Just got my Explorer, can I put a double din in?

[laser]

I just got a '97 Eddie Bauer and want to replace the stock head unit. I want a more flush look and was wondering what do I need to fit a double din in there?

 

[Sloalty]

i put one on...you need a dremmel and need the cut out everything in the opening for it to fit.

 

[laser]

Ok can I use this kit and not have to do the trimming or will I still need to?

http://www.amazon.com/Metra-95-5600-Installation-1995-2008-Vehicles/dp/B001JT01RI/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1298859180&sr=8-9

 

[Joe Dirt]

I would read the review on the link before you buy it...

 

[laser]

Ok so there's no alternative other than cutting the bezel? What are the kits for then?

 

[Joe Dirt]

Just becasue they have a kit, doesn't mean they're worth installing- lots of them look like crap when done, and they're really cheap. The Scosche kit looks as cheap as the Metra kit too. There is an American International kit as well, they all look very similar. Look around the audio forum for guys that have put some in- I think BrianDye has a double din in his Limited...

 

[chris.cfox]

Cutting the bezel is pretty easy. It took me about an hour or so with a Dremel tool and it came out looking pretty good. I ordered the double din kit (forget if it was Scosche or Metra) but it did not even fit around the front panel of the Pioneer AVH-P4200DVD...

If you do use a Dremel tool, make sure you use the right speed and the right attachment for the job! Too much speed causes the plastic to melt and too big of attachment will scuff up the visible parts that you don't want to cut. I used a combination of a cutting wheel, for the basic trim, and then the sand paper to get it down to the right size.

Also, you might want to check out the Clarion 2DBKT Mounting Kit for a little more stability in the final mounting. I did not use it but I am thinking about ordering it because right now the headunit is sitting on top of that white plastic tray / shelf thing and I don't like it.

 

[Flounder]

Just becasue they have a kit, doesn't mean they're worth installing- lots of them look like crap when done, and they're really cheap. The Scosche kit looks as cheap as the Metra kit too.

Eh?

It's all how you install it. Take your time for a perfect match. Or, cut corners, and crap in, crap out.

 

[laser]

Ok I'm a little lost. Am I cutting the top and bottom lips or am I just trimming them down?

 

[Joe Dirt]

Flounder- cheap as in not "heavy duty", not cheap as in looks like chit... Even my install kit is cheap.

You're good except that you should turn the temp knob to 12:00, and the cigarette lighter is crooked. Sorry- I'm OCD...

 

[chris.cfox]

Ok I'm a little lost. Am I cutting the top and bottom lips or am I just trimming them down?

I had to cut them down flush with the bezel for my head unit. Just make sure you measure how much is required to cut in order to fit your head unit and any type of sleeve or mount kit.

 

[Flounder]

Flounder- cheap as in not "heavy duty", not cheap as in looks like chit... Even my install kit is cheap.

You're good except that you should turn the temp knob to 12:00, and the cigarette lighter is crooked. Sorry- I'm OCD...

Maybe--the side bezel mounts and bottom track slider (which I think is essential to keep weight off the bezel) do provide a solid mount. The side mounts alone are terrible--the rear of the unit will bounce with the motion of the vehicle, stressing the bezel, and presumably failing at some point.

Next time I take a photo, I'll leave the lighter out, pull off one or two of the HVAC knobs, and turn on my PIAA's so the switch glows orange.

 

[BrianDye]

I didnt even use a dremmel, just a pair of pliers (Hey its all I had at hand at the time to rip that "lip" off the bezel. Took 10 minutes, and my unit fit right in.

 

[BrianDye]

Next time I take a photo, I'll leave the lighter out, pull off one or two of the HVAC knobs, and turn on my PIAA's so the switch glows orange.

NO! He means straighten the cig lighter out, so the little picture is straight, and have all your knobs in the 12 o'clock position. (All facing straight up)

I know Joe, I thought the SAME thing before reading your post I used to ALWAYS keep my knobs at 12.

 

[Flounder]

I know--I sought to exacerbate his OCD, not help it. I'm that kind of guy. A Steve Polychronopolous.

 

[BrianDye]

I got one that he didnt mention though, straighten your vents!

Mine are never moved, besides in the pic I posted, my left adjustment knob is a little to the left

 

[laser]

Hey Brian, did you have to use a kit or it just fit like that after you took the top and bottom lips off?

 

[abomb43]

Use the kit 95-5817, i install **** like this for a living so i've done a few. It doesn't look bad at all because there is not a frame, jus side mounts.