I have a universal bracket kit from bestkits.com. Is there any bracket available that looks better than this one? Will an audio shop be able to do anything to make the instal look cleaner, more original, or should I just stick with the generic bracket I have?

 

Metra makes a 3rd gen specific install kit that flushes the deck back instead of sticking it out about 1-2" like a lot of the kits out there. i did have to modify the vents behind the deck, but i thought it was well worth it. take a look over at sounddomain or on metra's web site for the specific part number

 

I found Metra part number 99-3042 which fits several GM products including third gens. Is this the right one?

Metra 99-3042

 

American international kit: GM-K432

 

Almost completely forgot, but if you got the money (not sure if they have the 3rd gens specifically), but www.humount.com has the nicest GM install kits i've ever seen. Have one in my grand prix now

 

Something doesnt look right on that. Maybe its the trim piece.

 

The problem is that in order to flush mount a head unit, you need to leave an opening for the face, which is different for every head. The result is that a universal kit has to leave a big gap around the radio. Because of that, when using a regular install kit (as opposed to making my own), I prefer one of the generic styles that adjusts the whole kit in and out, but still mounts the deck face forward of the kit (so that the radio is flush with the faceplate removed). In cases where you wind up with what's pictured above, I like to make a nice ABS trim ring by tracing the shape of the faceplate into the ABS, then cut it out 1/16" or 1/8" large all the way around. After that you can install it temporarily, put the factory console trim back, and trace the outline of that, then cut that out. The result will be a piece that'll completely fill the gap between the faceplate and the console trim for a nice clean, custom flush look.

 

I understand mine's a bit off because it needs some slight adjusting, but that angle shot from the shifter, so its not one you're gonna see and otherwise looks dead-on. it needs to come out again so i can add the steering wheel adapter for the controls, but its not my top priority right now. but even in current state, still looks 100x better than the majority of install kits

 

here is a good clean fit

 

It's kind of hard to tell when you zoom in so far that you can't see the mount around the radio.

Here's the deck in my IROC. I still need to find time to move it back another 1/4", but this is probably good enough until I swap in a different head:

 

here is a better pic now i know that you dont want it to stick out but this looks like it belongs.

 

With a GTA digital dash, a camaro console and no other woodgrain in sight, I'm not sure what would "belong" around the radio in your particular case. Even though it's not stock, I always try to make my audio installations look as stock appearing as possible.

 

yeah, not trying to be too mean, but that last one does not look at all like it belongs. the stock radio sat back from the trim ring, that one sticks up like it was added afterwards. i had done something similar to jim when i had the same deck (I think we both bought our decks around the same time, great deal when crutchfield had them on sale), but used a decent camaro-specific one i picked up from sounddomain. Its not quite a slick as Jim's setup, but a good compromise between time/effort/money

 

Errr, belongs to what? LOL J/K

 

Read my mind. This is what I have planned out for my install.

I am going to 1.) Use one sheet of plexi to mount the radio to the pod, and 2) Use another for the radio trim cover. The inner / outer edges of the radio trim cover will be routed for a detailed look. I will be either be spraying the back of the plexi (not sure of the color yet) leaving the front alone, or frosting the back by sanding and adding a light.

 

Wow i really like the extra mount with the Tv, was that custom made? Or is it a part you can actually buy?

 

Definitely looks to me like he bought another 3rdgen radio console and cut it up, and placed atop the original...for a very nice design. I like it.

 

wow, i thought those pics had long disappeared, but I'm sure Jim can fill ya in. That was a custom project he did some years back. Looks very factory, and IIRC, he did buy another radio bezel to modify for the screen

funny to see my old username too (CAMp3RO)

 

That mount for the monitor was a custom made deal. I bought a spare console & trim piece and modified the hell out of them to make it work. I also bought an entire spare dash board so that I could harvest some of the flat ABS plastic from the passenger side in order to make the cover piece for the monitor:


Here's the info on how I made this:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/631053/2

Someday when I get the time and ambition to change the head unit to one to one that's got a built-in DVD player, I'll harvest the plastic from another dash to make a new head unit trim plate and another plate to cover the area where the DVD player currently resides... which will probably wind up becoming a gauge pod of some sort.

 

damn nice man

 

Your can pick one up at walmart or just buy one online or at best buy basically anyplace that sells car stereos should have it

 

how much would you want if you could make one for me, just the monitor case?