1982TA

iTrader: (1)

I tried a search and didn't get much info other than certain head unit install kits are better than others??

My question is, can you have the aftermarket head unit fit flush to the trim plate?? I'm not going to have it stick out inch or half inch...it looks tacky and is lame. I read that din and half will fit, however I found one and when I looked to see if it was compatabe with my car it said yes. Upon further reading it said it will protrude about 1 inch out of the dash. To me this is not compatable. It shouldn't stick out in my opinion. Is it because of the metal bracket behind the radio or is it because of the "pod" installation kit, or both??? I want to do as little modifications as possible. I've read you need to cut out the metal bracket and cut into the heat ducting. I don't really want to do this, I want a straight forward install, but everytime I find a head unit that seems like it will fit, it says it will stick out. I'm not going to buy one until someone can tell me if this is even possible. I'm not looking for the latest features, but wouldn't mind playing mp3's or wma's. I just want a descent CD player. There has to be something out that that doesn't look like $hit when installed. Please HELP!!

1982TA

iTrader: (1)

I took out my original radio...it's about 5 1/2 inches deep or so...

also, behind the radio is a metal bracket. It doesn't look like I have all that other stuff in later 3rd gens...heating ducts and such. If an aftermarket unit is longer the only thing that might happen is it will bottom out on the trans tunnel. Even with the metal bracket removed I don't think it will go down much further...but if all I need is a half inch to 1 inch it might work...

Anyone know for sure??

89TransAmWS6

You're gonna have to let it stick out, I know it bites, and I ran into this problem as well. My head unit sticks out about half an inch (thats all that should be required) and it's not because of this heating duct crap people have been telling you about to my knowledge, it's actually that you bottom out on the tranny tunnel like you said.

I ALMOST had my alpine unit flush, but it squished all the wires in the back of the head unit, and I really didn't want that, my reccomendation to you is to bite the bullet and allow it to stick out a bit...

Honestly it doesn't look as bad as you think, everyone that gets in my car doesn't even notice it sticks out, unless I point it out to them.

82 Iron Duke

iTrader: (21)

They make a plate to cover what ever sticks out, it is the same finish as the rest of the black on the console so it really doesn't look that bad. 3rd gen cd player if you can find one, I know I cant.

1982TA

iTrader: (1)

so what is a good radio install kit?? I've seen a bunch of different ones, not sure what is good or not. Saw one at Walmart for like 7.99. Says it's good for GM 82-92.

82 Iron Duke

iTrader: (21)

Don't buy that POS, get it pro installed or buy the right kit from a pro installer.

Gummie

Best Buy/Circuit City have them too. It was about $10 or $15 IIRC. It might very well be selling for $8 at walmart.

1982TA

iTrader: (1)

How is it the stuff the "pro's" use is any different? I don't like to take my car's to those places because they always screw stuff up from my experience. I'd rather do it myself....how hard is it to put in a new head unit?? Anyone with half a brain can put one in.

Mongoose

iTrader: (2)

You don't have to let it stick out if you use a little creativity. I got tired of this and found the route to flush fitting a headunit. First I started with a spare radio/ac pod. Some people have this option (Firebirds) and some don't (Camaros). This doesn't mean it can't be done. I removed the two large plastic braces from the back side including the portion with the hole that the large plastic plug slips into. I then took two pieces of radio backstrap and cut them to fit and then attached them to the top and bottom of the pod restoring the rigidity. From that point I located an install kit that gave me the options of flush and different size extensions to choose from. I could then use the flush version and all the wiring fit without any hassles as well. I then wrapped the unit in some foam to provide some extra padding and absorb vibration. Looks much better than the huge overhang.