Recently purchased a near-mint '97 E-350 Super cargo van. It has the wall/cage behind the seats, and that along with the length and height of this behemoth make backing up a chore. That and the less-than-desirable factory speakers with am/fm radio only made it real easy to decide to upgrade the stereo. I want to install this JVC stereo:

https://www.us.jvc.com/car/multimedia/kw_v25bt/

This covers both my backup camera and BT hands-free phone requirements, and I believe Google maps also works when you pair the phone. My plans are to replace the factory 6x8s in the doors with some decent Pioneers or similar, bypass the factory harness wires for the rear speakers and run wire for a boxed 6x9 behind each seat, and maybe eventually build a center console with a 8-10" sub in it. I decided the rear speakers have to go because with bare metal cargo space it echoes horribly, and I plan to bolt lexan over the grate in the cage anyway.

I can find installation videos for 98-newer vans, or trucks with different dashes, but the only video I found with a 97 dash they only installed a single din. Every install kit says dash mods have to be made. From what I've read it involves cutting some of the sub-dash with a Dremel. I'm fine with that, the only thing that worries me are the kits that state that once the stereo is installed, removal will require removing the whole section of dash. I've installed double din stereos before, and some require adjusting the depth to make it sit flush with the dash. If that's the case I really don't want to have to remove large sections of the dash. Has anyone done this on a van with the same dash? I know a lot of the 97-up parts interchange, but apparently the dash isn't one of them, and I want to know what I'm up against or if I should just get it professionally installed.

 

I can't immediately find other threads that show how others have added double-DIN radio chassis in the pre-2008 dashboards---you might do an FTE forum search using "double DIN" as the keyword.

From what I understand the opening is just about 1.5 double DIN dimensions so modifications aren't that extensive. Additionally Metra and other aftermarket radio installation kit manufacturers who will have something useful if you go this route. I'd strongly suggest Crutchfield.com to see what they offer---I've seen such kits offered but as its not of any interest to me I've not dug too deeply into what is available or what process is used to complete the installation.

This thread here: Double DIN Radio might get you started in some useful direction.

 

I just cut open my 97 e150 and would like to know how you decided to do it. I had to grind down the bottom of my blower control to make it fit. Now, I’m trying to figure out how to secure it in place. Wiring has been a lot of fun as well.

 

I've watched a few Youtube videos and apparently a little trimming of the opening is required for fitment of a standard double DIN. It's counter intuitive but from what I've seen it's not too tough.