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Looking for feedback from those that have installed a double din and opted to lose the ashtray and go with a flat front. I was chatting with Dennis as this was my original plan. He highlighted some challenges that I had not understood. I wanted to get some feedback from the community.
I am particularly interested in hearing from those that went the no ashtray route. I understand that the bezel is created with aesthetics in mind so the opening for the HVAC unit is moved down causing a rework of that mounting. Was this difficult? Would you do it again? What did you use the former ashtray space for? Do you regret it?
For those that went the ashtray route, why and do you think you might have been happier without?
Any pics of no ashtray bezels would be appreciated!
Originally I moved the HVAC controller down to the location of the ash tray and installed my remote display for my radar detector and new clock just below the DD setup. Lately I've decided to move the HVAC back up to the original location and move the other displays down and add a USB charger. No pictures yet, still under construction. I haven't run into any problems either.
I got the ashtray delete and don't regret it at all. I measured 7/16 inch down I believe and drilled 2 more holes in the radio cage and remounted the HVAC. Not 100% positive on the 7/16 but just measure before you drill. Turned out ok.
Not sure I really get the benefit of the ash tray delete. I like having the small bit of storage for coins/small stuff, and like having the second cigarette lighter for charging a second device if needed.
Don't get me wrong, it looks great without it, but it also looks great with it, so I'm not sure I really see the benefit of the delete unless you're adding gauges or something down there.
Not sure I really get the benefit of the ash tray delete. I like having the small bit of storage for coins/small stuff, and like having the second cigarette lighter for charging a second device if needed.
Don't get me wrong, it looks great without it, but it also looks great with it, so I'm not sure I really see the benefit of the delete unless you're adding gauges or something down there.
I put the seat heater controls for my evo 9 Recaros where the lighter was and made a cover for the ashtray hole and put my exhaust cut out switch and my AL Laser Jammer control module there.
Last edited by StrangelovesM6Vert; 01-18-2017 at 07:30 PM.
I put the seat heater controls for my evo 9 Recaros where the lighter was and made a cover for the ashtray hole and put my exhaust cut out switch and my AL Laser Jammer control module there.
Thats exactly what I like, I mean obviously you're getting much better use out of that area than the stock ash tray, yet you can still flip down the cover and hide all the busy looking switches and retain the factory clean look. If you had the ash tray delete you wouldn't be able to cover it, which while it isn't a huge deal I think that it looks way cleaner with the cover down.
Maybe not the best picture, but you can see the changes to the bezel. Had the three gauge pods placed across the top, then the double din head unit and moved the HVAC down to where the ash tray was. Used the cup holder to mount the control switch for the N02 system. No real regrets in losing the ash tray. The head unit has a USB port that I can use also to charge phone, etc.
Thanks to those that have replied. This is really good stuff and the pics look great! Seems the opinions are fairly evenly split. Your mileage may vary. If you want to cover the switches and look a little more OEM (even though you have a big monitor on the console that wasn't... ), go with the ashtray.
With respect to switches and plugs, I intend to use the flat front to mount USB and seat heater rocker switches.
Originally Posted by ZO6 cracker
No regrets doing the double din without the ash tray. Cleaner look.
Z06 cracker, your HVAC front looks really deep black. How do you get it this way? Mine is a bit more grayish...
Originally Posted by alcoed
Very happy with the Dennis's delete option. Looks not as crowded and gave me room to place the sirius and navigation electronic components.
Love the idea of having the extra space for wiring...
Originally Posted by dbgoodwin
Not sure I really get the benefit of the ash tray delete. I like having the small bit of storage for coins/small stuff, and like having the second cigarette lighter for charging a second device if needed.
Don't get me wrong, it looks great without it, but it also looks great with it, so I'm not sure I really see the benefit of the delete unless you're adding gauges or something down there.
Understand your point of view. But for me, coins and little things live in the cup holder that I don't use for cups...
Originally Posted by c5vetteguy
Dennis also made my bezel to accommodate my 8" Alpine system. A very small sacrifice of the ashtray to make it work. No regrets here.
Absolutely gorgeous! I've been leaning towards the painted look...
Originally Posted by ssrallyred
I needed the ashtray for NX switch.
ssrallyred, I see a button for OPENER in the cluster. Is that for the garage door? If so, is there a write up on how you did that? That seems like a great mod!
Thanks to those that have replied. This is really good stuff and the pics look great! Seems the opinions are fairly evenly split. Your mileage may vary. If you want to cover the switches and look a little more OEM (even though you have a big monitor on the console that wasn't... ), go with the ashtray.
With respect to switches and plugs, I intend to use the flat front to mount USB and seat heater rocker switches.
Z06 cracker, your HVAC front looks really deep black. How do you get it this way? Mine is a bit more grayish...
Love the idea of having the extra space for wiring...
Understand your point of view. But for me, coins and little things live in the cup holder that I don't use for cups...
I agree, that is EPIC!
Absolutely gorgeous! I've been leaning towards the painted look...
ssrallyred, I see a button for OPENER in the cluster. Is that for the garage door? If so, is there a write up on how you did that? That seems like a great mod!
I have to say I chuckled lol. No sir its for remotely opening the nitrous bottles. But since I don't use it because my bottles are here :
01-18-2017, 02:34 PM
Double Din Bezel with or without Ashtray
), go with the ashtray.
Dumbass me...
Those Double Din / Ashtray Delete Bezel's look GREAT ! 
