Car Stereo Installation Question.

[bigbabybills]

I have been cruising the FAQ's and have been searching the net, and I really need some advice. I seen the one on Car Stereo and it sorta lead me to a dead end.

I am currently installing a Kenwood KDC-516S Deck into my 1998 GSX. I have purchased the Installation kit that has the pocket underneath it (American International MIT-K890).

The issue I am having is the trim that goes around the deck and the plastic piece that goes around the A/C controls and stereo do not want to play nice. I can not for the life of me get them to sit right. I have gotten to the point of where it scratched the trim around my faceplate during a forceful attempt. When I did force it on the deck face wouldn't flip down anyway to where I could use it even if everything did match up, because it was bending the trim around the faceplate.

Should I not mount it flush to the pocket? Should I Dremel it?

I am to the point of frustration right now. I have searched on the net and on these forums. I have exhausted my 56k (due to being stationed in the boonies). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[brute]

Dremel

 

[alex99gst]

When I installed mine I mounted the cd player itself flush with everything else and the faceplate stuck out some. If your trim is in the way, you could always file down the part that is in the way.

 

[bigbabybills]

I pulled it back out, took a step back. If I need to cut I will, but I really don't want to go that route. I guess if it comes to it I can file it, and look for another piece from a junk yard or something of that nature.

 

[Coder24]

if you are using the trim cover that comes with the cd player...you cant use it due to the stock plastic piece.try putting the trim on without the part that comes with the cd player, then try it with the faceplate off. then let us know.

 

[bigbabybills]

I can get it on w/o the CD player trim. If I don't use the CD player trim though I have metal showing.

 

[Coder24]

Thats probrably your best bet to do unless you feel like dremeling you setup. Or try to put the cd trim on after u get the plastic on.which would you rather have? the dash together or not see metal?

 

[bigbabybills]

Well.... The Dremel won.

I took my handy Dremel, and attached a sander bit. I then "sanded" (or melted whichever you prefer to say) the outer lip on the Plastic piece that goes around the Stereo/AC controls.

The only reason I was leery in doing this in the begining is my pop chewed me up and down one time for cutting the rear tray on my '71 Chevelle so it would fit 6x9's. I believe they were made for 5x7's, but anyway he proceeded to chew me up for it. Thats why I didn't step in with the Dremel in the first place.

I am thinking that once I go back to the factory stereo if I ever sell my car it will be ok. Just in case though I will be surfing Ebay and or the Junk Yards for another one.

Thanks once again for all the feedback and help. Tomorrow the re-wiring of the Factory amp to crossovers and hopefully I will be jamming by Thursday.

 

[Coder24]

Well.... The Dremel won.

I took my handy Dremel, and attached a sander bit. I then "sanded" (or melted whichever you prefer to say) the outer lip on the Plastic piece that goes around the Stereo/AC controls.

The only reason I was leery in doing this in the begining is my pop chewed me up and down one time for cutting the rear tray on my '71 Chevelle so it would fit 6x9's. I believe they were made for 5x7's, but anyway he proceeded to chew me up for it. Thats why I didn't step in with the Dremel in the first place.

I am thinking that once I go back to the factory stereo if I ever sell my car it will be ok. Just in case though I will be surfing Ebay and or the Junk Yards for another one.

Thanks once again for all the feedback and help. Tomorrow the re-wiring of the Factory amp to crossovers and hopefully I will be jamming by Thursday.

sounds good and good luck

 

[gridlyne]

Just about everyone of my DSM buddies had to file their bezel to fit anything where the stock radio was. Just get a Dremel or a file and go at it until it fits.

 

[eagle97talon]

Im having the same problem in my new '98 Talon. This didnt happen to me in my '97 though. But does it look alright with the stock piece all sanded out like that? anyone have a picture?

 

[Seano04]

if you guys post a picture we might be able to help you guys out with your fitting problems. I got mine in without a problem at all

 

[timm98gst]

those american international kits are the worst - for much better look and fitment go with a metra or scosche kit

 

[Seano04]

using the metra mistubishi kit is a waste of money and time...one bump in the road or even sliding the radio into the cage will snap the sides of the kit...its a much better idea to use the universal pocket with the factory brackets. that way the radio is in there exactly like the stock one was. its much easier and also harder for someone to steal