Headunits. What fits?

[ninesevens10]

I've been looking to buy a new headunit maybe even an in-dash tv/dvd. After looking on crutchfield.com and seeing that NOTHING fits (according to them) what do I look for now. I really like the Kenwood DDX-7015. Can that be made to work? It is a double-din unit

[jimmyjam]

I've seen lots of people put double-din in their TB/Envoys. Thats what I plan on doing. THey also sell brackets for regular din stereos. Check out the members gallery, there are some nice install pics.

[02EnvoySLE Guy]

Yeah GM is now using what is essentially a double-din headunit design instead of "din-and-a-half" 1.5 design. You SHOULD be able to make it work, unless there are any depth concerns. Having seen the dash "apart" on my truck though, I highly doubt you'll have any. :m2:

[MoJoe]

There is tons of room behind there in the dash. I will be upgrading my HU next year to a full touch screen GPS unit. I really dig my TB, so I think I have a keeper for a while. If you search a few threads under this section, there are some members that have double din units I think.

[02EnvoySLE Guy]

There is tons of room behind there in the dash. I will be upgrading my HU next year to a full touch screen GPS unit. I really dig my TB, so I think I have a keeper for a while. If you search a few threads under this section, there are some members that have double din units I think.

I just remember back to my dad's (which became mine) old Astro van. The way it was designed, the ducts for the heat/AC were behind the headunit, severely limiting the depth. It was hard to find an aftermarket unit that would work (back at that time, no factory CD was available) and even at that, the install kit made it stick out from the opening by 6" or so; it wasn't exactly the most attractive install in the world. :undecided

[MoJoe]

Yeah, I have seen those tight areas before, a few of my rides had the same issue, barely enough room to fit a single din unit. Nice thing about most of the GM suvs, is a lot a room back there.

[work-n-show]

I have the Kenwood DDX-7015, it fits fine. It's a very nice piece, especially with all the extra goodies you can buy.

You can check out the installation pics by clicking the links in my sig.

[xtreme_greek]

I have the DDX 7015 in my TB too... had to cut a bit and add some shims too make it fit nice and snug.

Best HD out there for a double din application in any vehicle.

[ninesevens10]

I have the Kenwood DDX-7015, it fits fine. It's a very nice piece, especially with all the extra goodies you can buy.

You can check out the installation pics by clicking the links in my sig.


Awesome! Thats what I wanted to hear thanks



I have the DDX 7015 in my TB too... had to cut a bit and add some shims too make it fit nice and snug.

Best HD out there for a double din application in any vehicle.

How much and what did you have to cut? I've seen it installed in an S10 and it need the dash bezel trimmed a little with a dremel

[lars02Voy]

Were you guys able to retain you steering wheel controls?

[deathbynosleep]

yeah i would hate to lose the controls on the steering wheel considering i paid extra for them.

[02EnvoySLE Guy]

Were you guys able to retain you steering wheel controls?

Depending on the headunit you use, they can still remain active (You still will have the HVAC and DIC controls regardless) using an adapter like these:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-O0QCvuiYpDY/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=118900&I=127SWIX

[jimmyjam]

Theres an even nicer solution for certain HUs. Pioneer, kenwood I think and a few other manufacturers have a wired remote option, so you don't need to use the IR adapter which I think is kinda undesirable.

This is the pioneer version...
http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=611

Heres a post (http://forums.trailvoy.com/showpost.php?p=5791&postcount=17) where I outlined partnumbers

I'm really considering disabling Onstar. Its $90 cheaper adapterwise to not use it anymore and I don't plan on ever using it. It just pains me to have those buttons on my mirror and know they dont do anything.....

[02EnvoySLE Guy]

Theres an even nicer solution for certain HUs. Pioneer, kenwood I think and a few other manufacturers have a wired remote option, so you don't need to use the IR adapter which I think is kinda undesirable.

This is the pioneer version...
http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=611

Heres a post (http://forums.trailvoy.com/showpost.php?p=5791&postcount=17) where I outlined partnumbers

I'm really considering disabling Onstar. Its $90 cheaper adapterwise to not use it anymore and I don't plan on ever using it. It just pains me to have those buttons on my mirror and know they dont do anything.....

Yeah I was originally looking for that but couldn't find it -- good call!

As for things being there that do nothing, I feel the same way about the headlight washer nozzles on my grille that I'll never use! :laugh:

[work-n-show]

Yes, I've temporarily lost control from my steering wheel. I found the IR control to be undesirable.

However, there is suppose to be a piece coming our this summer from Soundgate that remedies the issue.

But, my OnStar works. :) I've used it a couple times and I'm a big fan.

[Kahunakai]

The Ecliplse AVN5435 will fit into the Trailblazers opening. You will need some brackets that Schoshe makes. If you want the part number I can send it to you. The only problem is the depth, if amps are installed, the rca cables may need to be shifted to the side so the radio will fit in. if not the dash will not fit back on.
A double din size trim ring will need to be placed in between the radio and the dash to cover the gap.
When I get a chance I'll post a picture of my dash with the AVN5435 TOUCH SCREEN / NAV/DVD/SIRIUS RADIO/AM FM/CD great picture and great functions. I've seen the Pioneers and Kenwoods dbl din and IMO the eclipse is far more advanced.
Hope this info helps. :cool:

[work-n-show]

I've seen the Pioneers and Kenwoods dbl din and IMO the eclipse is far more advanced.

I would hope so.....the Eclipse just came out this year. :rolleyes:

Faced with the same decision I would still choose the Kenwood over last year's Eclipse. If I had to choose now, I would wait for the Eclipse 5495 with the hard drive. I've been a huge Eclipse fan in the past, but they missed the boat with the 5435.

For me, the Kenwood looks better and external Nav has considerable advantages over Eclipse's 2004 model. The Eclipse has better pre-outs and the GUI is better. Both share a Fujitsu based Nav system that looks very similar. One MAJOR exception, have you tried watching a DVD and getting NAV on your 5435 lately? You have to remove the NAV disc to watch a DVD. That's a HUGE issue in my book.

If you buy a DVD/NAV combo unit just do your research and choose what's important to you. They all have their pro's and con's.

[the grouch]

what about the Clarion ADB340MP??? does it fit well, i think it would look really nice with the brushed aluminum rings around the AC vents, i have had my eye on it for about 6 months. I already have a Garmin StreetPilot aftermarket GPS, so I am looking for just a headunit.

http://www.clarion.com/usa/products/source_units/ADB340MP.html

[work-n-show]

what about the Clarion ADB340MP???

I'm not a big fan of that particular unit. I think it's light on features and quality. They really wasted alot of space in that particular design. I used to be a pretty big Clarion fan about 7 years ago, but they really went through a drought in my opinion.

But, to answer your question, I think it would probably fit just as well as the Kenwood or the Eclipse given the similar double-din design. You will probably struggle with depth a little, but it's easy to overcome.

Good luck.

[yak8998]

you can fit most any HU in there. at the most you need one of the small 1/2in extender bezels and some right angle RCA plugs.

for the steering wheel controls - if you can stomach the money, buy one of those "marine" controls (pioneer and sony have them i know for sure), hack it up and hardwire your steering wheel, it isn't that hard. the soldering would be the only tricky part.

[jimmyjam]

for the steering wheel controls - if you can stomach the money, buy one of those "marine" controls (pioneer and sony have them i know for sure), hack it up and hardwire your steering wheel, it isn't that hard. the soldering would be the only tricky part.

I'd recommend the Soundgate Pioneer/Sony wired remote adapter instead. I just installed mine and it is EXCELLENT! Plus I think if you hacked the marine controls you'd have to hardwire each button, the adapter is a 1 wire solution, very simple.

[yak8998]

aren't they expensive? Yes, you would have to hardwire everything, Dunno, I don't think its too much compared to some of the things i've done to the poor car :rotfl:
can't beat tapping the data bus though

[jimmyjam]

its $90, but the marine remote is $65 so I don't think $25 is worth the extra effort. It doesn't tap the data bus though, just reads the analog output from the steering wheel, because its made for lots of different GM and chryslers. Although a databus parser would be much more elegant and robust.. :undecided

[bluenvoy03]

Hi, I need help getting the right parts for my headunit installation.

1) The head unit is single din-sized
2) I have a 2003 1 and 1/2 Din opening to work with
3) Non-Bose equipped
4) SLE (not XL if that matter's)

Now I need to know what dash kit to use probably Metra because that is what local stores carry.

Then which wiring harness fits my truck because I called circuit city and they said I needed the Databus unit ($70.00), and best buy said I can use a regular harness ($19.00).

Best buy noted XL's use Databus adapter and regular SLE's like mine don't need them.

I already have the GM antenna adapter.

Please model numbers will help me out.

[jimmyjam]

http://www.audio-discounters.com/99-3301.html
If I had something better to do, I'd complain about people not searching for things themselves... Try searching the forum for STEREO ADAPTER, you'll be pleasantly suprised.
Frankly, if the installer doesn't know what you need and can't find out, then I'd be hesitant to let them touch my car...