I want to replace my car stereo ('97 2.5) but the two units are different sizes. The one that came with the car (Alpine CDA-D852) is approx. 3" in height whereas the new one I bought (Alpine CDE-121) is approx. 2" in height. I don't know what the size of the stock radio was but it looks like it would be a direct fit for the current configuration (3" hieght).

Is there some kind of after market centre console panel out there (edit: and a place that'll make a custom mounting braket) I could get to fit the new stereo or am I SOL? I bought the new stereo because it has a USB port, amoung other stuff, which the older one doesn't have. I read that there are standard sizes for car stereos (1-DIN and 2-DIN) so I thought it would fit right in...

 

You bought a single din unit we have a 1 and 1/2 din unit you need this :
http://www.scosche.com/car-audio/veh...&model=AVENGER
I prefer the one without the pocket ...
any car stereo shop even walmart have them

 

Thanks.

I ended up finding a mounting bracket in a hidden local electronics store. T'was a real pain to get everything to fit. I ended up having to put the stereo in while the bracket was loose (not screwed in all the way) to get it to fit, then just drove in the screws as much as I could. This new stereo is just slightly deeper than the old one, and it was pushing up against a metal bracket (I think). The front panel went back on more or less flush.