When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I agree it's nice, but over $100 nicer? NOT.
I designed dies like these.
Both died are capable of the same parts at the same price.
Textured die doesn't even cost more since the price of polishing for the Metra and keeping it there costs as much.
I'm sure Metra has heard time and again that their finish did not match the C5 dash, so I'm surprised then that Metra would have a mold with a texture that matches the C5 dash as well as the Vettenuts console does and then spends extra time and money to polish it. Certainly doesn't make sense from a business economics standpoint.
In spite of that, we know there are at least two double din console; the one from Metra and the one from Vettenuts. If someone wants to put a smooth console in, they order the Metra (and save a little money).
If someone wants to put in a console that has a texture that matches the C5 dash they spend a little extra and go with the Vettenuts.
That gives everyone a choice.
In this case, I chose to have my console match my dash and have a "from the factory" look, and I'm fine with others who choose the Metra console.
If I were going to cover my console in leather or some other covering then I would probably have gone with the Metra as Pounder mentioned.
I agree with Route99.
I did a similar install and am happy with the Vettenuts console and the Kenwood head unit.
I used the Axxess wiring and kept some of my Bose speakers and wiring but I did replace the twiddlers in the doors and the two rear speakers. I did do some slight modifications on the VN opening to better fit the Kenwood as well as reinforcing the slim cross bar below the head unit.
Jim
I agree with Route99.
I did a similar install and am happy with the Vettenuts console and the Kenwood head unit.
I used the Axxess wiring and kept some of my Bose speakers and wiring but I did replace the twiddlers in the doors and the two rear speakers. I did do some slight modifications on the VN opening to better fit the Kenwood as well as reinforcing the slim cross bar below the head unit.
Jim
DDMODS did my bezel and supplied the 9903. He also supplied a higher end harness which made that part of the install very easy. I guess the biggest PITA was running the wire for the backup camera?
Hi Pounder,
Just finished replacing a Kenwood DNX 5150 with the very same unit you have. Did a lot research prior and found this to be a well reviewed with good support and service.
Was skeptical at first but I'm really happy with this unit. The sound quality and clarity is better than the Kenwood it replaced.
I had a Corvette boot up logo / pic ready to install but there is virtually no boot up, it's instant on.
The hand gesture volume up and down are a hoot (this feature can be tailored to suit or turned off)
car almost back together, radio boots instantly when you insert the key (don't even have to turn it !!!)
I just installed an atoto in my Z. It's pretty sweet! I got the premium from an Ebay auction for $200. I need a 4 channel amp though. My new speakers dont get enough juice from the head to keep up with my sub!
Some of these double DIN bezels I see on the forums look really goofy and borderline unpresentable to me - no offense to anybody but yeesh. The Metra bezel does not match 100% texture but since it's kind of matte it's subdued and, as a result, the Metra stands out less than the glossy textured ones IMO. Plus - it looks substantially less homemade than most of these other ones floating around.
I also personally hate the super wet Armor All look that everybody seems to love, and of course greasing up your interior will make the Metra stand out even more. But if you're not an Amor All fiend then the Metra really seriously looks pretty darn good in person.
Here's my setup below with double DIN Joying Android head unit. I also installed a sub, amp, backup camera, Bluetooth mic on A pillar, GPS, dash cam, etc. at the same time. When I did this project, I actually bought SEM 39853 texture coating and SEM 15013 Landau Black color coat to finish the Metral bezel with.Once I got it all fitted/installed I decided to not even bother with the SEM products because the Metra really does look pretty good in person if you don't have a greasy/glossy interior.
After giving up on vinyl wrap on my DDMODS bezel, I stripped it clean and painted it with black 'texture' paint. I don't remember if it was SEM, VHT or Rustoleum, but the finish came out great and it's not sandpapery where you can't wipe it down. I gave up on Armorall years ago and used it up on my tire sidewalls. Yours looks real good.
I placed my mic in the center near the mirror bracket since I 'talk to Siri' in that direction. I have the Kenwood 9903 with backup also. What is that large object just forward of the mirror?