WhiteBird00

iTrader: (4)

For those of you who have installed a double DIN head unit, what did you use for mounting brackets?

I'm about to install a Pioneer AVIC-D3 with all the extras (bluetooth, sirius, etc. ...and yes, I have the customized trim bezel) but I realized I can't just swap the factory side brackets onto the new HU - there's no mounting holes that match up. The Metra kit doesn't help for the same reason. Did you have to make custom brackets?

Any other installation tips would be greatly appreciated.

pentavolvo

I know on the vettes a few guys have used metal brackets from ace hardware, i forgot what they were called

http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/16...600x600Q85.jpg

phantomzer0

iTrader: (17)

I bought a metra double din kit off of ebay for like 10 bucks. It comes with clips for both sides of the unit. Once you attach them and set the unit into the car, the brackets line up with the holes for the actual radio bezel. When you put the bezel on the poles will go into the factory holes and hold the clips in place. I'll try to get a shot tonight of it for you.

The clips don't actually secure to the car until you attach the radio bezel. It's not the most "theft deterrent" but it works quite well.

Nice choice on the avic btw, its a really good deal, especially if you use an ipod or xm!!

phantomzer0

iTrader: (17)

Here's the link to the ebay auction with the kit I bought.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Chevy-Pontiac-Do...QQcmdZViewItem

VIP1

Look in this thread for many more links to threads on Double-Din:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/wiring-stereo-electronics/740828-double-din-possible.html

Homez114

I know this is probably a stupid question, but where did you get the customized trim bezzle, or how did you make the trim bezzle. I am assuming it is for a trans am, if you would let me know I would greatly appreciate it, as to say I want to get the same set up as you are installing

Thanks JP

pentavolvo

phantomzer0
so did you use that dbl din kit and it just like bolted up in the car

phantomzer0

iTrader: (17)

Yeah. Though this is in a Camaro. I'm not sure how this would mount up in a Firebird / Trans Am. You might need to modify or try to fit it differently, but it worked out great for me.

Here are my pictures.





You can see from the photos that the holes are not the mounting kit holes, they are the ones for the bezel to attach to the car.

WhiteBird00

iTrader: (4)

Thanks everyone! I was thinking I might have to make brackets out of some sheet metal but I like the idea of using the double DIN Metra kit - I think I'll give that a try. It looks like it will fit pretty much the same way in the T/A as in a Camaro.

Phantomzer0, did you have to cut out the factory tray under the radio opening? It seems like it will be a really tight fit otherwise.

The bezel is a prototype from a member who is not yet a sponsor here (but thinking about it). He sells them for Camaros but this is his first Firebird bezel.

I got the new SCV-DOC1 that allows you to control a plug-and-play Sirius receiver from the Pioneer head unit. That means I can use my satellite radio just like it was built in to the head unit but I still have the flexibility to take the tuner out for use on my bike (saves paying for an extra subscription).

phantomzer0

iTrader: (17)

No sir! My unit sits perfectly flush right on top of it. I can take the unit out tomorrow and do some test fitting in my Firebird if you want.

WhiteBird00

iTrader: (4)

Thanks, I really appreciate the offer but I don't want to put you to any trouble. I test fit it today (before I found the bracket problem) and noticed that I would either have to trim a bit across the top or remove the bottom tray. The opening seems to be about 1/8" too small for the body of the unit. I'd feel much better having it sit on the tray for support even if I have to do a small amount of trimming of the opening at the top.

phantomzer0

iTrader: (17)

Make sure you have enough room in the back for the fan to blow out the unit's heat. If it cannot properly circulate the air then it will go into a protection mode. If it goes into protect mode, it will mostly be un-useable. Just check, and double check that you have enough clearance in the back.

WhiteBird00

iTrader: (4)

How much clearance would it need? I installed it today (pictures to follow) and I figure there's about an inch behind it.

pentavolvo

should be adequate

WhiteBird00

iTrader: (4)

Here's what it looks like installed:


The D3 allows you to load up custom backgrounds from disc so I created one with the screaming chicken logo.

pentavolvo

whitebird so what did you do for mounting it

Homez114

That looks really good, we trans am owners need those bezzels mass produced. That is a super clean look, and you did a great job. PM if you know how I could get one of those bezels, would really appreciate it, and nice set up

JP

reaper95

iTrader: (1)

Very nice, when my money looks a little better that is my next project.

WhiteBird00

iTrader: (4)

I used the double DIN mounting kit that phantomzer0 suggested. It's such a tight fit in the opening that you really don't need much support. The brackets from the mounting kit just help keep it in position but the support mostly comes from the factory tray.

pentavolvo

so if you pull the bezel off it will just like slide out,