Here's the way to get the best IMHO... Transfer the stock mounting brackets to the new HU, then shim behind the ears of the mounting brakets with washers. The trim ring will then fit flawlessly. I did this with my Alpine, and it looks like a pro put it in. Just perfect.

 

Thanks for all your help guys. I went with the washers behind the ears method. I had to put three washers behind every ear so the trim could fit. to all you guys. Thanks

 

i spaced the head unit out with washers and mine fit perfectly...you can see pictures at www.cardomain.com/ride/2439460 ...i can't get my pictures to work on here

 

GREAT timing for this thread! I just installed a Kenwood in my new car last night and had the same problem. The Kenwood trim ring finish matches the stock dash trim color in my car perfectly. But the trim ring does not fit. I'm going to run out to get some washers to try that method tonight.

 

I just drilled some new holes right next to the other holes in the bracket. That way the bracket will still slide all the way into the mounts.

 

hey guys I know this is kinda old but I jus bought a Alpine head unit (CDA-9856) from a buddy. He didn't have the trim that goes around the the unit. got any ideas where I would be able to find a trim that would work?

 

Exactly what I did with my Alpine and it fit perfectly. I'm not sure how different head units do it or even different alpines but mine came with really thin metal brackets that mount to the same screws that the factory side brackets mount to. I sandwiched these in between the head unit and the brackets and then installed the head unit once you do that the front trim ring just clips onto the brackets that you just put on and then you can reinstall everything. Like I said, I don't know how other head units are setup but my D310 worked like I just explained.

 

Well, I'm glad to have found post on this subject. I would just like to announce that using spacers, washer or what have you work great. I was able to install my kenwood with the trim without a problem. I tried it w/o the trim to begin with but, the trim would not install.

However as long as you use some spacer this will work great . I think that a good idea would be to tack the washer to the original brackets , this might just make it easier to install. I had trouble with the spacers not staying in place when installing.

In the end the unit looks great like this. However, I am not sure if it is just me, do other lancer evo owners notice that the unit is slightly tilted toward the passenger? Mine has a flip out screen and it is not as easy to read from the driver side (the viewing angle is not as good).

Laters,

Brian

 

Interesting. I'll have to go back and try some things again when I have more time to sit and look at it. I only had time to install my headunit unfortunately. Good thread though!