Cutting behind dash to fit stereo

Since my last thread didn't garner any replies, I've decided to narrow my question down a bit.

I had to pull my INE-Z928HD out of my truck to replace my steering wheel controls w/ an iDatalink Maestro module. Everything tested out good and I was putting everything back together when my head unit hit my A/T shifter on the console and shattered the screen. This happened as I was fighting with the jungle of wires that comes off the head unit which includes, but is not limited to: XM, Pre-out RCAs Front/Rear/Sub, USB, GPS.

I've done everything I can short of cutting into the area behind the dash. Is there places where I can safely cut to give me more room to get all the wires behind the head unit?

 

Not to sure on that one, are you that tight for space? I haven't heard of anyone cutting behind the dash from what I have read

 

Honestly, the INE-Z928HD + Perfect FIT harness was a pretty tight fit to begin with. Adding the Pre-Out RCAs for my amp seems to be the straw that broke the camel's back.

Had a shop that I trust run the RCAs, remote wire, and power wires for my amp. The installer had a hell of a time getting everything to fit back there when he buttoned it back up.

Everything would have been peachy if the Perfect FIT SW controls didn't go south on me...

 

I had clearance issues behind my 1st gen dash, I used right angle connectors to make everything fit.

 

Maybe I haven't tried everything... I'll pick some up some right angle connectors and see if that will help. Thank you sir!

 

It depends on your HU. I had to find a short plug RCA extension to clear that bar in the dash. That was the last HU, the current one has a USB connector hitting it, I think. Any connector on the lower part of the HU could be hitting the bar.

This is all assuming that the wires and boxes are all clear too. I've had to move the boxes down to between the HU and the glove box, and I also take some string, tie it around the the wiring harness, then pull up on it while pushing the HU in. Once in, I just push the string back behind the dash plate.

 

This is exactly what I have done. I am so try to push as much as possible below that bar....good luck!

 

Got a chance to talk to one of the installers I trust (very short list) and was picking his brain about options to make everything fit. He suggested minor trimming and 90-degree RCA plugs. Talking to Mr. Marv too.

Head unit is on it's way back to Alpine for repairs. Expecting a $300 repair bill at the worst. Debating my options.

 

I have the same issue on my 13. Installing a Pioneer 4000NEX, using the CRUX adapter. It took me 2 hours to get the damn thing to bolt in. I have as much as I can tucked up high, on the glove box side, and it is still a tight fit. Like you, I get to take it all back out, as my steering wheel controls do not work. I will have to try the string trick.

 

Well, at least I do not suffer alone. I hope that you are more careful than I was and do not drop your stereo on your shifter. My heart sank after I heard the glass crunch.

The CRUX adapter looks fairly slick. Cleaner than using wire taps.

 

I have the same Alpine head unit and a 2013 double cab. I trimmed some plastic on each side of the enclosure and used the space to push wire and such out of the way. It was simple to do and makes the fit so much easier that I wish I had thought if it sooner.

 

If I'm understanding correctly, you're talking about the plastic pieces sitting between the head unit and the A/C vent on both sides of the head unit, correct? About how much did you end up trimming out, if you don't mind my asking?

 

Take a close look at the HU before you order/buy 90 degree adapters. On one of my Pioneer's the 90s won't fit with the actual RCA attached. They hit the back of the HU, since the RCA HU connections were recessed into the back some. That's why I had to find some short shank RCAs. My RCAs shank was about 1", the one's I found were about 0.5"

 

Yup. There are plastic "walls" on the side of the enclosure between the A/C vents and the cavity for the head unit. I used a Dremel to cut out a section on each side that measured about 2 inches square. There is kind of a natural area that can be removed without getting into the structure keeping these sides rigid. I don't recall there being any wires or the like behind these areas but be careful anyway. Once these areas where trimmed there ended up being a large space on either side where I was able to tuck most of the wires. The head was able to slide right in and the perfect fit surround snapped right into place like it should.

 

This is perfect. Thank you, sir!

I'll do some work on it this weekend and post before/after pics.

 

Hey OP how did you make out?

 

No news yet. Haven't had time to bust out the Dremel.