Anyone have any recommendatios for replacing the stock head unit, not only is it ugly but sounds like crud too. I really like Alpine products and would love to stick with that brand but I didn't see any head units in their lineup that would fit that huge space where the stocker sits now. Anyone got ideas for replacing the bezel and or finding a stock sized unit? Oh yeah, and I don't really need or want navigation.

Thanks

 

most aftermarket decks don't fit the large factory opening w/o an adapter kit that you can get from any car audio shop or crutchfield for about $30.

 

if you put in an aftermarket head unit you will have "dumbo ears" where the stock volume and tuning ***** where. You will have to get a custom job done if you dont want the "dumbo ears". There are kits that make a small storage area in the extra space. I dont know who makes them, I saw it at a local audio shop.

 

Get you a good double-din screen w/o navigation. They control systems better and have way better tuning characteristics. Then you could at least watch movies and download pictures onto it. In order to get the best out of your speakers, you need to upgrade out of the stockers (unless you have the infinity package) and go with a good component set.

 

You would always go with the double din option. If you get the nagivation setup as a replacement for the stock bezel (pick one up from dodgeparts.com) then you could go with an adapter kit off of ebay and have a factory looking install for your new double din alpine head unit without having to hack something together yourself.

On dodge parts.com you can go into the OEM catalog and then drill down to get to the parts you would be looking for.

 

well look who beat me to the punch

 

What exactly are "dumbo ears" ?

I put a Pioneer deck in with a filler adapter (very common item) I got at Car audio store. It looks good and centres the deck in the hole.

 

the 05's have a different dash configuration and won't have the "dumbo ear" problem. Take a quick look in the gallery of someone who has a 06-UP and you'll see what 2171CTD is talking about.

 

The "dumbo ears" are the half circles in the factory bezel where the ***** on the factory unit fit into. A really dumb design... but thats just me.

Thanks for the info guys, I kinda had a feeling that the stock bezel was gonna have to be replaced, but wasn't sure about the head unit sizes. Im still stuck back in the day when most aftermarket head units where a normal size.

Are the radio bezels easy to get out and replace? The stock speakers wont be in there long when the radio gets swapped out, I'll probably do it all at one time..

Thanks again.

 

Even if you have the Infinity package you will want to upgrade the door speakers. Mine clip with just the stock head unit. I just bought some component Focal 6 1/4" for the front doors and 5 1/2" for the rear doors with a JL audio amp to push 'em. Waiting to install till I get some extra cash for the subs and another amp to push it. I'd really like to get the Pioneer Avic Z head unit but can't justify $2k for music. Would rather save for a built tranny!

 

alpine 9885 here. I love it. I put 5 1/4" seperates in the front door and 6 1/2 coaxiles in the rear door. They sound great being pushed by a amp.

 

Not to hijack the thread but. . . How do you remove the factory radio? Sounds like you all have figured that out. I have the single cd one. I need to get behind to install some wiring for a GPS.

 

Not hijacking at all, great question....I've looked and other than removing the bezel I don't see any other way. An easy method would be good to know before I start tearing into this thing.

 

The 9885 is about what I'm looking for and comparable to an older Alpine model that I had in my 97 F350. Could you post pics of your Alpine head unit so I can get some ideas of how to use the double din space. Thanks

 

whats the 1/4 mile time on that grand national?