Gutting a double-DIN radio for LCD frame - ideas for mounting LCD?

**timeshifter** · 01-10-2007, 09:36 PM

Need help trying to decide which approach to take with my screen in-dash mount. I've got a 2001 Honda Accord with a double-DIN radio opening. My idea is to gut a busted Honda double-DIN radio and use it for the frame for mounting my LCD in dash.

Based on all the dimensions I've found and a few mockups I've done it looks like the panel from my Lilli 629 would mount OK. In the pictures you'll see the radio guts still in place - they can be easily removed leaving me with plenty of space.

The biggest hurdle is how to make a panel that will hold the screen and attach to the front of the radio box.

My choices (at least the ones I've been able to think of) are:

1) Modify the existing radio faceplate.

+ It already fits on to the box perfectly
- I'd have to fill it in with some material then spend hours and hours sanding and shaping it to look right.
- It may be as flexible as it is now. It has to flex a little bit to attach and detach.

2) Create my own from a solid slab of plastic, aluminum or wood

+ This would probably result in the cleanest looking finished product.
+ I could reproduce it and do it over and over again / make it for other Accord owners
- I'm really having trouble imagining how to attach it to the radio box.
- Not sure what material I should use.

Q: Why not just mod my dash by cutting a bigger opening in the bezel, gluing in a spare LCD bezel and bondoing it up?

A: My dash has the woodgrain trim. I like the idea of essentially having a box that I can bolt in (and unbolt) that is my LCD screen. And, I don't want to spend 40 to 50 hours molding and sanding a custom bezel out of bondo. Yes, I'll probably spend more time with this approach but I think I'll be more satisfied with the results.

Q: Have you check out the Subaru kit that's for sale?

A: Yes, but it's LCD frame is is 177.8 mm x 108.59 whereas the opening on the Accord is 186 mm x 113 mm. It seems that there would be too much of a gap, meaning that I'd have to find a way to fill that gap and I can't think of any.

Q: Did you see thread "X" / did you try Search?

A: I've probably spent 15 hours perusing the forum while thinking mainly about this issue. If there's some discussion of this or something very similar kindly direct me to that please.

**Yevmeister** · 01-11-2007, 09:17 AM

well, let's see as you pointed out, and few of your search results, that 7 inch diameter screen is perfect for doible din aoolication, what you need to work though is whether you want to keep the factory or get rid of the factory stereo, i am sure you can get double din faceplate for your car, they should have it because people DO stereo upgrades, whether they are single oir double din

if you just get double din faceplate for your accord, it should be easy to inplant the screen into it, lilliput screen you will have to shave button for a perfect easy fit, you can also live a small hole for IR sensor so you can still prgram screen with remote

this is a VW douvle din faceplate with lilliput screen D.I.Y
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2709993

Yev

**mwmcginn** · 01-11-2007, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by timeshifter

Q: Did you see thread "X" / did you try Search?

A: I've probably spent 15 hours perusing the forum while thinking mainly about this issue. If there's some discussion of this or something very similar kindly direct me to that please.

This is HILARIOUS. Being new here too, I understand.

Do you have a picture of the back of your honda faceplate?

What I would try would be this. Do what you state in number 2, Take the attaching points off the donor faceplate, attach them to the new faceplate and then attach that to the gutted radio box.

If you dont like that, try using the solid solution, but then use four right angle metal peices to attach it to the empty radio box. May want to use epoxy on the back of the custom faceplate, then sheet metal screws into the radio box.

**timeshifter** · 01-15-2007, 08:45 PM

I found some interesting material at Circuity City. It's made by Metra and it's a sheet of ABS plastic that's pre-scored on the back so it's easy to cut and get nice straight lines. After fooling around with it for a while I came up with this:

The vertical edges are a little rough because they were cut with a dremel. I had to cut them that way to be able to score and break off the horizontal pieces cleanly. If I were to do it again I'd cut a pattern like this in the middle of where the hole would go with the dremel:

>---<

That way I could score and break each side for a cleaner cut.

Next I tried to figure out a way to give it a nice clean beveled edge leading down to the screen surface. I couldn't come up with one given the tools I have on hand. Then I decided to bag that idea and starting looking into mounting it to the radio box. With all the little things I'd need to add to make that work, plus what the finished product would look like I decided to go for the molded into the dash approach. I ended up hiring it out. What do you think about hiring someone to do the custom dash piece?

**Tissy** · 01-16-2007, 04:19 PM

I'm guessing you have seen this site have you mate http://www.mechatroniks.com/wrx/index.html

Its a purpose built aluminium bezel for double DIN space and mounting of LCD panels.

Thought i would mention it in case you hadn't seen it.

**timeshifter** · 01-17-2007, 10:34 AM

Yes, but it's LCD frame is is 177.8 mm x 108.59 whereas the opening on the Accord is 186 mm x 113 mm. It seems that there would be too much of a gap, meaning that I'd have to find a way to fill that gap and I can't think of any.