How To : Double Din in a 99-02 1.5 Din

bgray

Stylish Canadian
Mar 17, 2012
3,052
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Onterrible, Canada
O hi there

If you have a lame 99-02 Gm Truck you cannot fit a full Double din into the Dash without a little Mustering.

Few things you will need.

Hands

Small air saw for cutting

Some ideas on how to mount

It really is just a job that requires a little thinking and some cutting off the dash.

You will need however a 03-07 Dash bezel as they have a double Din Radio hole...
99-02 bezel
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03-07 bezel
PC060016.jpg


To Remove the bezel is very easy. I always turn my trucks to ON, PUT into 1st gear(if Auto) then pull on the bezel. It is held in with push type clips and will pop right off. Wiggle it outta the dash and will expose your Dash.

Factory radio is held in with 4 screws, 2 on each side. Also the HVAC needs to be remove, 2 screws, and some plastic clips
(Picture from google, didnt ahve stock radio for my install)
radiocavity.jpg



Once all that is removed you will be left with this
dash2.jpg


Now seeing how the dash is normally a 1.5 din, and now you want 2 din, your AC Controls will have to be moved down a bit. I sanded off the plastic clips on the back, moved them down and screwed them into position. You ahve to instal and remove the bezel a few times so you cna get the Spacing right, but once its in your golden. I did have to light shaved down the back of the dash bezel where it goes around the HVAC to help it sit more flush. Once fitted, remove the HVAC so you cna work on the cutting of the dash.

PICS TO COME

Now that your HVAC is done, YOu need to cut alot of the dash plastics out of the way to make rrom for the bulky Double Din.

In the below pictures is the Dash in its factory form, the Red box area needs to be completely removed. I used a air saw with a 6" blade to cut it out. Then used files to smooth the sharpe plastic
dash2-1.jpg


Once its cut out, your pretty much done. I made some ALuminum Brackets that Attached to the side of the Double Din, then screw3ed them into the plastic dash, 2 per side. It doest take a few in and outs to get the fitment right, but once thats done your off to the races. It hard to give a true step by step, it all depends on what you require to be cut. So you really gotta feel it all out, but once done its a nice upgrade to the inferior 99-02 dash

As far as wiring, it just like any other radio!

dash3.jpg
 
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Nice write up. If you can include the pics after its cut, it will be gold!
 
I really want to do this but I don't have a full center console. Won't I loose my ashtray and power outlets?

If i read the write up correctly, you shouldnt lose anything. I think the cut is just so you can have a bit more room for the double din not really affecting anything below, but id still like to see pics of the cut, maybe it will interfere. We'll just wait on BGRAY to reply :)
 
not entirely true, i have always had a center console, so im not sure how it will fit with a truck without a console. i suppose to pull itit off in a non console truck youll need a lower dash bezel also.

one i get the truck outta storage ill take it out ans show cut pics
 
not entirely true, i have always had a center console, so im not sure how it will fit with a truck without a console. i suppose to pull itit off in a non console truck youll need a lower dash bezel also.

one i get the truck outta storage ill take it out ans show cut pics

If you don't have the center console I believe you have to cut your ashtray.


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I have the full console in my 99 and still had to trim some off the top of the ash tray.

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6537822075_e211529100.jpg
 
I was lucky enough to find a 03-07 center console in the same color (close enough) for my truck. So all my stuff goes together nicely

IMG_0921.jpg



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SloStep...I see your little helper is interested in the same thing my little helpers are :lol: Gotta love little kids as they poke around and see what each lever and button does :D