Installing an aftermarket deck?

[mvp828]

I have a 2000 V6 and am planning to install an aftermarket CD deck within the next week or so.

Here is my question... I have the dual factory decks, and was wondering where (if at all) can I find the trim pieces or a blank compartment to replace the the opening that will be created when I remove the stock CD deck?

Note: I am doing the installing myself, and that is why I need to purchase it for myself instead of paying one of the stores to do it.

[lowflyn]

You will need the ford removal tools, you can pick these up at walmart or an audio shop for cheap.

As far as the bottom panel, you can probably find a pocket or compartment that will fit this space, shouldn't be too hard.

Install is pretty much straight forward, if you have any questions just ask.

[OsirisGuy]

Metra Part number 88-00-9000 You can pick it up from any car audio shop or Best Buy/Circuit City. Crutchfield and other online install shops should also have it. It's a universal pocket. Just a few screws to attach the bracket and it snaps right in.

The radio will use the DIN cage so you won't need any kit for the radio. I do usually advise to use a radio harness makes things easier to install and a lot cleaner as well. Since you have the separate CD Player I'm assuming that you will need a harness for the Premium System Metra Part Number 70-5511 You'll know if you have the premium system when you pull out the radio the harness will be a long skinny gray rectangular harness and a square black harness. If the two harnesses are the same long skinny gray and black shape you have the regular system and will need this Metra Part Number 70-1770

Expect to pay about $20 for each part.

I'm doing this from memory so I may have some inaccuracies, but should be dead or close on.

[Scut95]

i had the dual decks in my car too.....when i ordered my new head unit from Crutchfield, they asked if I had the dual....i said yes and they actually sent me a little tray that slides in there and has a trim piece that holds it in.....its very useful actually....in the end i took it out and put some gauges in there, o well

[OsirisGuy]

Since my radio was blue I bought some blue LED lights and stuck 'em in the pocket sides then wired them to my dimmer switch so when I had my lights on they'd go on too and I could dim them as well.

[mvp828]

Hey thanks guys... I will have to look into all of that. The LEDs sounds like a cool idea.

I already have the radio removal tools as I had bought them when I did my F-150 Deck.