OEM Single DIN Radio Bracket Modification For Modern Radios

[kings1527]

I've taken a good look everywhere and I haven't come across a thread on this yet. I'm probably going to go with a modern high performance head unit, which means I'll have to modify the original bracket. I wanted to go with the Retrosound Model One which would've been a great fit for the OEM single DIN bracket but I'll be asking too much from that head unit with my setup I'm going to do.

So, will all I have to do is cut the opening to fit the radio in? Will a new radio still use the mounting bracket strap to the rear? Or will there be a new bracket I'll have to purchase in order to mount the radio in my new cutout on my radio bracket? I'm not too excited about having to do any heavy modifications to original pieces. It just doesn't feel right! But I guess it has to be done...

If anyone has any pics or tutorials on what they did, that'd be great. Thanks!

Alex
6575

[deloumis]

I've taken a good look everywhere and I haven't come across a thread on this yet. I'm probably going to go with a modern high performance head unit, which means I'll have to modify the original bracket. I wanted to go with the Retrosound Model One which would've been a great fit for the OEM single DIN bracket but I'll be asking too much from that head unit with my setup I'm going to do.

So, will all I have to do is cut the opening to fit the radio in? Will a new radio still use the mounting bracket strap to the rear? Or will there be a new bracket I'll have to purchase in order to mount the radio in my new cutout on my radio bracket? I'm not too excited about having to do any heavy modifications to original pieces. It just doesn't feel right! But I guess it has to be done...

If anyone has any pics or tutorials on what they did, that'd be great. Thanks!

Alex
6575

No modification required, just place an order:
http://store.delorean.com/p-7793-face-plate-din-radio.aspx

[kings1527]

No modification required, just place an order:
http://store.delorean.com/p-7793-face-plate-din-radio.aspx

I see. I guess I was getting my terminology mixed up. I was under the impression that a DIN was the wider head unit but I see now that that's a double DIN. Thanks again.

Alex
6575

[WelmoedJ]

I see. I guess I was getting my terminology mixed up. I was under the impression that a DIN was the wider head unit but I see now that that's a double DIN. Thanks again.

Alex
6575

On the single DIN: Deloumis +1
The short track is: just cut the opening to DIN size while the support frame is in the car (it gets messy due to the metal flaskes and chips).
You'll have to be careful with parts behind the frame.
A safer way is to remove the frame from the car and do the work on your bench (easier and safer).

And yes, if you don't want the radio to be a burden to the original weak support frame, use and connect the strip between dash and radio back.

[kings1527]

Perfect, thanks guys! I think I'll spring $165 for a new DIN bracket. I just hate the idea of cutting up something original.

Alex
6575

[1batt4u]

If you are interested in a more modern look to your D, I've been working on the Double-Din Frame. http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?305-Double-Din-Navigation-Radio-Face-Plate-for-those-Interested!!!/page3&highlight=double+bracket+1batt4u
I have been working on the measurements for a perfect better fit!!

I am going to start a new thread on it, Official thread, with more details and information, and options for the headlight and hazard switches.

[kings1527]

If you are interested in a more modern look to your D, I've been working on the Double-Din Frame. http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?305-Double-Din-Navigation-Radio-Face-Plate-for-those-Interested!!!/page3&highlight=double+bracket+1batt4u
I have been working on the measurements for a perfect better fit!!

I am going to start a new thread on it, Official thread, with more details and information, and options for the headlight and hazard switches.

Thanks Billy, but I think I'm going to go with a single DIN. Double DINs are cool but I want to keep a look as close to stock as possible. I'm not completely thrilled about not being able to use the Retrosound radio because I really liked the look (now I sound like a girl) but in the long run, going with a nice Kenwood or Alpine will be better suited for my purpose. If anyone knows of a great high performance radio that is real basic looking, please let me know.

Alex
6575

[Dangermouse]

FWIW, You can use the retrosound unit with the existing (non-DIN) opening in your existing console, assuming it is still original.

[Jonathan]

Hmmm, funny timing on this thread. I am literally moments away from starting this winter project myself.

14939

I was planning on documenting quite a bit of it, with photos and whatnot, and perhaps turning it into a How-To or sorts.

Like Dermot said, you can use the RetroSound radio in the original bracket without hacking anything up. That is what it is designed for. It has a smaller center section and two knob holes just like the Craig. I was leaning towards that product but kept hearing too many stories about poor quality or screens failing or whatever. So I went with a new style DIN head unit.

My project (while I'm in there!!! lol) is also going to include replacing the seat belt assemblies with new ones. I need to take the rear interior panels off to access the speakers, so thought this would be a good a time as any. We'll see what else grows on this project once I get started...

[kings1527]

Hmmm, funny timing on this thread. I am literally moments away from starting this winter project myself.

14939

I was planning on documenting quite a bit of it, with photos and whatnot, and perhaps turning it into a How-To or sorts.

Like Dermot said, you can use the RetroSound radio in the original bracket without hacking anything up. That is what it is designed for. It has a smaller center section and two knob holes just like the Craig. I was leaning towards that product but kept hearing too many stories about poor quality or screens failing or whatever. So I went with a new style DIN head unit.

My project (while I'm in there!!! lol) is also going to include replacing the seat belt assemblies with new ones. I need to take the rear interior panels off to access the speakers, so thought this would be a good a time as any. We'll see what else grows on this project once I get started...

Looks like you're all set to go, Jonathan! I'll be undertaking the same project and doing as much documenting as I can, as well. I've been hearing the same thing about the Retrosound, too, and that's steering me away from them.

I'm going to go with 3.5" Kappas in the dash, 5.25" Kappas in the rear, the DMC CA 8" JL sub enclosure in the cubby, a JL 5-channel 700W amp, and I'm still deciding on a head unit but probably going to go with a Kenwood Xcelon series.

I'm also going to go with soundproofing (sound reducing) the interior and looking to go with Damplifier Pro (instead of Duramat, but similar stuff) http://store.secondskinaudio.com/b-stock-bulk-pack/ for the layer against the fiberglass and Luxury Liner Pro as a closed cell sound absorber http://store.secondskinaudio.com/lux...q-ft-4-sheets/ After that, I'll go with Hervey's rubber damper set for the exterior of the "sandwich". http://www.specialtauto.com/delorean...lation-set.jpg but also use GPDS/Foam Damping Sheets from http://www.soundcoat.com/damping.htm on the areas that aren't covered by Hervey's dampers. Or I might just use soundcoat's damping sheets exclusively; I haven't decided yet. And I'm also looking at putting another damper layer on the backside of the new carpet set going in. I'm looking at soundmat FV from here http://www.soundcoat.com/barriers.htm

Let me know if you find anything else interesting during your research! It sounds like we're on the same page!

Alex
6575

[Silverbullet]

Take pics and explain the "HOW" to do it, and pitfalls as I will be doing it soon....

Thanks,
Craig