posted 10-27-2016 10:09 AM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by Largent:

It looks like the 12v port was sacrificed - is that accurate?

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posted 10-27-2016 11:53 AM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by Largent:
It looks like the 12v port was sacrificed - is that accurate?

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Nope, they moved the port to the center console. Actually, they gave me a standard 12V port, 2 USB charging ports, a USB port for a thumb drive and a USB port for the iPhone (to plug it in for Apple CarPlay).

posted 08-09-2020 11:07 PM                  

Not having Richnew41's skill with regard to epoxy plastics and and body filler, I decided to base my bezel more on the one done for HawaiiHaze, but instead of centering the radio, I wanted to keep it more offset toward the driver's seat and keep the 12v outlet (cigarette lighter plug) and replace the auto volume switch with a small rectangular USB/Aux port to be connected direct to the new Kenwood stereo for the purpose of using Apple car play and songs from my playlist.

I have taken pictures of most of the process of cutting/trimming the bezel and cutting away some of the plastic inside the dash to make room for the new stereo and and have done a "mock" installation. I will provide the info to anyone interested ONCE I AM COMPLETELY FINISHED WITH THE INSTALLATION. Like was stated earlier in this tread, theoretically,the bezel and installation process should work with any double din radio; however the Kenwood (DNX706s) I chose is a shallow mount unit with no DVD/CD player which eases the fitment issues somewhat. It also has the control buttons at the bottom of the screen and the bottom of the unit has a slight angle to it that flows with the section of the bezel below the radio. Also. the screen has a motorized angle adjustment that I felt important due to the fact that stereo is mounted at such a low position on the dash.

I have already replaced all the speakers with the 2 ohm Infinities, so I have no intent to replace them again.

Because I want the best sound possible, and still want to keep everything as "stock" in appearance as possible, I am going to remove the existing amp and replace it with a 2k watt 5 channel Pioneer. I am also going to replace the existing subwoofer with a 1 ohm dual coil Kicker as describe in another tread. The 1 ohm dual coil will be wired as to create a 2 ohm subwoofer to match the existing speakers. Next, I am going to mount the new amp in the truck area, and add a second 8"powered 250W Kenwood subwoofer under the drivers seat where the original amp was mounted.

So, now that the bezel is cut and a "mock" installation has been done, I now need to fill the gaps on the sides of the new unit that remain from the dimensions of the old 1.5 DIN unit. I have never worked with epoxy plastics, and have minimal experience with body filler, though I have worked with them a few times with good success.

Anyway, I am looking for some advice with regard to the best products and processes to use in the finishing process of the bezel. Once the gaps are filled, and the new USB/AUX port is installed, I intend to sand the bezel body smooth and to paint if to match the instrument panel.

Thanks in advance for any advice with regard to the products and process of working with epoxy plastics and body filler. Looking forward to getting this project completed and making the install info available to anyone that might be interested in the process.

I have pics and will post them once I figure out how to do so on this forum.

posted 08-11-2020 01:24 AM                  

New head unit fitted to bezel

Mock installation to check fitment. (Electrical tape covers gaps on sides of the head unit)

Original bezel and "new" bezel after applying epoxy plastic resin to fill gaps on sides of head unit and auto volume switch opening and then shaping the opening facilitating a Dremmel tool and sanding block Still needs additional sanding and then the application of body filler in order to work into the finished product)

posted 08-13-2020 07:44 AM                  

She is going to be beautiful and you did awesome work....