Stereo Install kit
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 321
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From: Picayune Mississippi
Stereo Install kit
Curious to what others have used...
I recently installed a Pioneer unit in my truck and while the sound is awesome, the fit isn't quite so. I had used the install kit that Autozone sells and it quite frankly doesn't quite line up the way it should. Or maybe I'm too picky. There is a gap along the bottom between the radio and the bezel. I had used another bezel and the result was the same. And then, I had gone to a high dollar stereo store and asked for their install kit and wouldn't ya know it...was the same one that Autozone sells, just in different packaging (bag vs box)
I recently installed a Pioneer unit in my truck and while the sound is awesome, the fit isn't quite so. I had used the install kit that Autozone sells and it quite frankly doesn't quite line up the way it should. Or maybe I'm too picky. There is a gap along the bottom between the radio and the bezel. I had used another bezel and the result was the same. And then, I had gone to a high dollar stereo store and asked for their install kit and wouldn't ya know it...was the same one that Autozone sells, just in different packaging (bag vs box)
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 207
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From: Oklahoma
I did the same, new cd player, fit was'nt good but after tweeking a bit, it was acceptable. Seems the opening in the dash is just a little larger than average, but with the upgrade in sound I can live with it.
okiepc1
okiepc1
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Joined: Apr 2008
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When installing my Sony head unit, I pulled the L-shaped mounting brackets off the factory radio, and riveted them to the sides of the cradle of the install kit. Then slid the head unit in the cradle, and pulled the slide bracket off the back of the factory radio and put it on the back of the Sony. The radio now bolts up just like a factory unit, then I put the truck's center piece trim around it, then the Sony filler pieces goes in,and finally the face plate. If you measure carefully there will be little to no gaps, my headunit looks like it belongs in the truck, perfectly centered and with no gaps and all that...
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 140
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From: Milwaukee, WI
My factory bezel was already cut up for a cheesy aftermarket stereo.
I used some black plastic from an old kid's sled to fill the gap between the top of the head unit and the bezel. Attached with 3 pop rivets evenly spaced, and it looks better than the hole that was there from the aftermarket head unit and helps hold the whole thing from bouncing around!
Good Luck!
I used some black plastic from an old kid's sled to fill the gap between the top of the head unit and the bezel. Attached with 3 pop rivets evenly spaced, and it looks better than the hole that was there from the aftermarket head unit and helps hold the whole thing from bouncing around!
Good Luck!
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 75
From: Gilbert, PA
It has nothing to do w the headunit as long as you get a Good Install kit. Not some cheep autozone crap. And you get a radio that is the correct size for your dash. Our trucks are a size "e"
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Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
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From: Gilbert, PA
What he said^^^^ that is the only place i deal w when it comes to car audio. It cost a lil more but how does that old saying go..."the cost is long forgotten when the quality remains". For all you tight wads that go to kmart, autozone and the like for audio components, I'm glad your not happy with the fitment or the quality
New User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
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From: OK
Installing a Alpine 9887 in a 1986 F150 LX stepside required a dask kit from Crutchfield or others. The kit allows the Alpine receiver to be installed into many other brands of cars/trucks. It does not have a rear receiver support bracket so one will be made-don't trust the plastic mounting brackets.
For the best fit you will normally need to some work on the dash panel for a good fit.
Mike
For the best fit you will normally need to some work on the dash panel for a good fit.
Mike
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