Radio swap ... some questions
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From: Eastpointe, MI
Radio swap ... some questions
Ok, I would like to replace my factory head unit in my 06 Dakota. It came with the 6 disc changer w/ mp3 capability. It was scratching the disc I listen to most in a circular pattern but I suspect it was because the disc had a label on it. Irregardless, I want to install something that has an aux jack for my ipod. I am considering 1 of 3 options and would like some advice/input.
1. I replace the factory head unit with another factory head unit that has an aux jack. These are available and would probably be the most pleasing aesthetically. If anyone has one of these, I would be interested in buying it, I don't care if it's a changer or not, I just want a cd player with an aux jack.
2. I get the Best Kits dash kit that centers a single din radio instead of that one that has the goofy pocket (see www.hifisoundconnection.com if you are looking for this part) and make due with the typical aftermarket setup. If I can't buy a factory head unit for a reasonable price, this will probably cost me the least.
3. I find a way to squeeze a double din radio into that already cramped radio bezel. There are some nice flush mount models that would look good provided I find an installer than doesn't hack and glue my dash. If anyone has done this and it turned out great, I'd love to see how it looks and what you installed. My Dak has a carbon fiber look trim piece and I'm afraid if they mess around with it, it will look like crap.
I'm looking for the best quality job I can get. If I have to save up for it, that's fine. I'm not going to half-axx it just to save $$ and get it done quickly, I take pride in my truck and I'm worried that a local chain installer will give me less than pleasing results. The reason I'm worried is, I had an 01 GMC Highrider that came with a 1.5 din radio, which I replaced with an Eclipse NAV unit. They cut my dash all up and glued some non matching plastic in and it looked horrible. I ended up buying an 03 trim piece, which had a double din radio bezel and it looked perfect. I was hoping to do that again but unfortunately there isn't much room for modification. Plus, the 06 has the goofy radio with the tuning ***** that stick out. This throws another wrench into it. So, if anyone has already solved this problem, I would love to know how! I really appreciate it.
1. I replace the factory head unit with another factory head unit that has an aux jack. These are available and would probably be the most pleasing aesthetically. If anyone has one of these, I would be interested in buying it, I don't care if it's a changer or not, I just want a cd player with an aux jack.
2. I get the Best Kits dash kit that centers a single din radio instead of that one that has the goofy pocket (see www.hifisoundconnection.com if you are looking for this part) and make due with the typical aftermarket setup. If I can't buy a factory head unit for a reasonable price, this will probably cost me the least.
3. I find a way to squeeze a double din radio into that already cramped radio bezel. There are some nice flush mount models that would look good provided I find an installer than doesn't hack and glue my dash. If anyone has done this and it turned out great, I'd love to see how it looks and what you installed. My Dak has a carbon fiber look trim piece and I'm afraid if they mess around with it, it will look like crap.
I'm looking for the best quality job I can get. If I have to save up for it, that's fine. I'm not going to half-axx it just to save $$ and get it done quickly, I take pride in my truck and I'm worried that a local chain installer will give me less than pleasing results. The reason I'm worried is, I had an 01 GMC Highrider that came with a 1.5 din radio, which I replaced with an Eclipse NAV unit. They cut my dash all up and glued some non matching plastic in and it looked horrible. I ended up buying an 03 trim piece, which had a double din radio bezel and it looked perfect. I was hoping to do that again but unfortunately there isn't much room for modification. Plus, the 06 has the goofy radio with the tuning ***** that stick out. This throws another wrench into it. So, if anyone has already solved this problem, I would love to know how! I really appreciate it.
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well, I went with the pocket dash kit, but thats due to a plan I have for a diagnostic port extension and a power outlet... I also have the carbon fiber looking piece. my radio looks like this... (the black abs plastic doesnt look too bad. it matches the hvac plastic.)
alpine.jpg
alpine.jpg
