Radio / Stereo mounting kits for later-model Gen1 trucks

I recently put a side-by-side on them on here, but this text pretty much explains it.

But here's some shots to better visualize the differences. Other than the brains behind the A/C controls being different you could swap some later model dashes (AC has a blank where DC has defrost button), but generally speaking, there's a lot of variations over the years. The real bitch is the key lock/unlock location on the right, and added buttons, button position changes. Like, 00-02 has the airbag unlock and skinny opening with wider 4HI/4LO buttons, 03-04 has airbag unlock and wide opening with smaller 2WD buttons, '05-'06 wider opening and lots of differences on the right-hand side. It would also appear the vents on the '00-02 are wider.

I'm dropping all 4WD trucks here on purpose, but none with the 'Auto LSD' button some of the inferior DC trucks came with, which adds an extra opening, making their dash incompatible with other center dashes. It really is a mess, the dash (non-)swappability of these trucks.

I still don't understand why Toyota opened the dash up more in the later years. But I do know some Scion (Pioneer) radios with more options fit perfectly in our later-year trucks, plug and play, and there's only minor harness pin changes required to use the 86/FR-S radios in our trucks.

 

Thanks @shifty. I was going to try and retrieve your previous experience w/differences in FGT center dash layouts [but u beat me to it]; adapting one for another is waay above my paygrade.
I'll roll the dice on the 'Full-surround' Metra you and 'Cade...' previously mentioned in this thread. Thank you & Cade...

 

I just talked to a human @ metra...what a surprise. He was based in FL and 'sounded' like he knew car audio as far back as 15-20 yrs.
I asked about metra 99-8300 and how it would accomodate my use of OEM radio metal brackets to fasten finish trim ring to said bracket. As I suspected, probly not. BUT, he took time for me to d/load and open install sheet for 99-8300, but steered me to page 20 where the sheet has well defined side view of their side bracket [that mates the finish trim ring] and parts to remove for FGT '03-06. Also pointed out that their side bracket has slots that allow for mount depth adjustment of head unit. Of course he qualified by pointing out the myriad of HUs in the market, but was sure their design accomodates the usual big4 or 5 makes; the lowcost PRC-Scamazons, not so much.
And yes, the 99-8300 comes with a surplus of parts covering 'Toyota Multi-kit 2000 up'.
Im currently looking for cheapest online outlet for it.

One more data point on the Scosche TA2158B: altho it was only $18 incl delivery, I called and actually talked to CS who told me if all contents accounted for and unmolested in same box, there in contained is a RMA sticker back tothem for credit, free return shipping.
I'm impressed w/both companies- real peeps in US actually accessible in minutes!

 

Not having done an install yet but concluding that most of the aftermarket kit Trim Ring 'Openings' will accomodate the 'Chassis size' of the Big 5 HU manufacturers [im still on fence btwn Alp, Sny, KW, Pionr]. If I interpret correctly, @the_crowbar had a bad experience w/the Scosche TA2158B in his '06 DC and/or was it b/c Nakamichi HU slightly oversize chassis?

Since finish appearance is the most noticeable end result of these retro-fits [beside SQ, interfaces, etc], a big problem seems to be flush seating of Trim Ring so that it fits INTO the Dash Panel Opening; if larger than that opening, the Trim Ring doesnt sit flush to the HU, thus a 'bush league' or at least a highly noticeable Non-Fit.
Ive measured my '06 SR5 AC 2WD Dash Panel Opening = 203mm x 102mm.
Having ordered the Scorpion TOY-K030700 [pkg also marked as TOY-K966, 99-8207, TA2043B], its Trim Ring exterior is 207mm x 105mm [doesnt seat in dash opening]. So, its going back to flea-bay.

Havent tried it yet, but Im waiting for reply fr/Metra on

$28 99-8268 Metra Radio Install kits

99-8268 exterior Trim Ring measure.
EDIT: Got a reply fr Metra:
"On the Tundra the kit works in them from 2003 up to 2006, the dash changed in 2007. The trim is 8” wide X 4” tall.
Thank you,
Jerry Ferguson
Technical Support
Metra Electronics
386-257-1187 "
If he means the exterior Trim Ring measures 4 in x 8in [x 25.4mm/in], then it appears a good fit at 203.2mm x 101.6mm. Good news there.

I havent factored in the actual mount bracket fits for these yet, but I was about to return the Scocshe TA2158B [203mm x 103mm exterior] after seeing what @the_crowbar went thru, but at this moment Ive postponed returning it since its TrimRing seems to be a good flush fit, unless im missing something fr/his experience. Also, looks like his HU is a PRC import vs Big5, which I believe the 3 US branded mount kits are aiming for...?

As far as Trim Ring exterior fits, could it be that the otherwise 'oversize' Scorpion unit will fit, just not seated flush and thus protruding forward of the dash panel at least 3/4 inch or more when installed...?
Is that as good as thats gonna get..?

For Gen Ref: Here are pics of my dash w/Scorpion Trim ring [obviously oversize].

 

Off on a separate tangent:
This thread about who makes what for install/trim rings has me thinking of going bigger, as in 8 or 9 inch display Headunits.
My premise may be wrong, but seems that the FGT dash opening 'fit and finish' issue is eliminated somewhat by going to a larger display [if all else equal].
OTOH, it looks like there could be encroachment issues with AC airflow, visual or physical obstruction of dash controls?
Is the give back of slightly larger backup screen view [and maybe better screen bright/clarity in daylite] worth the space encroachment into the cab?
I see there are a few of the Big5 manufacturers making an 'articulating screen' design allowing for a bit of adjustment that might improve the viewing experience. Question for me is: How much better and for how much $more?
I'd like to see and hear from others that have gone this route in FGT's.
Maybe new thread?

 

9" doesn't obstruct vents much, if at all.
11" does obstruct air vents, to the point you may be annoyed.

 

Thx @shifty.
The only downside I see to the larger display headunits hanging out of the dash: theft-magnet?
Are these headunits any more of a dog-whistle than a well equipped 4x8 in dash headunit?
Are these external screen units easier to 'un-install' by the avarage street-junkie w/tools and skIlls?
Wouldnt think the ROI on a sub $700 headunit would be worth the time, but I dont want to underestimate the desperate among us, as I have no car alarm and dont want to start down that road now.

 

Could the 9” screen not be mounted behind the later FGT larger opening?

 

...huh? So, unless I misunderstood, where would it mount?...or did you mean make the OEM dash opening larger?
The FGT dash opening is too small to accomodate even an 8" screen...

 

My smaller opening accommodates a 7” screen easily. Thought the larger opening in the later models might accommodate the larger screen. Maybe not.

 

Thx @KNABORES, but from what i measure, no...
another reason Im looking at going bigger is that Im seeing a common complaint w/6.5 to 7inch screens being difficult to resolve even in indirect sunlight; the larger size screen and positioned a bit closer to the eyes might make up for some of those deficiencies + my own vision is age impacted.
Another reason I 'think' this could be a good option for me is its mount position being closer to reach. Of course im just shooting from the hip and have no practical experience other than the 9 inch screen in my '20 Corolla.

 

The later model opening is the same height as the 7", its just wider.

 

Looping back on this. I've been using Alpine receivers in my truck and decided to upgrade my

$280 ilx-w650 7" double DIN touchscreen digital multimedia receiver with bluetooth, apple carplay and android auto

ilx-w650 with the new w770 so I could get wireless CarPlay. It adds a couple other features, but that's the biggie. Anyone looking to do a similar upgrade, I'll forewarn you of the differences:

• The main harness is identical, save for the w650 reverse trigger wire is orange/white stripe and the w770 is purple/white stripe.
• The microphone plug is smaller, so you've got to rewire your mic or adapt
• The multi-out (RCA/video) connector is wider on the w770, but it's fine, you need to swap anyway

I decided since I was going to be in there anyway, I'm going to take the plunge and install the Metra 8268 kit and get an all-new dashhole.

I'm going to post a bunch of pics with thoughts, a little tip also. I found if you shim the kit with a washer (or two) where the plastic arms meet the metal bracket, so the bracket stands 4-6mm off the metal, the fitment works out a lot better. Also, if you adjust the arms all the way inward while attaching to the stereo (for my Alpine at least), and you push the radio upward after installing the lower two mounting bolts in the dash loosely so it's mounted as high as possible, you get the best fitment.

I also found the 8268 kit would probably slide in a little bit easier, but the arms are engineered in such a way that they don't fit super-clean between the dash vents. Hopefully it shows in the pics. But I don't see any way to make the 8300 kit work, frankly.

Anyway, on to pictures. Tight squeeze, test fit:

​

Mind the gap, this is when the Metra kit is fully seated, and is the gap I was looking to fill. Two washers shored the gap, but at install time, I found only one was needed.

​

Install time, fitmet pics.

​

And final fitment, showing gaps from a few angles and a head-on. Lots of pics, just to try and get all the angles.

​

 

Cool. Congrats on the decision and the fact that you didnt have to deploy a 3D printer to get a decent trim ring on it.
Question: The ilx770 looks like it has 'soft buttons' vs. mechanicals...hows it?
Also, hows daytime screen vis?

Im still aiming at the ilx507; i like the HHeld remote, a couple more watts and 'maybe' hi-res screen.
BTW: i like your updated HVAC controls.

 

Wacha gon do wit dat 650

 

Probably gonna go in my parent's "new" Jeep JL toward the end of April. But the Jeep has no steering wheel controls, and I dunno if they can manage without. Strongly considering picking up one of the Jensen/Dual receivers with a knob and wireless carplay for them instead. I have a week to mull it over.

I will say, after making a run to the hard-to-recycle place, then over to Lowes, the brightness on the 770 isn't as good as the 650. But the sound output seems better. Daytime screen visibility was generally OK in the 650, and "alright" in the 770. But it's been overcast, so I have my concerns.

I don't use the buttons really, except the 'apps home screen' button center-middle. I have steering wheel controls and rarely touch my stereo.

The 770 definitely feels clunkier on the user interface, which is weird, because I'm assuming they're using the same firmware on the 770 as they did on the 670, both of which are totally different from the 650. I'm going to firmware update and factory reset it some time today, see if new firmware resolves some of the clunkiness. Specifically, the UI in general is poorly organized, adding Bluetooth devices was frustrating as hell on the W770, it doesn't work like any other stereo I've ever seen before.

There's a slight delay in CarPlay response with button presses, but it's only half-as-bad as what I saw in the W650 using The Magic Link (via USB) to carry over wireless CarPlay. I guess Alpine isn't using a high-quality processor in any of their radios, because I honestly think a 5-year-old bottom-barrel-quality Android tablet could probably handle the CarPlay load more efficiently, and that's kinda sad when you consider the pricepoint of this head unit.

Still on the fence about the purchase. I do like the 770 has a speed input, but I can't find the damn plug to adapt my OEM 2-wire (speed + reverse trigger) input to tap into it. I also like the 770 adds a GPS antenna, although I'm not 100% certain what it's for, I've always done GPS through CarPlay, teeing off my phone. I've only got about 30-40 minutes of drive time in it, using at least 6-month-old firmware. Staying cautiously optimistic.

I like the startup splash screen more on the 770. It looks more OEM+. But I need to dig and see if Alpine unlocked the ability to update the splash screen yet. I'd like to do a Toyota splash. I know it's possible with the 407, not sure on the 507.

 

@Shifty: thanks for the info on the 770.
you said:
"The770 definitely feels clunkier on the user interface, which is weird, because I'm assuming they're using the same firmware on the 770 as they did on the 670, both of which are totally different from the 650. I'm going to firmware update and factory reset it some time today, see if new firmware resolves some of the clunkiness. Specifically, the UI in general is poorly organized, adding Bluetooth devices was frustrating as hell on the W770, it doesn't work like any other stereo I've ever seen before.

There's a slight delay in CarPlay response with button presses, but it's only half-as-bad as what I saw in the W650 using The Magic Link (via USB) to carry over wireless CarPlay. I guess Alpine isn't using a high-quality processor in any of their radios, because I honestly think a 5-year-old bottom-barrel-quality Android tablet could probably handle the CarPlay load more efficiently, and that's kinda sad when you consider the pricepoint of this head unit. "

/\
This makes me want to weigh my 507 decision more. From the 1st time I handled the 507 at an 'indie' shop, noticeable was a lag of button command execution; IE: F/ware or OSys speed is laggy. I dug and dug trying to see if anyones ever stumbled across info on processors used by the 'Big4', but seems to be well guarded data. Or is it how each builder deploys their f/ware-s/ware [OSys]?. That indie shop owner wrote it off to out of date f/ware. Understood that the 770 may be an entire OSys/processor difference by Alpine, but cant help but agree for premium priced unit, shouldnt have these 'ZITS'. OTOH, I do like 95% of the 507 build, just have to be certain I can live w/5% zits...