works very well. connects instnatly to the indash head unit and my phone.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bbaldwin237
How big is that screen? I like the idea of the little bit larger screen for mapping.

I've looked at some of the other single DIN units but not many options with a volume knob and reviews are usually hit and miss.

it is 5 inch screen, because as you I wanted as well physical buttons.
there is a good one on aliexpress that works very well on jeep, my friend bought it for his 2006 ruby.
It is the same as Audi/BMW carplay, works fast and has strong performances, with buttons.

Anyway, spent almost 5 times my price - so i'm happy of mine.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator