00 EX Steering Wheel Controls...

Factory HU CD player inop. Time to replace this gem. I have an older Sony Mobile ES HU that I want to add but it's not remote compatible. I think I might add the Sony HU but will have to sacrifice the factory wheel controls. I don't want to buy a HU if I can avoid it and then have to buy the (PAC) steering wheel control adapter. I'm looking at $500+ for the quality I need.

Does anyone know if you can remove the factory steering wheel audio controls and replace it with some type of factory cover plate? Will removing the controls effect any other systems?

Thanks
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Honda Vamos specifications

 

FYI...for anyone in this situation. After researcing the subject I found that the headunit was compatible with factory steering wheel controls via an adapter. I got the adapter from Crutchfield. There's no coverplate avial. if you want to remove the factoy steering wheel controls. It's made by PAC model SWI-PS about $69. The install wasn't too difficult, though programming wasn't that easy. It works almost as good as if the factory unit was installed. Most importantly the sound quality is lightyears ahead of the factory unit. I'm running the Sony Mobile EX headunit, JBL speakers, MTX 8" sub and Crossfire VRX-400 amp.

 

Did you hav to ground any wires on the original factory harnes?
Im trying to install this.
Do you know if the button on the factory steering wheel is just different resistors with a common ground?