97-01 Jeep Cherokee Double Din Car Stereo Installation.

I recently installed a Double Din car stereo into a Jeep Cherokee, I think it came out pretty nice! Normally these vehicles will only fit a din or din and a half sized car stereo. But with a couple custom modifications your in business.  

This is what the factory stereo looked like, way outdated! lol

When you remove the factory stereo, grab the new Double Din stereo and put it up to the opening. Take note of the plastic pieces that are blocking the new Double Din from fitting in properly. The plastic in all four corners will have to be cut in order for the new stereo to fit properly. 

Moving on to modifying the dash panel. You will want to mock the stereo up from the back and try and get a good idea of how you want the stereo to fit. Filing the dash panel opening to fit your new Double Din size stereo can be very tedious and time consuming! To speed up the process and make the install a lot easier, you may want to invest in a "Dremel" or what I used, an air powered "Mini Belt Sander". Don't try and rush when filing the dash panel. You want all the lines to be nice and straight and you don't want to opening to be too big. Frequently check to make sure your getting the proper fitment.

Just about done with the filing.  

Perfect fit! Besides the gaps on the sides that will be filled with ABS plastic once the new Double Din stereo is mounted in the dash.

Getting the new Double Din stereo to fit is a little tricky. I used an air saw and first cut the bottom corner pieces of plastic out. *Note, the bottom pieces of plastic cut out were pieces of the a/c - heater duct and must be sealed off after cutting. Once the bottom was taken care of, I cut the top corner pieces as well. Cutting the top pieces was quick and easy and did not require anything to be sealed. After you get it to fit nicely in the dash you will want to get it positioned so when the dash panel is put back on the new stereo will sit perfectly in the new Double Din opening. I used metal "Back Straps" to secure the stereo in place on the left and right side.

Once the new stereo is mounted in the dash you can work on filling the gaps on the dash panel. I used ABS plastic, and a paintable/sandable plastic filler. Once you get the gaps filled, give it a quick paint job. 

And that's it! I didn't mention any of the wiring of the harness I figured that step is pretty straight forward. You now have a nice New Double Din stereo! Good luck, if you have any questions shoot me an email...

-Jeremy's Car Audio Tips
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