Installing a deck, trim pieces do not fit... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

kenratboy · 10-26-2007, 06:16 PM

...have a 1997 Camry with the double DIN stereo. Have an Alpine and a pocket that is going above it.

Everything fits and works, but there is absolutely no way I can get the cosmetic trim pieces around the deck or pocket. The dash trim piece (one piece around the stereo, HVAC, and ash tray) goes within a few mm of all sides of the head unit.

Is this common? Anyone have some elegant solutions so it doesn't look so...armature?

Thanks!

TRDSleeper · 10-26-2007, 06:49 PM

I have a 2001 Camry with an aftermarket Alpine single DIN head unit and it fits perfectly. Are you sure you got the right pocket kit for your Camry? I put my pocket kit under the head unit and mount the them with the factory bracket and everything fit exactly. The outer trim panel snaps back on with no problem either. I got my pocket kit from Crutchfield.com.

touringcamry · 10-27-2007, 02:18 PM

Are you trying to install the stereo with the trim piece that came with the stereo? If yes, take that off, your install doesn't need it.

kenratboy · 10-27-2007, 02:56 PM

Yes, that is the issue. Everything fits and works, but there is no room to install those trim pieces that came with the stereo. I was able to get one of the trim pieces on that came with the pocket kit, but because of the curve in the dash trim, there is a gap in it.

basically what I am saying is it works, but isn't perfect

TRDSleeper · 10-27-2007, 05:19 PM

OH, I see what you mean now. The trim piece that came with the head unit is there for people with European cars. Japanese cars like the Camry doesn't need it. Yea, it sucks that we have somewhat of a small gap around the head unit and the dashboard trim panels but we can't really do much to fix it. However, I used to have a double DIN head unit from Alpine and it fits sooo much better than the single DIN I have now. Fills up the entire opening very nicely.

kenratboy · 10-27-2007, 05:40 PM

Yeah, the double DIN unit would have been sick, but I got a new Alpine deck (9870 - the base one) for $50 (and no, it was not stolen, it was new in box from a authorized retailer) and the install parts for next to nothing ($5), so I cannot complain.

This replaced the stock cassette/radio + 3 in-dash changer. They sorta worked ok...but they would overheat and stop working on long road trips and the displays no longer worked and it didn't read CD's very well...wait, it sucked and I am glad its gone!!!