I just put a Single din JVC head unit in my car Friday, Everything went great but the Dash Adapters are real pieces of junk, this thing has 2 fimsy plastic brakcets that hold it to the dash where the factory radio bolted in,

I used some oversixed washers to help prevent them from breaking so I think they will do good but some other things I noticed..

1. The "L" brakets were connected to the adapter box with bolts/nuts and the damn bolts stuck out the side of the adapter so I had to file a large chunk out of my dash out to make clearance for the nut,

2. there was no rear support for the radio so I double taped some cardboard under it to give it support. I wanted to do this because The headunit is not Bolted to the adpater in anyway!!! All that holds it is place is these 4 metal tabs on the metal sleeve of the head unit that bend up against the adpater. I guess all they need to do is keep it from sliding out since I put my own rear supprt on but what a piece of junk!

What are some other opinions on this?

 

What brand was, and where did you get, that particular dash adapter? I've used some in the past that were similar to that, and I agree, they are pretty cheap. Nowadays, I'm a little more cautious, and try to get an idea of the quality of any kit before I purchase.

 

It was a free adapter that Crutchfield sent, I would have drilled holes in the side of the adapter to bolt it to the Head unit to give it some support but I couldn't even do that because of the design so the only thing I could do is put cardboard under it, plus The left & right brackets were different so I had to drill a hole in the left one just to mount it to the dash level. Ofcourse it was a universal adapter but what a PITA.

 

like you found, almost anything universal sucks in fitment and quality because it is made to fit alot of different cars (virtually every GM and some Dodge probably in your case), especially if its free. The vehicle specific ones mount and fit better and are stronger. It just depends on the car and the kit manufacturer as to what is best. Either will function.