I know there are a few of these out there already but maybe my method will help someone. I bought a install kit for a 07 up truck with a double din then modified it to mount in a C5. It is still a work in progress but I will update as I progress.

I followed another how to and got everything out of the way




Then a test fit



Now mounting it with the modified bracket




Houston we have a problem



Tomorrow I hope to start modifying the bezel

 

Looks great and that's a pretty good idea instead of making ur own brackets .

Just wondering, since u have it apart, any way u can measure me the depth from where ur screen is to the back of the console? Trying to see if my asus eee pc will fit back there.

 

I was going to say from the first picture...you're way too low with the head unit. I know...I have over 100+hrs in the modified transforming double/triple dinn bezel I created...Yes you hear me correct...transforming double/triple dinn with the ashtray still there! lol. Sorry no pictures yet...top secret but I'll be posting soon on all the modifications I have done. Some are wayyyyyyy

 

Well I am not keeping the ashtray and I cannot go any higher unless I start cutting the box out behind there. The gps antenna is up against it already. Alpines are deep.

 

well if you haven't done this already...check it out. There are 2 plastic tabs well deep back there. They are actually part of the HVAC unit that fits way back in there. If you break off those 2 tabs it will give you an additional 1/2" in height toward the top. As far as depth. The bezel when flush up back where it goes does give plenty of room for error. You can by adjusting your brackets move the Alpine forward or back a pretty good margin. My AVIC I believe was almost 7" in depth and I still had room to play with it. You may want to move the GPS antenna to the upper left corner below the A Pillar plastic piece. It can get better reception there and you would gain the additional depth from not having it still with the head unit. Totally up to you. It just would be less having to modify your bezel if done that way. I see what you mean about the "box" the Alpine sits in. From what I can tell if you chopped the top part of the box to allow the Alpine to sit higher and then just added a shim to rest in the bottom of the box to "sit" the Alpine on top of you would accomplish raising it with minimal work. Again totally up to you. Good luck with your efforts. How do you like the Alpine? It was one of my first choices as I have always been a huge Alpine fan, but the reviews I read said the navigation was very bad. So bad that Alpine should be embarrassed to have their name on the unit. I was like ....ouch!!! I then tried it out and could kinda see what they were talking about.

Hope this helps.
Jeff

 

I have cut out the clips my problem is the connector sticks out far, the antenna is on the corner of the dash

 

ahhh did you get a 90 degree elbow antenna adapter? I got one from the kit I ordered with my head unit. Helps out exactly in that type of case. The adapter plugs in and then you plug the antenna into that. Helps to save space from the back of the unit.

 

Are you talking about the GPS antenna?

 

No I was referring to the regular antenna but after looking at your unit. Your fine there, it is a flexible lead in. Are you saying you put Alpines GPS antenna behind the head unit? Like I mentioned above your best bet is to move the GPS antenna to a better location. The closer to the windshield the better, either that or a direct line of sight to the sky. Guys typically put it in below the A pillar like I mentioned or even under the rear bumper. Some I have read place it where you have but reception can be tricky and as you have found out, it takes away from your room for the head unit placement.

The only thing I see that is really sticking out is the Digital Output Terminal for the fiber optic digital input compatible products.

 

In the top left corner of the back of the head unit you see the silver connection. The gps antenna screws on there. It has a metal crimp ferrel with a brass nut so it sticks out pretty far. Also my RCA connectors would have to be changed to a 90 degree type since they are hitting too. I have the gps antenna reciever where you said to put it already.

 

I finally had time to finish my install, I got busy with work and other family things and didnt want to rush. So here it finally is. I will say C5Bearsfan earns his money modding these.





This is what I used to glue everything back in its new place. It works great, drys instantly, and is sandable and paintable.

 

looks good you did a nice job.

I have made a few like you have with the larger opening.

That Q Bond is amazinf stuff. I use it on some thing but use another SEM product for the main two part epoxy.

 

Thanks coming from you that is a nice compliment. I didnt know any other way I could make it look right using the Alpine head unit than a large opening. I liked the qbond stuff since it drys instantly! of course I had to smooth with bondo to remove any imperfections. I started out trying to use ABS goop or whatever they call it. Way too time consuming for same results.