What you need to do to have a car radio fit for its vehicle

There is a classic way which is by using a radio to enjoy the ride with your favourite songs, however, some problems can happen when it comes to the car radio. If that doesn’t work out for you, you may need to get yourself a new radio head unit.

But what if the unit you bought doesn’t fit? Can you still return it to the seller or is there a better way to make things work out for you? Find out in this article from Philkotse.com:

1. Your new car radio can't fit

Stock car stereos can be in different shapes, sizes, and styles. But there are three categories into which these aftermarket units fit. This is called the DIN standard. Car radios under the DIN standard have a height of 50mm and a corresponding width of 180mm. The depth, on the other hand, is unstated.

Stock car stereos can be in different shapes, sizes and styles.

The radio units that comply with the DIN standard are 2 inches in height and are about 7 inches wide. There are other two types of common head units also comply with the DIN standard. The larger one measures 7 inches wide and 4 inches tall - this is the 2 DIN. The less common type is the 1.5 DIN. Its measurements are 7 inches wide and 3 inches tall.

Stock car stereos can be in different shapes, sizes, and styles

By imagining these three types of radio head units, you can imagine how easy it is to have misfit issues. The head units that are built according to the 1.5 DIN or 2 DIN specifications can’t fit in DIN slots. If you try to do it the other way around, you will most likely end up with a large, extra space in the slot.

>>> Check out: What you need to know before replacing your classic car radio.

2. How to solve car radio fitting problems using an installation kit

Car Radio Installation Kits are usually enough to solve an issue of car radio misfit. Aftermarket head units are designed to work on a lot of different types of cars and vehicles. These radio installation kits work a little differently. Unlike the universal application if aftermarket units, they are built for a specific group of makes and car models.

Car Radio Installation Kits are usually enough to solve an issue of car radio misfit

Car radio installation kits are usually designed to fit a 1 DIN aftermarket into a 1.5 DIN or 2 DIN radio slot. The kit includes mounting hardware and a slot. The mounting hardware is designed to fit any 1 DIN-type aftermarket radios. Some more expensive units come with a storage pocket. This is usually meant for the extra space in the stereo slot.

Note: Car radio installation kits can only solve issues wherein an aftermarket stereo can’t fit due to stock radio being oddly shaped.

>>> Also check: Must-know tips to choose the best aftermarket car head units

3. What if your car stereo still doesn't fit even with an installation kit?

Even though a lot of the aftermarket radios already comply with the 1 DIN, 2 DIN and 1.5 DIN. There are unlucky times that you may stumble upon a radio head unit that won’t fit even with an installation kit on. The main cause of this is the difference between the DIN and the US standard of measurements.

So if your installation kit doesn’t work with your aftermarket radio unit, you can look around for other OEMs. There’s a good chance that if your current installation kit isn’t working, you may need to get one from a different manufacturer. This is not a common event but it still does happen.

There are unlucky times that you may stumble upon a radio head unit that won’t fit even with an installation kit on

>>> Read more: OEM vs Aftermarket car parts: All you should know about its Pros & Cons.

If you’re still in the shadows, it never hurts to ask for help. Simply ask the attendant at the store. If that doesn’t bring you answers, you can head to the internet. You can jump into internet forums where people with the same interest as you flock together. There’s an 8 out of 10 chance that you’ll get the answer there. If not, you can always ask a buddy, a cousin or a workmate.

Note: If you no longer want to spend on an installation kit with the right fit, there’s another way to get results. You can use your ill-fitting car stereo installation kit and still make the installation. However, it may not be as clean and attractive compared to using one that actually fits.

If you like, you can also make a few shaves, cut and nibs so your installation kits will fit better

If you like, you can also make a few shaves, cut and nibs so your installation kits will fit better. However, it may still end up looking unattractive. But if you’re willing to make the cut, you can use a Dremel tool for the job. Just remember to be cautious. Make sure you don’t make unnecessary cuts to the device that could affect its functionality and performance.

4. If your installation kit fits but looks messy

This is another common issue that people encounter when buying installation kits. You may think that you’ve found the perfect installation kit. After installation, you find out that it wasn’t the look that you were going for.

The issue is that most aftermarket stereos are designed to fit a bezel. Since there are indeed a lot of vehicle types, makes and models out there, sometimes even universal kits can’t be depended on.

After installation, you find out that it wasn’t the look that you were going for

>>> You might want to know: Troubleshooting your car head unit.

Know that when you install your preferred aftermarket stereo into your car’s dash slot, and it fits more or less using the cage inclusion, the radio’s face will stick out a bit. This is the area where you snap the bezel tightly in place.

The end result is the aftermarket installation that most people are more familiar with. Though it won’t look even close to your factory radio, you won’t be left with unsightly gaps.

If you installed a stereo head unit using a dash kit, the unit is usually bolted to the partner kit using the ISO mounts. This results in a neater outcome especially if the bezel also fits.