Dashboard trim to cover lcd pocket

[jammasterj]

I've searched the forums many times trying to find an answer to this question: Is there anything available to replace the dashboard trim on the 3 that would cover the hole vacated by the stock HU LCD panel? I want to replace the stock HU, but the dash kit pocket that takes the place of the LCD panel looks ugly as hell. If there isn't anything commercially available, has anyone come up with a good idea on how to cover/eliminate that hole? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[BrianG]

Why does the after-market LCD cover look ugly? If it's the plastic look, you could get some textured black spraypaint and cover it. Or, you can use a piece of textured plastic (found at most stereo installation shops) to cover the hole, or maybe a grillcloth covered plastic panel. If you are creative, you can then mount a bass control knob, an LCD clock, bling lights/LEDs, etc.

 

[jammasterj]

Why does the after-market LCD cover look ugly? If it's the plastic look, you could get some textured black spraypaint and cover it. Or, you can use a piece of textured plastic (found at most stereo installation shops) to cover the hole, or maybe a grillcloth covered plastic panel. If you are creative, you can then mount a bass control knob, an LCD clock, bling lights/LEDs, etc.

I'm not into all that mess. I just don't like the pocket; it looks awkward and out of place. Ideally, I'd like to have a solid piece of trim (without the LCD cutout) that would just completely hide the hole. I didn't know if anyone had come across something like that. Unfortunately, I don't have any fabrication experience, so I was looking for something commercially available or some ideas on how to (possibly) fabricate something.

 

[BrianG]

Oh, so you want to fabricate a whole new "carbon fiber" trim piece? Yeah, that would take a bit of work. It would be easier to do something (or have a shop do it) that would just cover the hole IMO.

 

[tsunami]

why do you want to get rid of stock deck?

 

[BrianG]

I dont know jammasterj's reasons, but there can be a lot more features in an aftermarket deck. My Alpine 9815 has parametric EQ, crossover, time alignment, plays MP3s, XM ready, RCA preouts (3), higher power (should you choose to use the built-in amp), and AUX input. Some of these features can be upgraded, but it is easier/simpler to just use something already set up. Adding those LOC units is not an option in my book; taking an amplified signal (which you can be has lost some quaility, and lowering it again to RCA for amps will add unacceptable (IMO) distortion.

The only things you lose by going aftermarket is looks (if you like the stock deck), steering wheel remote (easily rectified by using the PAC SWIX), less apt to be stolen, and, um, nothing else I guess.

 

[jammasterj]

I dont know jammasterj's reasons, but there can be a lot more features in an aftermarket deck. My Alpine 9815 has parametric EQ, crossover, time alignment, plays MP3s, XM ready, RCA preouts (3), higher power (should you choose to use the built-in amp), and AUX input. Some of these features can be upgraded, but it is easier/simpler to just use something already set up. Adding those LOC units is not an option in my book; taking an amplified signal (which you can be has lost some quaility, and lowering it again to RCA for amps will add unacceptable (IMO) distortion.

The only things you lose by going aftermarket is looks (if you like the stock deck), steering wheel remote (easily rectified by using the PAC SWIX), less apt to be stolen, and, um, nothing else I guess.

That's exactly why I am considering an aftermarked HU: additional features and the increased power. I have read opinions from people on both sides of the LOC fence, but I'm not in the mood to run the wiring for an amp anyways. But having the pre-outs available if I do get in the mood would be nice. That's why I was interested in just dropping in an aftermarket HU and some new component speakers. Also, the ability to play MP3s is very convenient. The loss of steering wheel controls initially changed my mind about changing HUs until I found the PAC equipment. They now have two newer versions which don't use IR but plug in to certain Alpine, Pioneer, and Sony models.

 

[tsunami]

i am an loc guy myself, and personaly i have no issues with it at all, it is putting out 9.5 v to the amps, and i have no distortion at all... see my sig to see what i am running, some pretty high end stuff...

i may be able to help you out with a pocket, i will get back to you tomorrow when i install a new trim piece in my car....