Hey all
I installed my
Sony
XAV AX5000 Head unit last weekend. It was a little tricky but made MUCH worse by the "install kit". It has been linked here before, its is not from CAI but another seller, which features a
Porsche
decal and a slightly different cage. It looks like the one I attached below.
This was a disaster. DO NOT BUY this one (around $90 shipped). Buy the Metra simple Metra 99-9606g plastic one (I bought it on ebay for $17, it matched nearly perfectly, and the flush sides clicked into place. It fits very well and has a very positive grip on the radio. It went in super easily. I saved you all by not posting my bloody hand pics from dealing with the razor sharp sheet metal on the bad one.
I wrote this to the seller, who has become quiet:
Hey there, I just installed this into my boxster. I had some difficulty and wanted to mention it - you may need to adjust your documentation or accessories. I do like the finish, but it was much harder than it should have been IMO and required 2X trips to the hardware store mid install.
#1 the docs didn’t mention a 7mm screw in an 05 Boxster that locks the assembly in place. Took me a while to figure out why the stereo wouldn't pull out.
#2 Some headunits are a single din with a double din screen, like Alpine 650 and Sony XAVAX5000. I have the sony and I had to make something to hold the bottom springs that hold the faceplace. I had to use aluminum very thin head fasteners as everything else interfered with the plastic housing (see #4)
#3 The screws are not long enough to penetrate into my radio. I had to buy others. They also were not a compatible thread with the Sony.
#4 The cage has two tabs that do not match up with the housing. I had to grid those off. They are like little 4MM ears that are about 1" below the slot in the chassis. Again, didn’t see anything in the docs about them but took a chance.
#5 The screws rub so very badly on the plastic chassis. A lot of force is required to get them in there. So much so that I could not use rear screws which leaves my HU a little floppy. I am going to have to take it apart again to see what can be done. I am cut to ribbons doing this.
#6 The screws do not fix the unit properly so it can move. I now have cloth tape wedged under the face of the head unit to keep it level.
Good one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Metra-99-9...nstallation/401486490152?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
Bad one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Aftermarke...che-987-997/392328691816?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
Great warning. It's knowing what to avoid that can make a forum really valuable.
not fully buttoned up but looking good and securely attached.
I know that this is nearly a year stale, but I appreciate the guidance.
With so many projects, you never know how it is going to go until you get in there and see.
Two years ago, I bought everything that I thought I needed to install a new head unit in my 2006 987. Life took me other directions, and all of those parts stayed in a box. I just made it a priority to try the install, and had the same kit that dma550 had.
The side plates are a few millimeters tall to even fit the opening, and the guide tab is in the wrong position.
I bought that kit because the reputation was good for the appearance of their bezel. But the core of the kit can't be used in my car.
I did use the antenna adapter, so it wasn't a total waste. I hope that I can still use their bezel with guides that fit.
Bigger issue is getting all of the cables, adapter boxes, etc stowed in the tiny space behind the radio. I am borrowing space from the HVAC controls, and I still can't make it all fit.
I ordered the cheap Metra kit and we'll see where that goes. Thanks for the help!
