Modern Radio options

I'm trying to figure out a better radio for my taco without trimming the front bezel. It has the fully functional factory radio but I'd like to have built-in Bluetooth. Any recommendations/pics of what ya'll have installed would be appreciated.

 

crutchfield is your friend. they will have something right up your alley.

 

My old aftermarket Sony head unit is starting to die - it occasionally stops responding to all button presses. This is the one I'm going to buy to replace it: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113BT782HD/Kenwood-KDC-BT782HD.html

 

Speaking of radios, I just installed this after the Texas Heat cratered my JVC.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DPX795B/Kenwood-Excelon-DPX795BH.html

 

I put a double DIN in wife's Rav4 and if you look you will find bezel kits that fit, no trimming required. You will probably need a conversion harness too, no chopping up original wiring.

 

Just a thought: have you considered one of those Bluetooth to FM transmitters?

Given your stock radio works, it'll send the Bluetooth audio over FM to your truck's radio. And they usually have a microphone in them to pick up your voice for Bluetooth calling. $20 and you'll be all set

 

I ran this for years lol
would actually recommend if you need something quick n dirty

 

I've used these and the old school cassette to headphone jack ones in the past, but it does feel dirty hahaha. I got a $20 pioneer single din unit at walmart and its worth the 30 minutes of installation

 

The Kenwood DPX-504Bt (I think 505bt is current version) offers a CD player, Sirius, Bluetooth w/Alexa and hands free calling. The screen and buttons can be set to match the dash color and since it has an older style display it doesn't look too out of place as opposed to the touch screen stuff that's popular nowadays. No trimming necessary, just the wire harness adapter and you reuse the brackets off the old stereo.

 

I second the Crutchfield recommendation. I got a Kenwood head unit that fits perfectly in the bezel no cutting or anything. I also ended up paying the extra money for them to build the wire harness for me. Totally worth it because it made it plug and play. The only hassle was getting all the interior plastic off and wiring the mic for the handsfree.

The only advice I can add is (1) please do yourself a favor and get a head unit with an actual knob for the volume. I didn't realize how useful the steering wheel buttons are until I had to start trying to adjust the volume with the touch pad on the screen. and (2) purchase a USB kit that will fit into one of the 12v charging ports for you to connect a data port to CarPlay or Android. Since this left an unused 12v port, I left it behind the dash and wired a dash cam to the port.

 

That looks exactly like the one I installed last year, with a matching set of Kenwood speakers. I've been happy with it.

 

ATOTO. Couldn't be happier for less than $150.

 

If you want something that looks period appropriate, check this out

$145 VDO Continental TR7412UB-OR European Style 12v Radio Orange Display Bluetooth Bundle with AC111

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D2R48HZ
It fits perfectly, though you may need an adapter harness.

 

I have one of these it is awesome.

i prefer it to fm transmitter, charge it once a week and it’s nice and cheap, no wires no clutter etc had it almost a year no issue for $20

 

Did you decide on which "Stereo" your going to replace your stock unit with. Inquiring minds want to know. FYI the Kenwood I installed with the matching Kenwood Speakers has been great so far. Just go to Crutchfield, type in the year and make of your truck and it will pull up a list of options for you. Mine came with the wiring harness that was all plug and play.

 

Sadly that has no low-level outputs. Darn, really looked promising for a minute

 

I have a Kenwood Excelon ddx9905s that has been excellent. Has inputs for a front cam, the screen can tilt to give a good viewing angle, and it has HD radio/BT/Android Auto/Apple Carplay/Sirius/etc. Its older but still killer, they can be found for not too much money.

https://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/excelon/ddx9905s/

 

nice
What model?
What adapter(s) did you need?
Thanx

 

How did you get torque to work?!