Double Din mounting brackets - Universal between models?

[SyrenSkywolf]

We're new to the "newer" Dodge world (used to own an old Dodge RV haha), even though we've wanted a Ram for years. Finally got our wish.

We just purchased an '03 Quad. Ends up the 6-CD changer was bad and draining the battery. Dissected the stereo and pulled it, so we are left with a glorified AM/FM stereo.

We have a Pioneer double din that we used to have installed in our Explorer. I can do the mods needed on the bezel and behind the stereo to install it, but I'm stuck on the mounting brackets. Does anyone know of any double din brackets would mount to the Ram? Could I purchase a Durango kit or similar and have it line up with the screw holes and be flush up with the bezel?

Would it be easier to get a new single din? Sure. Would I love a slide-out? Definitely. Can we really afford that? Not comfortably at the moment. May end up going that route in the end, but I'm looking at this option first.

 

[MegaMouseGW]

There should be plenty of double din mounting brackets available for your truck. GO to your local stereo install shop and see what they have. Or go to Crutchfield and check them out.

 

[SyrenSkywolf]

The only thing double din for Rams are new aftermarket bezels, almost exclusively on eBay and Amazon for $130+. Hence the reason why I am asking on here. I don't have the money to buy different installation kits and tear them apart trying to see if any will work.

 

[MegaMouseGW]

Oh I did not mean to go an buy the double din kits but just to ask the local shops what they are using. Most are quite accommodating with answering future customer's questions. Now if you do not have a current double din stereo, then you will have to go the e-bay route and get the correct bezel to go with a double din radio. Unless you are comfortable modifying your current bezel. But once you start cutting there is no going back.

 

[SyrenSkywolf]

I'm fine with making the opening taller. The hard part is making it narrower, as the stock radios are wider than aftermarket units. I've talked to the local shops, and most just try and push the single din radios because of the mods that would be required.

I've seen people do extensive work to their bezels with varying methods, including bondo and recoating. I'd just like to find mounting brackets that would fill those gaps and look fairly clean.

 

[SyrenSkywolf]

As a rough idea for everyone, these are kind of brackets that I am asking about:

Amazon.com: Metra 95-6511 2007 Dodge Nitro/jeep Wrangler/chrysler Sebring Double Din In-dash Receiver Mounting Installation Kit: Car Electronics

Amazon.com: AWM Scosche Cr1291B Double Din Kit For 2007 Dodge - Installation Kits: MP3 Players & Accessories

Stuff like that or possibly a full insert. Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with doing double dins utilizing these

 

[Mega-Hemi]

I know the stereo's mounted differently for cars vs. trucks, even though they look identical from the front. One would have tabs on the top and bottom while the other would have tabs on the sides. I found this out when I tried to put a factory CD player from a car into my 2002 Ram. Not sure which platform the Durango took, could be either one. I think your best bet would be to search online and compare part numbers to install kits for multiple vehicles. If the part numbers match they should be inter changeable. That and I know they used to sell universal kits that would come with multiple parts in one kit, you'ld just pick out the one you needed. I probably have a few left over partial kits kicking around somewhere if I looked. Not sure, think I may have tossed them last time I moved.

 

[MegaMouseGW]

Seeing as the stock radio is wider than a new double din un it would be, I highly suggest you get a new bezel and avoid the frustration of attempting to install a new radio into the opening. It would make things much easier and you will have a ton less headaches. Getting a new bezel would save time money and frustration if you slip. Whatever you decide though be careful and take it slow.

 

[SyrenSkywolf]

After doing much searching, shopping, and self-reflection, I decided on what I am going to do. The turning point was coming across a sheet of ABS on Scosche.

Went on Amazon and picked up a small sheet of ABS, carbon fiber vinyl, and the wiring/antenna adapters. Grand total out of pocket? $2.22 after a gift card my wife won was applied.

I can't wait to have fun with this project. I don't return to school and work until the end of January, so it will give me something to do. And yes, I am pretty handy, and will be very precise with measurements and cuts/grinds. I'm the type who will do a tiny bit of work, and then check it to see how it is going.

Will definitely take pics of the mod :]

 

[MegaMouseGW]

After doing much searching, shopping, and self-reflection, I decided on what I am going to do. The turning point was coming across a sheet of ABS on Scosche.

Went on Amazon and picked up a small sheet of ABS, carbon fiber vinyl, and the wiring/antenna adapters. Grand total out of pocket? $2.22 after a gift card my wife won was applied.

I can't wait to have fun with this project. I don't return to school and work until the end of January, so it will give me something to do. And yes, I am pretty handy, and will be very precise with measurements and cuts/grinds. I'm the type who will do a tiny bit of work, and then check it to see how it is going.

Will definitely take pics of the mod :]

Good luck with your project.

 

[Mega-Hemi]

Can't wait to see how it turns out.

 

[SyrenSkywolf]

Posted a write-up with images in DIY

http://www.ramforum.com/f76/double_din_stereo_conversion_mod_image_heavy-42615/