Pioneer 1.5 DIN question

[fenderman]

I have the factory tape deck but would like to swap it out for a CD head unit. I have decided against factory because the only decent price I can find on one involves a used unit and who knows what you are getting. New factory head units from the dealer are 600 bucks, which I could put towards an entire aftermarket system.

As much as I love modding this car out, I am dead set against doing any modification that ruins another part of the car. Therefore, I refuse to cut the tab that is inside the radio cavity that supports the factory radio. The regular DIN units I have stick out because of this, and I would like a head unit that mounts flush inside the cavity. So, my question is- does the Pioneer fit within the confines of the stock cavity? Or will it stick out as well unless I cut the tab? Not only does the sticking out look bad, but I have a standard transmission and when the radio sticks out it gets in my way. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[HokieBird]

I have a 1.5 pioneer and it fits flush. My only problem with it is the blue and green lights instead of red (I would like it to match the rest of the console and it bothers my eyes at night), but what are you gonna do. My shifted isn't anywhere close since I have a short shifter and lou's short stick, but even stock I wouldn't forsee a problem. If you want I can get the snow off my car and take some pics. Let me know.

[nda0602v6]

Originally posted by fenderman:
Not only does the sticking out look bad, but I have a standard transmission and when the radio sticks out it gets in my way.

Yeah I agree with you, the dash kits that stick wayyyy out look cheap.

Just my personal thoughts but I don't think cutting off the plastic tab piece you are talking about is really all that big of a deal. Even with that tab removed, the factory stereo still mounts very firmly in the dash with just the "metal" brackets on the sides. The tab was cut off on my 02 Firebird (previous owner cut it off) but my factory cd-player mounts in very solid and doesn't "bounce" in the back.

If you think about it, look at the way a typical dash kit bolts in, it only uses "plastic" brackets on each side to hold itself in with no support from the rear.

[fenderman]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I will add this to my database of info.

HokieBird, I know what you mean about the dash lighting which was one of my major complaints with Chevrolet's design decision on my 99 Camaro. White backlighting with red needles, a red digital odometer, and a green LCD display on the head unit. Even more annoying to me was the fact that GM had the red digital head units available for the Firebird. I know that the head units had Pontiac on them and maybe it was an issue of cost, but then why not just make the digital odometer for the Camaro green? I don't know, but anyways... I'm getting off track.

I am also exploring another option which involves using a standard DIN sized head unit but the install kit locates the HU to the top of the cavity rather than in the center. I never knew these existed until I did some searching here last night from posts made several years ago. I ordered two different kits of this style, and if either one works I will definitely post info. The reason I wanted to try this first is because the old aftermarket head unit that I used in my previous car is lit white and red. If this works, I have a head unit that better coordinates with the car and I will also have saved roughly 200 bucks. Not only that but I can also open up a wide selection of head units. However, if this doesn't work thanks to you guys I know that the Pioneer will be my next option.

[CAMAROWIDBASS]

My install kit is flush and i have a pioneer radio and i didnt have to cut the tab.

Where in TX are you at?

[fenderman]

I'm living in Seguin (which is close to San Antonio) but am relocating to San Marcos which is roughly 30 miles away. I recently graduated college with my computer science degree and San Marcos seems like a good place to be as far as finding jobs, because not only are there a few businesses right there in the area but it is still close enough to San Antonio that I can find jobs there too if need be.

[nda0602v6]

Originally posted by fenderman:


I am also exploring another option which involves using a standard DIN sized head unit but the install kit locates the HU to the top of the cavity rather than in the center.

Must be one of those kits that has the EQ underneath. Good idea.

Kit with EQ

[fenderman]

Yeah, I thought it was a good idea too and never understood why the only kit I could find located the HU at the center. Now I know that the reason is due to my lack of searching until now.

One kit locates the HU at the top and leaves room for an EQ at the bottom just like you thought. The other one closes off the space below the HU and gives you a small tray for maybe one or two jewel cases, etc. I really like the tray idea, but the one with the EQ space seemed to locate the HU even higher. If it so happens that the kit with the tray does not give the HU adequate clearance, I'm going to use the one with the .5 DIN cutout at the bottom and fill that spot with either a blockoff plate for adding switches or make a tray to put in that slot. Like I said, I will let everyone know how the install turns out.

EDIT: I just took a look at the link you posted and just wanted to post my findings as you came up with yet another kit number. Here are the kits I ordered:

Metra 99-3900: Kit with .5 DIN space at the bottom

Metra 99-4000: Kit with small tray built in at the bottom

[ January 26, 2005, 04:18 PM: Message edited by: fenderman ]

[fenderman]

Well, here is the update...

I got both kits in the mail and decided to go with the Metra 99-4000. Although the head unit sticks out a little bit, it is way better than the generic adjustable one I had. The tray doesn't hold much except for maybe one jewel case, but useful or not the install looks finished off. Both head units that I installed fit without cutting off the tab in back. I'll try to get some pictures posted but I cannot promise anything as this is my last time online for awhile until I get fully settled into my new place. Just wanted to post that I fit the Metra 99-4000 in without modification to the plastic tab in back. Thanks for all your help, guys.

[fenderman]

Yet another update.. sorry... still no pics yet...

You may be wondering why I ordered two install kits and only reported on one. That's because I only installed the one. Why didn't I try the other? Good question.... but I decided to give it a shot and liked what I found.

The 99-3900 fits the head unit flush into the dash and looks really well done. The bracket has everything molded into it so there are no sorting through screws and tabs to get the thing to fit... just pop the head unit in and bolt it into the cavity. The mounting tab in the dash does not need to be cut and actually provides support in the rear for the head unit to sit on. I was surprised to see how much difference that extra half inch or so further back made. From a glance both kits looked to be the same depth wise which is why I chose the other one. I will block off the bottom portion and either use it to add accessory switches later or I will simply block it off with a black plate or some other decorative kind of plate.

Just wanted to let everyone know.

[nda0602v6]

Glad you found a kit that worked for you. Didn't the kit come with a piece you can snap on to cover the eq opening?

[fenderman]

No, the kit did not come with a cover plate although I have noticed that some other Metra kits come with them, so I'm curious to looking into them. If I get a plate from another kit to work, I'll definitely post here.