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Technical => Audio & Other Aftermarket Electronics => Topic started by: Thunder Chicken on April 01, 2010, 09:28:31 AM

Title: Double DIN in an 85-88 dash
Post by: Thunder Chicken on April 01, 2010, 09:28:31 AM
Who's done it, and what kind of problems did you run into? I know there's a metal bracket in there that would have to be dealt with, but how about that air duct? I'm asking because I'm thinking of adding a double-DIN with DVD, NAV, backup camera and bluetooth to the 'Bird and I'm not a big fan of flip-out monitors. I want a factory-looking install: to try to make it look like it would have if Ford had offered Nav, or even double-DIN back in the day...
Title: Double DIN in an 85-88 dash
Post by: t3skidoo on April 02, 2010, 04:34:47 AM
Where do you want to put it, and how "deep" is the stuff you want to install?
Title: Double DIN in an 85-88 dash
Post by: Thunder Chicken on April 02, 2010, 06:11:07 AM
I was thinking in the area where the stereo and cubby hole are now (I know I'd have to make a custom panel, which is OK because I've got an extra bezel). The unit looks to be about as deep as a regular stereo, just twice as tall.
Title: Double DIN in an 85-88 dash
Post by: dominator on April 02, 2010, 10:34:10 AM
I have a single din dvd player in the cubby and my head unit in the stereo spot.
Had to cut the vent out in the back of the dash partially to make it fit in.
The vents still work but are not as strong as they used to be.
However in the summer with the A/C on you will never have a deck that overheats lol.
Title: Double DIN in an 85-88 dash
Post by: kendoo130 on April 02, 2010, 11:37:27 AM
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=26302

check in here
Title: Double DIN in an 85-88 dash
Post by: kendoo130 on April 02, 2010, 12:25:23 PM
sorry I was on my phone earlier.

Yes you have to cut the metal. There is a wire harness there-just move it upward. I had to heat my vents and bend them up slightly-I mean just a little bit. My center vents still blow hard. If you're real picky you can send your pieces off to someone like this to redo your center. They are currently doing a piece for me in carbon fiber for my Mustang-I'll post pics when I get it back.

http://www.americanhydrocarbon.com
Title: Double DIN in an 85-88 dash
Post by: Thunder Chicken on April 02, 2010, 04:08:56 PM
Thanks Kendoo...

This (your car) is pretty muich the look I'm going for:
(http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss121/kendoo130/Stereo%20pics/Tbirdradio.jpg)

I'd prefer to mount it higher, but if that's the only way it'd fit so be it. I'm sure I can come up with something to fill that space...

I have no problem making the panel (or cutting the metal, for that matter). So when you heated the plastic duct what'd you use, a heat gun?
Title: Double DIN in an 85-88 dash
Post by: BlackCardinal on April 02, 2010, 04:52:53 PM
That looks awesome...although I get the feeling that it needs something above it...like some gauges or a wet bar or something...
Title: Double DIN in an 85-88 dash
Post by: kendoo130 on April 02, 2010, 05:18:23 PM
Yes-I used a heat gun. Somebody else also did this (Protouring442) not sure about the name. His is mounted higher than mine but I'm sure he had to massage or cut the vents.
Title: Double DIN in an 85-88 dash
Post by: Watchdevil on April 02, 2010, 11:17:37 PM
I could easily do a double din in mine if I wanted to... Since I am using a 1995 Mustang dash! The last few years of the SN95 Mustang revised the center stack trim to accept a double din sized factory radio!
Title: Double DIN in an 85-88 dash
Post by: ProTouring442 on April 05, 2010, 10:36:30 AM
I mounted mine higher, but you have to trim the upper ducts. I cut mine then utilized an adhesive backed rubber product I found at Lowe's to fill in the rather large hole I created, This allowed me to push the head unit back into the rubber and form it to an exact fit.

(http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/29435279680.jpg)

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
Title: Double DIN in an 85-88 dash
Post by: mcb82gt on April 06, 2010, 05:44:16 PM
That looks very nice Bill.  Did you swap the buttstuffog clock in?
Title: Double DIN in an 85-88 dash
Post by: t3skidoo on April 06, 2010, 07:54:42 PM
The one thing I'd try to do that wasn't mentioned is integrate the new piece so that it fits the factory console face.  Cut the section separating the two openings, use a router (or something) to bevel the edges, and locate the new piece to fit from behind like everything else.

This is a quickie drawing, not to scale, but hopefully you get the idea.
Title: Double DIN in an 85-88 dash
Post by: ProTouring442 on April 07, 2010, 08:22:48 AM
Quote from: mcb82gt;317285
That looks very nice Bill.  Did you swap the buttstuffog clock in?


Yeah. I don't know why, it just seemed to look better.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill