Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Double DIN in an 85-88 dash (Read 4544 times) previous topic - next topic

Double DIN in an 85-88 dash

Who's done it, and what kind of problems did you run into? I know there's a metal bracket in there that would have to be dealt with, but how about that air duct? I'm asking because I'm thinking of adding a double-DIN with DVD, NAV, backup camera and bluetooth to the 'Bird and I'm not a big fan of flip-out monitors. I want a factory-looking install: to try to make it look like it would have if Ford had offered Nav, or even double-DIN back in the day...
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

Double DIN in an 85-88 dash

Reply #1 –
Where do you want to put it, and how "deep" is the stuff you want to install?
__________________
Twin '85 TCs
White/ Grey 2-tone
#1 (left): undergoing top-to-bottom rebuild     
#2 (right): DD, power everything (sorta)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

Double DIN in an 85-88 dash

Reply #2 –
I was thinking in the area where the stereo and cubby hole are now (I know I'd have to make a custom panel, which is OK because I've got an extra bezel). The unit looks to be about as deep as a regular stereo, just twice as tall.
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

Double DIN in an 85-88 dash

Reply #3 –
I have a single din dvd player in the cubby and my head unit in the stereo spot.
Had to cut the vent out in the back of the dash partially to make it fit in.
The vents still work but are not as strong as they used to be.
However in the summer with the A/C on you will never have a deck that overheats lol.

Double DIN in an 85-88 dash

Reply #5 –
sorry I was on my phone earlier.

Yes you have to cut the metal. There is a wire harness there-just move it upward. I had to heat my vents and bend them up slightly-I mean just a little bit. My center vents still blow hard. If you're real picky you can send your pieces off to someone like this to redo your center. They are currently doing a piece for me in carbon fiber for my Mustang-I'll post pics when I get it back.

http://www.americanhydrocarbon.com

Double DIN in an 85-88 dash

Reply #6 –
Thanks Kendoo...

This (your car) is pretty muich the look I'm going for:


I'd prefer to mount it higher, but if that's the only way it'd fit so be it. I'm sure I can come up with something to fill that space...

I have no problem making the panel (or cutting the metal, for that matter). So when you heated the plastic duct what'd you use, a heat gun?
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

Double DIN in an 85-88 dash

Reply #7 –
That looks awesome...although I get the feeling that it needs something above it...like some gauges or a wet bar or something...

Double DIN in an 85-88 dash

Reply #8 –
Yes-I used a heat gun. Somebody else also did this (Protouring442) not sure about the name. His is mounted higher than mine but I'm sure he had to massage or cut the vents.

Double DIN in an 85-88 dash

Reply #9 –
I could easily do a double din in mine if I wanted to... Since I am using a 1995 Mustang dash! The last few years of the SN95 Mustang revised the center stack trim to accept a double din sized factory radio!

Double DIN in an 85-88 dash

Reply #10 –
I mounted mine higher, but you have to trim the upper ducts. I cut mine then utilized an adhesive backed rubber product I found at Lowe's to fill in the rather large hole I created, This allowed me to push the head unit back into the rubber and form it to an exact fit.



Shiny Side Up!
Bill
"as if 'religion' were something God invented, and not His statement to us of certain quite unalterable facts about His own nature." -C.S. Lewis

Double DIN in an 85-88 dash

Reply #11 –
That looks very nice Bill.  Did you swap the buttstuffog clock in?
Mike

Double DIN in an 85-88 dash

Reply #12 –
The one thing I'd try to do that wasn't mentioned is integrate the new piece so that it fits the factory console face.  Cut the section separating the two openings, use a router (or something) to bevel the edges, and locate the new piece to fit from behind like everything else.

This is a quickie drawing, not to scale, but hopefully you get the idea.
__________________
Twin '85 TCs
White/ Grey 2-tone
#1 (left): undergoing top-to-bottom rebuild     
#2 (right): DD, power everything (sorta)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
 

Double DIN in an 85-88 dash

Reply #13 –
Quote from: mcb82gt;317285
That looks very nice Bill.  Did you swap the buttstuffog clock in?


Yeah. I don't know why, it just seemed to look better.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
"as if 'religion' were something God invented, and not His statement to us of certain quite unalterable facts about His own nature." -C.S. Lewis