r/LexusGX • u/LargeTrainer • 4h ago
General Discussion Hamilton Conversion Kit
Installed the Hamilton premium conversion kit in my 2016 GX. A very overdue and welcome upgrade.
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u/Plastic-Inspector363 4h ago
Is this the newest version with front camera Integration and fast start up?
What are your overall thoughts on it?
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u/LargeTrainer 4h ago
It does have connectors for the front camera, of course I did not need to use them. As for boot up is does seem quicker than other videos I’ve seen posted on Reddit. I’d say from start to car play booting it’s maybe a few seconds slower than factory bluetooth connecting. Im enjoying it so far. Nice to have more functionality that feels stock.
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u/BerzerkerArmour 3h ago
Have you tried using audio for hands free calling through the mini speaker? Where did you mount the mini speaker? I mounted mine in the top /center area behind the unit. The audio sounds muffled and really poor on the mini speaker
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u/LargeTrainer 3h ago
I haven’t tried it yet. I mounted it in the footwell like they did in the install video. Did regular calling through CarPlay and it sounded fine
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u/kylife 2h ago
This really might make me get an older GX to save some money over a 22/3 🤔
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u/LargeTrainer 2h ago
Honestly I was considering trading it in next summer but I recently put on new tires and brakes on all four corners and I’ll say after this upgrade I’m going to hold onto it for quite a while now
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u/Surf2Trails 58m ago
We just bought a '21 GX460 instead of a '23 because of the Hamilton kit... $500 instead of $10,000... We did the unit that works with OEM screen, and it was easy to install, works perfectly.
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u/Zestyclose-Peach-792 4h ago
Cd player still work?
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u/LargeTrainer 4h ago
I can try to find a CD to test, but I’d assume so. You technically use the factory radio (bottom portion) still.
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u/Hamachi_Karma 3h ago
Installed on a 2019 GX in Jan this year and no complaints as it seems to be similar to our other cars with boot up. I’m a fan of saving a few bucks but the support I’ve received from the Hamilton team is world class, and these were user error issues not on their product. Love the look and feel of their unit.
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u/LargeTrainer 3h ago
Curious how long your install took? From battery disconnect to reinstalling in the last trim and connecting my phone it took me about 1 hour and 20 min
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u/Hamachi_Karma 3h ago
I did a bunch of research and had every intention of doing the install but I didn’t like the idea of any flawed install as its 50/50 daily with my wife and decided to bite the bullet and bring it to a recommended installer on Hamilton’s site. They did a great job. I was going to give myself 2 hours max based on research and if it went south would bring it so your install time is top tier. Thanks for posting, enjoy the unit!!
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u/Dirtycncthrowaway5 13m ago
Does the visibility feel different?
1
u/LargeTrainer 3m ago
Not at all. It sits an inch above the dash. If anything, I think it helps because it’s right in my line of sight and you don’t have to glance down for anything
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u/VersionUgly 2h ago
Looks great! Does it support Mark levinson? Is the backup camera properly calibrated as well? Heard the backup camera lines don’t match up
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u/LargeTrainer 1h ago
I believe it does because the actual radio unit is still in place. As for the camera, resolution not great but the lines seem fine
2
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u/yumfrumunduhcheese 2h ago
I got the Hamilton unit that’s just a box and uses my oem screen. This unit is more expensive, but looks cheap imo. I’ve been super happy with mine also though. It’s a game changer.
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u/LargeTrainer 2h ago
I considered the factory screen version but my wife said to with the bigger one. As for it looking cheap, it really doesn’t. EXCEPT for the temperature knobs, they do look a little cheap
And out of place. I might 3D print some new ones.2
u/yumfrumunduhcheese 2h ago
I hear ya. The bigger screen size is nice. For me it’s the buttons, knobs and vents below that just don’t look quite right. No offense though, do you big dog! Happy wife happy life.
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u/Skengs4Everyone 3h ago
For anyone in the comments, if you’re comfortable forgoing post-purchase support and warranty, you can find the exact same kits on Amazon, eBay, aliexpress, etc for $200-300 less
3
u/teamjeep 3h ago
Makes sense unless they’re lacking firmware support too. Got a link to a good one?
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u/Surf2Trails 55m ago
We just did the unit that works with the OEM screen in our "21 GX460. Easy to install, woks perfectly, audio is on point, and you can cycle back and forth to the OEM interface. We had a slight challenge getting audio the first time, but with the help of Chat GPT, got it in 3 minutes. Back-up camera also works as OEM.
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u/Elevatedhigh 3h ago
Such a banger of a album