So I've ordered a Pioneer double din head unit and now need to order the kit to get it installed. I've been reading a few other threads and it seems most aren't super happy with the Scosche match to the factory flat black paint (I have an S model). They are much easier to find though, so I'm wondering, are the Scosche kits still a bad match (ie. have they changed anything to improve the match) and if not, is the American International still a better built and better looking kit?
I have a Scosche installed an it looks fine to me. Granted its a single DIN with custom plates built for it but it matches fine on my car. I will take pictures later.
So I've ordered a Pioneer double din head unit and now need to order the kit to get it installed. I've been reading a few other threads and it seems most aren't super happy with the Scosche match to the factory flat black paint (I have an S model). They are much easier to find though, so I'm wondering, are the Scosche kits still a bad match (ie. have they changed anything to improve the match) and if not, is the American International still a better built and better looking kit?
As for build quality, they both have their pluses and minuses. The Scosche uses better clips to retain the adapter in the console (exactly like the OEM clips) than the metal spring clips on the American International. They both hold the adapter securely but the Scosche in much better IMHO. But.... the Scosche lacks the retainer hooks/pins that lock the upper and lower panels together. They both fit well but the additional trim ring on the American International breaks up the large flat area around the head-unit making for a better overall look. Where the big difference is most apparent is in colour/texture match, the American International beats the Scosche hands down IMHO.
I'd love to see some more pics, snow or otherwise, just some in natural light. I'm probably more concerned with the appearance and can figure out a way to secure it better.
Guess I'll pay the little extra and go American International. Looks like about $25 w/out harness. Could get the Scosche for $20 w/ harness. Anywhere you guys know that has a good deal on the American International?
I'd love to see some more pics, snow or otherwise, just some in natural light. I'm probably more concerned with the appearance and can figure out a way to secure it better.
Guess I'll pay the little extra and go American International. Looks like about $25 w/out harness. Could get the Scosche for $20 w/ harness. Anywhere you guys know that has a good deal on the American International?
I am a high roller so this may not apply to everyone else but being able to have both of them in front of me to compare for $45.00 and then returning the one I don't like sounds like a good plan to me.
Another thing. If you buy your kits and harnesses from Crutchfield. When you are finished and tell them you want to return the unused one they will probably give you credit and tell you not to worry about returning it. True story.
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The Blue Streak Slug
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2008 Tundra TRD Offroad
Scosche is good when it comes to fit, looks good and tidy upon install. But color matching is a joke.
Am. Int. has closer color and texture match but not accurate by any means. It's fit when installed looks ugly and out of place because the lines don't align with the climate control panel cover as perfectly as scosche. I have both of them sitting in front of me cause I can't make a choice. I'm kinda leaning towards scosche despite of it's bad color/texture match since I can't deal with how bad Am. Int. fitting and lines are. It's shape just does not belong to Corolla dash. Scosche kit is a bit lighter too.
BTW American Int. kit comes free when you buy radio from crutchfield.
Scosche is good when it comes to fit, looks good and tidy upon install. But color matching is a joke.
Am. Int. has closer color and texture match but not accurate by any means. It's fit when installed looks ugly and out of place because the lines don't align with the climate control panel cover as perfectly as scosche. I have both of them sitting in front of me cause I can't make a choice. I'm kinda leaning towards scosche despite of it's bad color/texture match since I can't deal with how bad Am. Int. fitting and lines are. It's shape just does not belong to Corolla dash. Scosche kit is a bit lighter too.
BTW American Int. kit comes free when you buy radio from crutchfield.
I didn't use the radio mount brackets that came with the American International. My friend used them and it did cause some fit issues. I installed my head-unit using the OEM mounts this way it doesn't put any additional stress on the actual trim-kit. I found that the plastic radio brackets didn't support the unit enough causing a slight bulge in the center of the lower horizontal edge. The factory metal brackets are flexible enough to allow for some minor tweaking of the head-unit's final position. I agree that the colour/texture match of either kit is not 100% but the American International beats it by a mile IMHO. It seems that this is an issue with most dash-kits. I guess that the small percentage of nit-pickers are not enough for them to go that extra mile. If there's someone that has the ability to post attachments and is interested, I can PM them with the original size photos so that the images can be viewed more easily.
If you really want the best factory finish and fitment, might as well order the factory plate that Toyota used on the 10th Gen's with factory navigation:
55405-12B20 - Flat Black (09 USA S, 09-10 Base, CE, LE, XLE, Canada S)
55405-12B10 - Dark Grey (10 USA S, 09-10 XRS)
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