ffas23

I have been kicking it around as to changing out my stock C5 Radio Cassette player in my '99 Coupe with 12 Disc CD Player for a Kenwood DMX7705S Double Din unit. I have had my C5 since 2010 and don't drive it much. It only has 37k miles on it being I also own a C2,C3 and C6 and a few other Classic Cars. Can't drive them all that much. I am really not too impressed with my choice of the Metra replacement Bezel or the more expensive alterative double the price although I have never seen the 2 next to each other. I can only rely on pictures I see online. I wish I could reuse my original bezel but I would hate to hack it up. Haven't decided which way to go. I have no problem with the Sound coming out of my speakers with the original head unit at all but just looking to upgrade to be able to have hands free calling and CarPlay in front of me. What does bother me is if I make the change over I guess my Factory 12 Disc CD unit in the back of the car would just sit dorment and it does work perfectly. Just curious if with the wiring adapters if it would still play through the 6.95" Kenwood Head Unit I plan on putting in the car as it did with the Factory Head Unit.. Don't know if anyone else encountered the same but I thought I would ask. Its not a deal breaker but it is a thought of the moment for me. Any of your thoughts are all welcome.

tentuna

To answer your 1st question the Vet nuts DD radio bezel is a perfect fit (it's the one I used in my 04), from the post i've seen far superior to the Metra. As far as the harness you would use a Pac adapter to the head unit since the amplifiers are integrated in door speakers. The best place to get information on audio electronics is audio forum. As far as your harness question to the disc changer I don't know.

FX VETTE

Your 12 disc changer will only work with the OEM set-up.

ffas23

Thanks for the reply. Doing a little more research this morning since I made my post I have to agree the Vette Nutts Bezel does look so much better. For a matter of fact I came across another post I saw on the Forum about a Corvette Forum Group purchase and tried to order one a little while ago. The Group purchase got you another $60 off of the already expensive price of $389.99. I would of taken advantage of it if it was still available but apparently it is not so I am holding off. No incentive to make a move right now. Its not that important to me at the moment to pay full price.

ffas23

Thanks it is good to hear that from someone who already knows about something I was thinking about before I move forward.

StrangelovesM6Vert

Many Kenwood DD units are very bright especially at night and all of them will not work with the oem dimmer.
The dimmer wire takes a switched + wire and hardly dims at all.
I got my Kenwood DNX 893 for the Garmin but if I was to do it over I'd get something else
that can be dimmed.
I eventually put a piece of tinted window cling wrap on the screen so it's the same brightness at night as the rest of the dash.
Got one of the hand made bezels from VetteNuts just before he went with the oem type steel tool press molded current product.
It was painted jet black and felt like sandpaper.
I sanded and painted it to match

knewblewkorvette

If you are looking for a place to store your OEM cassette radio and CD changer, my 99 would be a good place

And no, the 12 disc will only work with the OEM radio and perhaps some older Pioneer unit models that have the letter P in it (no longer made). I don't think think they ever made a double DIN model with a P in it.

BlackHellcat

I upgraded the entire stereo in mine, but did not go with one of the DD bezels b/c I couldn't justify the cost. I used a stock bezel done in hydro & simply cut the center bar off. I covered the screws holding the HU bracket in with some black foam I had from a previous project. No one has complained.

Beer:30

.
Where have you seen Metra fitment problem threads?
The few install complaints I have seen are regarding VN brittle breaking brackets and of course the insane price.
To be clear, the VN bezel definitely resembles the factory unit better but that is the only difference (except $), the Metra fits equally as well.
In my eye, and as others have mentioned, the Metra finish helps break up the pervasive "pleather" textured plastic look that unfortunately saturates the C5 interior.
I am not a Metra representative or have any relation to them but I did buy and install it. I am obviously happy with the result.
While the look is different, it's not factory looking, that's obvious, but it is not low quality in any way shape or form. In fact, it is quite the opposite.
If by "fit" you mean the plastic leather look continuing down the console, then yes it is far superior.
This is not a jab at you, just trying to make sure people can make decisions based of clear terminology.

bravo29

I have the Metra and no fitment issue what so ever in mine. Metra is not a texture finish as the the other have the texture finish. I paid $169 new on Amazon for mine as I could not see spending $400 for it just because of a texture difference.

Plus I didn't like the door on it. I like the open space as I took out the cig lighter and put in a dual USB jack plug.

rjwvetttt

I also used the Metra on mine. I just couldn't justify that huge price difference. The Metra was a perfect fit and thought it actually looked better too. Has a nicer feel to it too.

StrangelovesM6Vert

No Metra Pics?

rjwvetttt

Ron Miller

Unless you want the double din for other reasons, you might consider a device as I recall called an ISimple. Lets you run an IPod or android device through your existing radio after removing your existing CD changer. The device is about the size of a penny matchbox and simply plugs into your current radio wiring harness between the radio and amplifier as I recall. (Been a while since I put mine in and don't recollect all the details). Then it connects via usb cable to your IPod or other (I use a small IPod Touch) that in my case stores behind the cigarette lighter/ash tray door. Readily available to connect or disconnect as you may desire to remove/update any music you may wish to store And that way all of the MP3's and such can be played through the existing sound system.. I've got a couple of days worth of music on mine, takes a LONG time before a song gets repeated, and easily updated. Price is right too, compared to going the double din route, and I prefer it. Your existing radio controls work to control the device, just as they did on the original CD changer. The radio "sees" the device as a CD changer and is switched from the in dash single to the ISimple via the CD/AUX button just as the orignal was. Of course, you can always open the door to the ash tray and use the IPod or other as well.

The second upgrade I did was to install a Gentex SHSHL4 inside rear view mirror to replace the existing one that came with the car. Has autodimming, directional indicator, Homelink, and a reverse camera screen in the mirror. These were standard equipment on some of the Toyotas a few years back and are readily available. Although I did stumble onto mine at a bargain price.

These two upgrades have improved my satisfaction quotient with this car by 100%, make it what I feel it should have been from GM. Why they didn't include these at the time is beyond me . . . . . check it out, it may be right for you as well . . . . .

ffas23

Wow what a deal for $169. I would buy one tonight if I could get a Metra for $169. I am actually now leaning in that direction. I can't see paying $390 for a piece of Plastic. Right now for me it is either I get a Metra or I see what I could do with my original Bezel to make it fit and look right. It wouldn't be the first time I had done something like this over many years of working on cars. I had the same thoughts of putting a Double USB plug in the Cigarette lighter hole also. Did the same putting a Double USB Plug in my Daughters Mustang. Actually I have 2 choices the dash or console.

shaggyvette

I installed a Metra in my 01 convertible and love it.

StrangelovesM6Vert

You guys should get some C6 AC *****.
They use a set screw.
They're also available in Gun metal

https://www.ebay.com/itm/08-13-CHEVY....c100752.m1982

or with logos

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...*****&_sacat=0

VetteFTW

I did Metra, and in the empty void, I made a panel of ABS to house heated seat switches.

rjwvetttt

Not for me, no thanks.

ron993

When I had my radio done a couple months ago, the shop told me that Metra will not be making anymore of the C5 bezels. Not sure if that is true or not