Stereo installation kits...

[paul1965]

Sorry people, as I'm sure this has been asked before. Who makes the best kit for a 99 GT? I don't want one that sticks out from the dash. I want my new Pioneer to sit flush, inside the trim plate, just like that factory one. Thanks!

[JJUBECK]

You know it really depends on the radio and how flush the face is............
I have a 99 GT with a poineer deck in it and I think it looks good, a hell of a lot better then the factory, but then again I'm pushing a lot more then the factory equipment. If you want a pic of my install let me know.........atleast give you an idea of what your looking at.

[paul1965]

Yes, upload a pic if you can. I bought the Pioneer DEH-P3500 deck, and let Best Buy install it (hey, it was free!). They used a Metra install kit, and it looks alright, but I would rather have the deck mounted flush the same way the factory radio was though, instead of the aftermarket mount be flush, then the deck protrudes out from there. Does that make sense?

[paul1965]

Just did some browsing on the web, and found these two kits:

http://www.audio-warehouse.com/detail.asp?mdl=99-4503

http://www.audio-warehouse.com/detail.asp?mdl=99-4544

From what I can see, both of these kits allow the unit to be a more flush mount than others. What do you guys think?

[paul1965]

I just ordered the full install kit. I'll see how it looks, and try to upload some picks when I'm done....

[GTPKLR]

more then likely your problem is that the head unit is too long and wouldn't mount flush that is the problem i ran into on my grand prix you might be able to minimise the amount that it sticks out with a different kit but it will probably still stick outi used just a half inch extension kit and it seamed to fit fine. check out this site http://www.bestkits.com

[GhostLake]

Not the answer your really looking for but, Pioneer makes a couple GM/Chrysler sized head units that don't need intallation kits. I put the P47DH in my 92 Grand Prix and it fits good. The face does however stick out maybe a 1/4 inch. Still looks better than a standard DIN sized unit with an installation kit in my opinion.

http://members.cox.net/ghostlake/Pio...7DH-in_car.jpg
http://www.hookedontronics.com/show_...s.jsp?cid=1073
http://www.hookedontronics.com/show_...s.jsp?cid=1074

[kilroypr]

Since you already have the radio, then would be a matter of finding the right kit. I saw mounting kit that would pretty much make your radio look OEM at http://www.crutchfield.com and look under what fits my car.

[paul1965]

I was over at Tweeter last night and looked at a Pioneer unit like you described, but since I'm pretty specific about what I want in a head unit, I didn't pick it up. I returned the Pioneer that I bought, and picked up an Alpine unit instead. It's got all the features I want (Cell phone mute, MP3/WMA playback, CD changer control and remote) but doesn't have selectable lighting. That's the big thing I ran into, is trying to find red/amber illumination, along with ALL the other options I want. The Alpine is mostly blue, but I will either get used to it, or figure out how to change it.

As far as depth clearance, there is plenty behind the dash. There is a plastic support molded into the dash, but that can be easily trimmed or removed to make even more depth, so mounting the unit truly flush should not be a problem. I should have the Metra kit by Wednesday, so we'll see how it turns out. Thanks for all the replies.

[Ripn12s]

Another way besides the Metra->

http://www.clubgp.com/newforum/tm.as...anguage=single

[paul1965]

Well, I finally got the new installation kit, and the PAC SWX. Here's a pic before and after installation. I like the flush look so much better....

I also included a shot of the VDO oil pressure gauge I installed. Since my GT did not have the trip computer (just the stupid door ajar diagram), I decided to mount it where it can be easily seen while driving. Installation wasn't too bad. Yes, I had to modify a lot behind the dash to get the deep gauge to fit, but I like it.







Sorry, but I had to compress the crap out of these!!!!

[Ripn12s]

Looks good.

Is that the metra kit??

If you wanted you could buy a used DIC from a GTP w/ trip info and replace yours.

[paul1965]

Yes, it's a Metra kit, fits virtually all 82 and up GM's. Comes with a butt load of brackets and face plates, including one for an EQ. I thought about installing a DIC, but I wasn't sure about the wiring. I don't think I could swap in a full DIC when mine didn't come with one in the first place....

[paul1965]

Oh, and I should point out, I took the "before" pic before I actually started. I killed about 2 hours doing some other things (including searching all over town for a PAC kit) before I actually started to work on it!

[Ripn12s]

How old is the ALpine?

Ive got a Alpine that is atleast 2yrs old and they couldnt get the PAX to work withit so i dont have use of the steering wheel controls anymore.