I've got a '96 4runner that has a DIN stereo. Problem is that I've got just a single bay stereo that doesn't fit the opening properly. Obviously I need a kit, but have no idea where to start. What sort of a install kit do I need, and where can I get one? Also, i would like to get one that is fairly easy to install as I'm a novice here.
thanks
TB
TB, I put a single DIN stereo in a Tundra that had a double DIN frame stereo in it. I purchased a mounting kit from Circuit City. The stereo mounted in a housing that had a storage bin either under or over the stereo. It was kind of neat as CD's would store there. As I remember it was about $25 for the kit and a wiring adapter about 3 yrs ago. HTH, davidj92
this is what crutchfield.com is showing fits a '96 4runner:
Even WalMart has them --- you did get the installation plug vice cutting into the factory harness?
What I did was I took the radio pocket, the tray under the radio, and cut it to fit. Since I had to cut off the proper set of mounts, I just clamped it in to hold it captive.
Probably more like this one that I found for your particular vehicle:
Not knowing exactly what your dash looks like I wouldn't be able to say for sure. Do you have a Circuit City or Best Buy in your city? I've found Circuit City to have better prices but for a couple bucks more and able to see it in person, plus take it back if it's wrong would factor in my decision. HTH, davidj92
I don't like the Metra kits. They are OK, but are somewhat generic and need to have this or that attached for your particular model, and often fall apart. Try looking for a Schosce kit, they make a lot of them and are usualy just what's needed.
What I wound up doing for an older Tercel was taking the dimensions of the opening and then poking around the kits. I wound up with a kit that fits a
99-04 Celica, 00-04 Mr2, and a couple other models. I didn't have to mess with the brackets, and it fit right in and looks great. The one listed for the Tercel was the kit noted in the URL you posted, and was too much bother.
I usually buy the Scosche or Metra kit, and then use the cheap plastic bits they sell you only as a pattern to make something A LOT more solid out of 1/8" aluminum plate and aluminum angle, riveted or bolted together, holes drilled in the right places... Then attach the plastic pockets or other visible trim pieces from the kit, and install the radio.
Now that I have a MIG welder and drill press, for the next radio I'll probably use sheet steel for the sides and weld the tabs on - should be quicker, cleaner and stronger...
Never had one try (yet...), but the first radio thief that tries prying one of my stereo installs out of the dashboard with a big screwdriver, figuring that the crap plastic mounting kit or thin stamped factory brackets will let it pop right out, is going to be in for a big surprise - he's going to waste a lot of time (meaning the odds increase that he'll be seen and caught) and wreck the radio trying to pry it out.
And you can't pawn a stereo for drug money if it's tweaked.
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Never had one try (yet...), but the first radio thief that tries
Bruce, Guy I worked thrid shift with once did this and someone not only stole his stereo but tore up his dash in the process, plus cut up wiring. The insurance co. ended up putting in a new dash and repairing the wiring. Couple weeks later his car burnt up, theory was a wire was shorted under the dash that got missed in the repair. Probably an alarm would be a better deterant to a thief. HTH, davidj92
HAHAHA! I had a friend rework his cousin's radio by installin razor blades into the rear edge. The third time her radio got stolen, she had a smashed windshield and blood all over the carpet!
On my '85 Rolla, I made a smoked Lexan faceplate and did away with the pocket. It only took me three tries before I got it without shattering the Lexan! I only just found out 3 weeks ago (three years too late) that you have to drill slowly and use water to keep the Lexan cool! (It looks pretty slicj, though!)
However, this guy said he was a novice. I did see a Scosche setup for his car that looked pretty slick, and it wasn't a 'generic', so it should be pretty simple. And, if you are reading this, T.B., BUY THE HARNESS! It makes life SOOOO much easier and means you don't have to cut the harness, and they are Industry color coded, so you just match the colors.
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