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.

The Dodge Ram 1500-2500-3500 should all have the same size stereo.

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.

This is how the factory stereo looks.

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.

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.

  

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.  

I typically use a mini belt sander to get close, then I use hand files to get it perfect.

In order to make the face sit flush behind the dash panel, you will have to cut and file some of the edges.

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. 

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.  

I got each piece to fit perfectly, then I filed and sanded them to have a slight curve. After that I painted them.

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.

After I had it mounted, and fitting to my satisfaction I removed the dash panel one more time.

I then glued my inserts into place, and let dry. 

Once the glue cured, I mounted the dash panel and was all finished.

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

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
#caraudio #car #electronics #custom #jeep #cherokee

Portable Satellite Radio Installations, Mounting Locations?

If you or maybe your friend/customer are looking to add satellite radio to your vehicle, then a portable unit may be the best option. On most of the early 2000's vehicles, satellite radio was not a common feature to have on your OEM stereo. And if you did have the capability to add the feature, most the time the hardware is no long available, or if it is, it is extremely expensive. whatever the case. Installing a portable satellite radio unit may be the simplest inexpensive way to to enjoy Sirius or Xm while you're on the go. Some of you may also be a little confused and say Sirius? XM? didn't they merge into one company? Well yeah, in some aspects but it's kinda complicated right now. In order to activate a XM portable unit on a XM account, you will need a unit with a (Alfa-Numeric ID) and in order to activate a Sirius portable unit on a Siriur account the unit must have a all (Numeric Serial Number). What makes it even more confusing is that most the portable satellite radio units will be labeled "SiriusXM" these units are actually made for the XM side and have "Alfa-Numeric" IDs...Anyway, check out some of the installs I did. 

Jaguar

 I like to take advantage of unused ashtrays and or small closing pockets when it comes to the placements.

Sometime to get the pocket or ashtray out, it requires quite a bit of disassembly. 

 Once I have the ashtray or pocket removed from the vehicle, most of the time I use ABS plastic to fabricate a mount to secure it in place.

 You always want to check and ensure clearance of the wires on the back of the unit, and always rout the wires away from moving parts.

This unit fit perfectly!

With the ashtray open you can see and operate the unit. 

With it closed you can't see any aftermarket components everything is hidden, but you can now enjoy your satellite radio!  

 Mercedes

 Same thing as the Jaguar, I first removed the ashtray

 Then I made a mounting braket out of ABS plastic.

Before I mounted it I checked for clearance.

Once mounted, it was ready to be connected!

It turned out really nice!

Can't even tell it's there.

This satellite radio was installed into smaller pocket above an ashtray

This was another Mercedes, the satellite radio unit was installed in a small pocket right below the ashtray.

The bottom of the pocket could actually be remove, making the mounting fairly easy.

Once again always make sure you have proper clearance for the wires

that will need to be connected.

 This one came out really nice! And was probably the easiest one to install.

Always keep in mind these units are ment to be portable, so if mounted into small pockets or ashtrays you may not be able to remove them as easily, or you may not be able to move them at all. But that is just something you wanna go over before the install :) anyway that's it, till next time...

-Jeremy's Car Audio Tips
#sirius #xm #car #caraudio #caraudiotips #sandiego #12volt