Eclipse CD Player Intall Problem CD5444 (pics)

[Justintoxicated]

I would but I already have the factory bezel ..I spent close to $100 for this kit bezel and metra + shipping, and now I need to buy the schoshe just for 1 part?

Sounds like I should have bought a more expensive HU to go with this expensive mounting.

[smoketitan]

im still a little confused but that may be my reading skills LOL

heres what I did with my 8454 and alpine


1) I placed the deck cage into the opening of the metra kit (without that little insert black ring) I then pushed up some of the place holder pins on the deck cage to keep it in place


2) I drilled two holes into the sides of the metra kit near the rear of the pocket (you cant see the screws once the deck is installed # 6 3/4" wood screws), and then made two small metal bracket pieces (made out of plumbing backstrap) shaped like a flat u-trap)------------hope that makes sense to you

2) then I screwed one end into the holes on the deck (using the SMALL iso screws provided) and then screwed the other end into the metra kit

so basically the deck and metra kit were one piece

it took awhile to get the right depth so that the deck with ring sat flush behind the stock bezel but it does work


once you get the right depth

4) you put the deck trim ring on and it should look flush

see attached pics

you can see my trim ring applied and BEHIND THE stock bezel

http://photobucket.com/albums/v693/n...t=IMG_3950.jpg

the 8454 work too , but sorry no pics--even easier since the alpine is longer a nd the eclispe rcas are pigtailed off the back

I then placed the stock bezel back on and voila


I also added a ring of backstrap around the impact bar in back of the deck compartment screwed to the back of the deck

using thin metal backstrap

make sure its long enough so you can move it back and forth like a spring and you can uninstall it LOL

help with security (a little) and also steadying the deck some

then screw in the four metra holes and your done

In my opinion the metra kit needs to be reinforced in resin since the mounting holes are VERY flimsy I almost broke one once

but for most the resin step is overkill

[Justintoxicated]

Well I took it out and decided to try the second mounting method using the other method. I don't have anyt hing to make a bracket and I'm not able to picture what you did there.

Took the Plastic Brackets off and put the metal sleve on.

Slide the sleeve back untill it stoppe din the front of the HU, Then I bent the tabs up using the ones the most far forward. THere is onyl 1 positiont he HU could be installed in using this method, the metal sleeve has a lip on it jsut enoguh to stop it from sliding backwards.

So I went to install and the Antenna wire is Smashed against the metal Bar behind the Bezel now, and I mean it is pressed pretty right, I'm worried it might break over time....However I did manage to get it mounted.

The HU actualy sits back a little more than 1/4th inch fromt eh bezel now (I sitll don't understand how it is possible to move it forward cause then it would slide backwards as there is nothing to stop it, and I put the stock trim piece on (it also sits probably 1/2 inche from the front of the bezel).

However using the stock trim piece allows the HU to open all the way as it is recessed from the front of the CD-player.

So now it works it just does not look as good. And it is recessed in the Bezel now (mostly in the gap between the HU trim piece and the Metra Trim).

I think it looks a little tacky but not too bad, and it has no screws holding it together, just the little tabs on the metal sleeve from the HU, it does seem pretty sturdy though there is not really any movement.

I still don't understand how you got yours flush.

[smoketitan]

man this thing is giving you the bizness

1)take a peice of metal backstrap (its a very thin pece of tin in the plumbing section with holes in that run the lenght of it)

2)cut two peices no more than 6" long I assume--maybe even shorter cant remember

3)your deck sits a few inches above the plastic pocket area of the metra kit (if you are look at the but end of the deck ---where the rcas are)

there shoudl be a screw hole one on each side of the deck


take the backstrap peice screw it down to both sides

4)there should now be a peice hanging down that tha you can bend around in a sort of semi circleshape to connect the metal to the plastic metra kit

5) mark you holes and then drill through the plastic


5) you should be able to move the deck forward and back to the desired depth at this point---(assuming you gave your self someslack on the pseudo metal bracket you just made)


6) once the depth is right (willtake you afew trys and it is a pain since your dealing with fitting the cage, metra kit and trim ring


7) the radio antenna is plugged in the eclipse if I rememeber correctly (the alpien is pigtailed)

if it too tight got to radio shack and get a antenna pigtail extension for like 5 dollars


I hope this makes better sense,a dn it works out for you

I knwo you have tried and Id for you to have to pay a 30% restock fee OUCH

[Justintoxicated]

Here is a pic of the way it is mounted as a suggested alternativ eusing the Eclipse Trim Piece. I think it sucks but it does work. It is not bolted to anything but seems to be helpd in place by the bent tabs pretty well.

[Justintoxicated]

I FIXED IT!

How does it look

[smoketitan]

I knew you could do it

glad you stuck it out and kept the deck

Im using one right now


how did you get that trim peice to fit like that

thats rather awesome!

[Justintoxicated]

This is how the Metra kit installs normaly, you have to ditch the mounting hardware that comes with your HU and use the plastic sides that come with the kit. the sides lock the HU in place and then the trim piece just clips in. I took a dremel to the lower right and left of the trim piece so that the arm on the HU could come down all the way when the Unit opens up.

[ptgarcia]

Off topic here, but can you tell me the diameter of the 2 holes in the bezel next to the AC controls? Thanks.

[Justintoxicated]

I can't exactly, They are not really holes with the factory bezel So I'm not sure if the plastic wasent molded over them what size they would be. You could ask someone with an Armada Bezel, it's the same thign with holes there. Or do you just want a rough estimate?

[titanse05]

Good job on the install, I knew you could figure it out.

I think ptgarcia just wants a close as you can get estimate. Some of my trim pieces, including the HU bezel, are out for some painting or I would measure it for him.

[ptgarcia]

Yeah, I don't need you to put a set of calipers on them, rough is good enough. I'm looking for a place to mount a pair of air pressure guages for airbags. Thanks.

[Justintoxicated]

I keep forgetting I will do this tomarrow for you was real buisy today.

[ptgarcia]

No problem...thanks!

[ecbmxer]

Man, I have this same deck in my car right now (don't have titan yet) and I too hate that it doesn't have a pause button. I mean what the heck!? You just have to mute it or turn the whole thing off. On the plus, eclipse units are super high quality and have high voltage preouts.