Car Audio and Electronics Custom car audio/electronics questions and discussion

Best looking dash kits

Old Jun 16, 2005 | 09:43 AM
  #1  
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Best looking dash kits

I've finally gave up on the idea of sticking with factory bose since I have two cd players and no "working" cd player. I wanted to stick with the factory since it's so expensive to change, but I'm tired of these factory ones going out and I got a good deal on the PAC interface to make it work. I'm upgrading to a kenwood single din and was curious what was the best appearing dash kit to mount a small cd. I've seen pictures of the Metra 99-4544 and Metra 99-3009, but never seen an installed pic. I've searched on here too with no luck. Anybody got any pics? Any others besides the two above? I want something that fits flush, and I like the idea of having a pocket below the cd, but I also want the radio to be in reach from the short stick (I play with the radio alot when I drive). BTW, it's going in a '95 Z.
Old Jun 16, 2005 | 11:26 AM
  #2  
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Re: Best looking dash kits

I use the Metra 3009 with a custom trim ring made by Mike over at FBA

Trim Ring
Old Jun 17, 2005 | 07:11 AM
  #3  
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Re: Best looking dash kits

Anyone else? Anyone have a pic of the one with the pocket at the top instead of the bottom?
Old Jun 17, 2005 | 09:29 AM
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Re: Best looking dash kits

I had the 4544 kit. Not too pleased with it.

In the front, the nuts that hold the side brackets in place interfere with the factory plastic. You can't just mount the HU straight in, it has to go in on an angle, then be worked into place.

I went with this one instead.

http://store1.yimg.com/I/millionbuy_1850_36986882

GM-K440. The side brackets snap in (rather tightly too). Also, the side support rails are present, and are used to secure the HU with screws on either side.

Using this kit, i DID NOT use the HU cage at all. HU secured to kit on both sides. I had the little nipple part left over from a previous install. That got mounted on the back as a rear support.

The HU sticks out about 3/4" on my '97 z28, but thats fine. I didnt want to cut anything inside the dash for a flush fit (would also lose that rear support then).

I'll post a pic soon.
Old Jun 17, 2005 | 09:56 AM
  #5  
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Re: Best looking dash kits


Old Jun 17, 2005 | 11:28 AM
  #6  
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Re: Best looking dash kits

That's actually one of the better looking ones I've seen. The din sized cd in a 1 1/2 din opening just doesn't look right to me, but the pocket makes it look a little more factory. I'll definitely keep my eye out for that one. Thanks for the reply!
Old Jun 17, 2005 | 11:42 AM
  #7  
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Re: Best looking dash kits

ncsu602,

When i did the install with the 4544 kit, i wasted so much time fighting the radio to get it to fit nicely.

The guys at best buy and circuit city claimed all I needed was support in the front - no need for that rear pin. BS I say. If the radio is in there good, the rear end should not be lose to move around.

Also, using only the front support places alot of strain on the cage (if you using it).

Ideally, I'd like a kit just like this one, but without the pocket - I would like to mount an EQ down the line when I add the amp and redo speakers..
Old Jun 17, 2005 | 01:08 PM
  #8  
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Re: Best looking dash kits

I'm curious if there's any way to flip the kit over so the pocket is on the top. I've got a box of brackets and hangers left over from 4 or 5 installs, I could make something work. Right now the factory cd out of my '01 sonoma is in there. It fits pretty good but sounds like a$$ because of the non-bose HU. Basically, I've got plenty of brackets. I'm worried that with the rounded passenger corner of the 93-95 HU trim will get in the way. If the pocket is a little blocked, no big deal.
Old Jun 17, 2005 | 01:21 PM
  #9  
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Re: Best looking dash kits

Get one from www.humount.com

I have one for my 04 Silverado and they are excellent.

Here's a gallery they have of their kits. If you go in the Silverado album that's mine that he custom made from an Avalanche kit.
http://maptechenterprises.netfirms.c...ndex.php?cat=0
Old Jun 17, 2005 | 02:26 PM
  #10  
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Re: Best looking dash kits

Here's the install kit pdf from crutchfield.

http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/Man...C003GMK390.PDF

Note on page 2 the side brackets.. Those nuts that come out interfere with the factory opening (you gotta spread it open, or position one side, then fight the other)..
Old Jun 17, 2005 | 02:45 PM
  #11  
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Re: Best looking dash kits

Birdie,
Sold! I'll be ordering one tonight. It's a little more money than I wanted to spend but if it looks like that in my car, it'll definitely be worth it. I may also get the blue backlight to match my gauges. Now if I can just change my HVAC bulbs, I'll be set. Thanks for all the help guys!
Old Jun 18, 2005 | 06:40 PM
  #12  
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Re: Best looking dash kits

I could be wrong, but I believe the mounting kits with the backlighting are only for the LS1's, not the LT1's
Old Jun 18, 2005 | 06:45 PM
  #13  
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Re: Best looking dash kits

Sweet. Last I checked they only had the backlit mount kits for the LS1's.

Old Jun 20, 2005 | 04:43 PM
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Re: Best looking dash kits

humount.com makes one for the lt1 now. I just finished working with him on making one. click

Last edited by My93Z; Jun 20, 2005 at 04:47 PM.
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