Stereo mounting kits for later-model Gen1 trucks

This reply in the lunch table thread got me digging. I was surprised how nice their radio looked using the kit they linked on eBay.

It seems Crutchfield and Amazon both have steered a lot of us wrong with the later-model Gen1 trucks by recommending Metra's install kit # 95-8202 for our radios. Virtually every '03-'06 owner I've seen who used this install kit complains of gaps at the top/bottom of the stereo.

Gist being, earlier-model Gen1 trucks had dash bezels with no gap around the entire perimeter. The later models had gaps on each side of the head unit and minor ones top/bottom. 95-8202 might be a universal kit that supports both older and newer dashes and that's why it's recommended?

Anyway, Scosche and Metra are what I've always used. So I did some digging on Metra. I found Metra has two other kits available that supposedly can work with our later-model Gen1 trucks and Seqouia's, kit # 99-8300 and kit # 99-8268.

Both of those kits come with what appears - to me - to be a better outer trim piece that would make the install look more "factory" by beveling in the side gaps, totally killing the top/bottom gaps, and shiny black. This is what the trim piece for those kits looks like so you get the idea:



Larger pics of the 99-8300 kit can be seen HERE, since the Metra site sadly lacks any significant detail.

Scosche's recommended kit is part # TA2158B and it has a bezel near-identical to Metra's kit, except if I'm seeing right in the pics, maybe more of a textured, eggshell finish?



While I like the off-brand kit @cadebucket put on his truck, I think one of these Metra or Scosche kits would probably do more justice, forcing the radio to be centered in the dash.

I think I'm going to order both kits for S&G, just to see how each one fits and looks. Maybe I can post it up in the "Who's Got What" head unit thread after to help others out. I need to get my damn reverse cam hooked up anyway.

 

After reading your back-and-forth with cadebucket in the other thread, I ordered his same dash kit. It will arrive tomorrow and I can update this thread with my results as well.

I was using the crappy Metra kit for 4 years or so with an aftermarket Kenwood in my 03. I hated the fit but never looked more into other options. I too had the top/bottom gaps.

Last weekend I installed an ATOTO F7 XE head unit with backup camera, and reused the Metra kit and it fit even worse than with my old aftermarket stereo. So I am hoping this new Ebay kit works much better!

 

Got pics? Just curious. My Metra kit # 95-8202 from Crutchfield basically only has two "ears" on either side to trim out the head unit. There's no top/bottom filler, so it has gaps in the spots indicated with red, which is what most complaints have been:

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Anyone able to point me in the right direction for 2001 limited dash kit and harness (I think it has JBL amp)

 

See the "Audio and audio upgrades..." section: https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/

Moreover, just buy at Crutchfield, they'll set you up straight. But first, you need to use that 'audio and audio upgrades' section to understand what the hell you've got. I don't think JBL was available in the earlier models, but I could be wrong.

 

If you have an Amp in the early trucks you should just have the one behind the dash that you need to remove. I don't think I've seen one with JBL myself either.

@Jack87 have you figured out what you need to buy yet? You shouldn't need a dash kit or anything special. Only the regular 87 up Toyota radio harness.

$6 Metra 70-1761 Radio Wiring Harness For Toyota 87-Up Power 4 Speaker

LINK
Reuse old radio mounting brackets. Feel free to post a picture of your current radio for confirmation.

 

@shifty` thank you for this info. I’m still trying to determine if I want to go with a new radio or upgrade the existing with the Bluetooth/aux adapter. I’m kind of an OEM guy, but nav in a nice sized, integrated screen sure does get me thinking. Fighting with an ill-fitted bezel is the last thing I’d want to be dealing with.

 

Ok, maybe this will help. You're aware of the GTA kits right? Allows you to add-on bluetooth for audio and phone to your OEM setup for the '03+ trucks (at least)

https://www.gtacarkits.com/product/toyota-tundra-2003-2006-iphone-aux-kit/

I've plugged this to a few different people here over the years, mostly by PM. With this setup, you can stream navigation over bluetooth audio, to the factory HU. And you get hands-free calling too, which is a win-win any day.

I can point you to a few folks on here using it if you want to ask about it.

Edit, this is specifically the kit I'd recommend, the wireless, not the wired:

 

Yep, that’s what I’ve been eyeing. The main advantage I was contemplating with the new head unit would be not having cords dangling from my windshield to have gps. But, oddly enough, I’m digging pulling out my old 80’s/90’s cassettes and reminiscing. My boy thinks I’m weird lol.

 

Back those tapes up to MP3 files on a flash drive.