Well guys, I finally pulled the trigger on replacing my Stinker 500. As you can see in the pics, I upgraded to the Pioneer F700BT Navigation system. I went with that system because I had absolutely no desire to have the ability to watch DVD movies in the car. Since we all have seen other members installation pictures, I have only uploaded my "upgrades" to the standard installation process.
Prior to installation, I wired up the HU wiring to the PAC wiring adapter. I also incorporated the
HARDWARE by-pass into the wiring harness, details of which are available in the AVIC411.com forums. I really must recommend the PAC wiring adapter, as it provides all the signals you need for the nav unit without having to run wires all over the car
(VSS, Parking Brake, Reverse, Illumination) as well as providing the 5vdc amp turn-on power (prevents amp pop) and the RAP (retainted accessory power) function of the OEM stereo.
After my initial installation, I didn't like the look of the basic black and overly textured Metra installation kit.
So, I went and had some Ford Dark Charcoal paint mixed up, "de-textured" the kit, and repainted it to match the rest of the dash. I also didn't care for the way the kit did not sit flush with the dash panel, so off to the grinder to trim down the mounting tabs on the kit. As you can see in the pics, the results are quite nice (if I do say so myself).
The pre-finished install pic (blackout) shows my special touch to the kit to prevent being able to see through the gap created when the new HU was installed. I just used the "fuzzy" part of some leftover velcro tape to "black-out" the sides of the kit.
Since I could not find a good place to mount the XM Receiver unit inside the car, I had to tear out the rear seat and stick it (literally) on the hump between the cockpit and trunk. I used one mounting bracket and 1.5" 3M tape to secure the unit next to the top hydraulic pump. Only time will tell if the 3M tape will hold it in place.
I mounted the GPS antenna on top of my Dash Mat toward the front of the windshield. Luckily, the XM antenna from my previous XM Commander system works with the new Pioneer unit, so I didn't have to replace it.
The mounting point for the USB connector is inside the console on the parking brake access panel. I made a custom USB cable that runs from the console to the new HU, then created a simple attached dust cover for when the USB connector is not in use.
Finally, once everything was up and running, I installed my desktop wallpaper as the boot-up splash screen.
As a footnote, I learned the hard way to
NOT try setting up the unit without the engine running. This new nav system sucks the battery dead in no time!
Luckily, letting my baby sit for a couple of hours allowed it to rejuvenate itself and she started right up.
Parts and Materials List:
Pioneer F700BT Navigation unit (purchased on Amazon from etronics, $424.14)
Pioneer GEX-P920XM receiver unit (purchased from Amazon, $80.96)
Metra 95-5812 Installation kit (purchased on Ebay from audiosavings, $9.99)
PAC CR2_FRD1 wiring adapter (purchased on Amazon from etronics, $74.66)
Custom Ford Dark Charcoal interior paint (local paint supply, $16.24)
Miscellaneous paint and prep supplies
One (1) USB cable (from my computer parts stash)
One (1) USB flush mount (again, from my computer parts stash)
Soldering supplies, heat shrink, velcro, 3M tape, and misc wire crimps and zip ties
One (1) sore body from the install 
That's it!
My F700BT Navigation system install 
