I recently installed an aftermarket stereo (Clarion DXZ735MP) using the Metra Kit to replace the stock Clarion stereo. The sound is MUCH better even with the stock Clarion speakers. It seems that the center dash piece is not sitting perfectly flush now though. The plastic border that goes around the factory NAV screen seems to be pushed about 2cm or so out on the bottom now. You can also notice it a little bit on the outer border of the center dash piece towards the middle. The dash piece looks fine on the top and on the bottom, perfectly flush. The 4 screws that hold the center dash piece in look firm and flush as well. I don't think any wires are pushing the center out. It looks like the metra kit sits below the original metal pieces that hold the OEM equipment in, and that would push the dash piece out several cms maybe? I wouldn't have noticed it if I didn't have the factory NAV. Anyone else notice this? I'll post a pic.

 

I've got nav, and the clarion 835, with the metra kit, and mine sits flush. maybe there is something in the way.

 

2cm, thats almost an 1 inch ??? something is wrong with your install...since I have never seen an aftermarket head unit that doesn't fit the Z...there is a lot of room back there. My guess is that a wiring harness is pinched or soemthing is holding it from mounting flush on the sides.

 

Did you re-use the two stock metal brackets attached to both sides of the stock radio -- the ones that screw-in by the white HVAC control box?

If you did, that's your problem. You are NOT supposed to re-use those with the Metra kit and it will cause your center console to stick out. Just pull out your center console and remove those two brackets and everything will fit flush. -- the Metra kit instructions suck and I did the same thing the first time around.

 

YES! I am a retard and I did use those, thank you for pointing that out. I would have never figured that out because I just assumed that they were needed Otherwise there might be some wires bunched up or something, but I'm sure this will correct the problem.

--THANKS!

 

The other option (and my personal favorite) is to use the metal brackets and the dual din faceplate. Then you fill the opening with this ...

 

Well, acutally just fixed my problem. I don't see how I can't use the original aluminum bracket ... because then I wouldn't have anything to mount my single din HU to, but what i did do is bend the the top two screw holes down on the aluminum bracket and screw the plastic arms of the metra kit straight into the dash. It still isn't perfectly flush, but is MUCH better than it was and not visible to the untrained eye. You definately would not notice it if you did not have the NAV.

 

Hey 350ztrackz, where can I pick up that plate with the Z logo? I'm getting my Alpine 9807 installed Sunday with the Metra kit, and I'd LOVE to get it to look like yours.

Thanks

 

email me @ mgronholz@deloitte.com and I'll make you one.