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Thursday, April 4, 2013

2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install

Most of you I'm sure already know a double din in-dash stereo will not fit into a Dodge Ram truck without some modifications. This is how I did it.

2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install
The Dodge Ram 1500-2500-3500 should all have the same size stereo.

2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install
Some will come equipped with a premium Infinity sound system. I bypassed the factory Infinity amp, and I will be posting how I did it in the near future.

2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install
This is how the factory stereo looks.

2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install
Once the factory stereo is removed, you will have to cut the top corners to allow the plastic to move up in order to fit the new aftermarket double din. There will also be two small plastic tabs in the bottom corners, cut and remove those.

2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install
Moving on to making the double din fit. I normally use masking tape to cover and protect the face of the stereo, to avoid any scratches.
  
2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install
I first mocked the new stereo up from the back, and marked the pieces I need to cut out. I just used masking tape and a small marker. With this Pioneer I filed about a half inch from the bottom and the top. But different stereos fit a little different.  

2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install

2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install
I typically use a mini belt sander to get close, then I use hand files to get it perfect.

2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install
In order to make the face sit flush behind the dash panel, you will have to cut and file some of the edges.

2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install
After I got the stereo to fit just right, I used a black marker and covered the top and bottom edges so when the stereo mounts in and this is put back into place you will not be able to see any unfinished edges. 

2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install


2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install
For this install I made ABS plastic inserts to fill the gaps on the sides. It is a cheaper alternative to filling and refinishing the dash panel.  

2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install
I got each piece to fit perfectly, then I filed and sanded them to have a slight curve. After that I painted them.

2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install
Now to the stereo mounting. I first put the stereo in the dash to get a good idea on how far in the stereo was going to have to sit in order for the dash panel to fit nicely. Once I had an idea, I mounted back-straps to the sides of the stereo and slid it in. I then started bending the back-straps trying to get them lined up with the mounting holes. At the same time fitting the dash panel into place to check for fitment.  This part can be very tedious and time consuming, be patient. You will have to (mount, check fitment, re-adjust) probably about five time to get in just right.

2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install
After I had it mounted, and fitting to my satisfaction I removed the dash panel one more time.

2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install
I then glued my inserts into place, and let dry. 

2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install
Once the glue cured, I mounted the dash panel and was all finished.

2002-2008 Dodge Ram Double Din Indash Install
I think it came out really nice! I left out the part where I wired the stereo, do to the complexity of the Infinity sound system in this vehicle I will be writing a future post on how to bypass the factory amp. Hope this helps - Jeremy's Car Audio Tips



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