Stereo Installation Kit Reviews (56k Warning)

[Buster7]

Hello audiophiles and thumpers alike!
For those that want more features, better sound quality, better connectability, or just better looks, an aftermarket stereo is a must!
However, the Focus headunit, 1-disc, 6-disc, or Blaupunkt, are all 1 1/2 DIN in size. Almost every aftermarket stereo is a 1 DIN sized unit. For those that do not know, I am refferring to the vertical measurement of the face of the units. Width is standard amongst all DIN sized units, be it 1, 1 1/2, or 2 DIN.
Here we will be looking at three of the kits available, from Scosche, Metra, and American International. The Metra 995200 recently came out, and is not reviewed here. The choice is up to you based on your needs, and often based on where you get your new stereo from..
(Note: I bought all three units myself, so any bias towards one unit or another is based solely on the merits of the kit, not any manufacturer pressure)

Focus Stereo Installation Kits:

First up is the kit from Scosche. Unique amongst the three reviewed here, as it mounts the headunit at the bottom of the Focus stereo opening with a pocket above the headunit. This, in my opinion is the ideal location for a headunit, as you'll get less glare on the screen and it puts the controls closer to your hand, especially if you have a manual transmission. The pocket is not deep enough to securely hold a CD case, but this can be an advantage, as if you drop something small in the pocket, it's easier to get out. This kit utilizes the stereo surround that comes with your head unit, but with my Kenwood KDC-X979, this caused the front of the unit to protrude quite a bit from the dashboard. Appearance is good, with a textured finish, but construction is not perfect. Two clips, top and bottom, attach the unit to the dash bezel, but my unit does not attach securely in the upper left corner and flexes when you press on it, and slight warps in the plastic ruin the straight lines of the kit. It does not make for a very professional installation.

The Scosche Kit (I'm holding it upside-down so you can see the depth of the pocket):




Second is the Metra kit. Construction is top notch with this kit, and the plastic actually feels sturdier than the Scosche. Large clips on the side keep it secure in the dash bezel, but with no clips on top, it does flex ever so slightly when pressed. It's pocket is very deep, and securely holds two CD jewel boxes with clips in the back to keep them centered and separate. Very nice. A unique feature of this kit is the rear mounting bracket, that when attached to the rear of your head unit, allows the headunit to be supported and secured to the same metal bracket that the factory stereo is. Major points for this, and it makes up for the slight flex in the face, because your stereo is mounted rock solid. This kit does away with the stereo faceplate ring and makes for a very smooth attractive install.

The Metra Kit:





Last is the American Internatial kit. Construction of this piece is very good. Two clips on top and two on the bottom attach the unit very securely to the dash bezel. It has a slightly textured finish and it's unique feature is that it includes faceplates that allow you to use an older, two-knob design stereo without ruining the smooth lines of your dash. Slight bending of the plastic is visible between the kit and the face, but it's not major. Another small drawback is that the head unit surround presses in and is held in by four small posts. It does not snap-in unfortuneately, however mine has not fallen off or loosened yet. It's pocket is identical in size to the Scosche kit.

The American International Kit:




All three kits have a textured finish, which does not match the smooth Focus dashboard Bezel. All three kits do not fit flush with the dash, with the American International kit protruding the least. Some time with a bit of sandpaper will cure the first issue, however, unless you plan on fiberglassing the kit into the dash permanently, you'll just have to live with it sticking out a bit. The minoe flexing of these kits can be cured with a modest amount of fabrication if you feel so inclined. The Scosche kits and Metra kits are widely available on the internet, but I only found the American International kit at Crutchfield.

Overall, it's a toss-up between the Metra and American International kits, with the Scosche being considered only if the stereos position in the dash is all-important to you.
Options are always good, and I help this helps you make an informed choice.

Good Luck!

-Seth

[intuneauto]

this needs to be put in the threads up top
Can a mod sticky this and move it to where it should be because this is great info

[ZX3ST]

Sorry, you missed one.

There is another kit from Metra that just came out, and it's 10X better than the metra you reviewed.

The part number is 995806.

It actually uses the din-cage setup and clips in alot sturdier than that 995200 you reviewed.

I just used that kit in a Cougar yesterday. (coincidentally)

Give it a look-see... you won't be disappointed.

[PlagueZTS]

I'm using the American International kit personally. When I put in the trim alone, it bowed in the top, even with the cage in. Once the HU was slid into place, things looked solid, except my personal opinion was that the AI HU trim didn't fit as well as I wanted it to, so I'm using the trim surround that came with my Pioneer HU.

[Buster7]

ZX3ST-
I didn't know about the Metra 995806. I edited the article to show that I didn't compare this unit. When I get that kit, I'll edit it into the article. For now, do you have pix and some opinions? Post 'em up! Any info helps those who are hitting the stores now and need some help!

This isn't my article, it's for all the 'Jetters, so if anyone can add to it, please post pix of the parts, installed and separately, with your impresions of appearance and construction. That way others won't have the problems I had finding a good kit!

[GlennH]

The Metra Kit is what i had. It looks to have the biggest pocket.

[spots25]

I got the AI kit, and I'm not so sure I really like it. The flush bezel that came with it doesn't really snap in, it just kinda sits there. Also, there is no real good way to get the radio back out again without scratching anything

[phat_focus_zx3]

Sorry, you missed one.

There is another kit from Metra that just came out, and it's 10X better than the metra you reviewed.

The part number is 995806.

It actually uses the din-cage setup and clips in alot sturdier than that 995200 you reviewed.

I just used that kit in a Cougar yesterday. (coincidentally)

Give it a look-see... you won't be disappointed.

Wanna post a pic and also where to buy one?

[swooshUSN]

Great review!! I also am currently using the American International Kit. What I do like about it is you have the option to use the radio's trim ring(which I painted red to match my painted center bezel) I'm interested in this other metra kit though as well. I did a search and came up with a bunch of "photo coming soon" messages

[Ray]

Awesome write up! Added this to the references thread.

[intuneauto]

thanks ray
and thanks for the review it was well worth it

[popecruz]

Good place to buy these?

[ZX3ST]

Sorry, you missed one.

There is another kit from Metra that just came out, and it's 10X better than the metra you reviewed.

The part number is 995806.

It actually uses the din-cage setup and clips in alot sturdier than that 995200 you reviewed.

I just used that kit in a Cougar yesterday. (coincidentally)

Give it a look-see... you won't be disappointed.

Wanna post a pic and also where to buy one?

The 995806 can be bought from Circuit City for sure. (I work there)

Best Buy may have them, as well as other locals, such as Ultimate Electronics, American, Sound Room, Hifi Fo Fum, Audio Express, etc.

Sorry, I don't have a digicam right now. Someone else may have to do the write up. I can tell you in advance that it fits VERY solid, and it looks real good to boot!

[Pzev]

Hmm, looks like I am going to have to investigate the new Metra kit

[swooshUSN]

<--- hopefully picking one up tonight!

[swooshUSN]

I finally made it out to Circuit City last night and picked up the 5806 Metra kit. The kit is almost identical to the American Internation kit in most respects, but with a few variations... mostly cosmetic differences.

As stated above, the AI kit has a shallow pocket that doesn't hold much. The new Metra kit has a much deeper pocket that holds on CD jewel case. The openings are the same at the front, but the metra tapers down as you go deeper in the pocket.

The clips that mount the kit to the dash are very similar on both, but the metra kit did feel more secure. I noticed on my AI kit that I could move the kit slightly inward and could make it flex when pushing the buttons on the headunit. The Metra kit no longer has the rear mount for the radio, but in my opinion it doesn't need it either. Everything feels very solid.

The metra kit also sits a bit more flush with the surface. Its not a huge difference.. maybe only a mm or 2 closer, but it still looks better.

there is slightly more texture to the metra kit, so if you're looking to sand down to the kit and paint it, just go with the AI... Less work!

One thing I always liked about my AI kit was that it allowed me to still use the headunits trim ring. To some, you may have been happy with the ring that comes in the kit, but it didn't really mount to anything as stated above. the metra kit also comes with a ring to match the kit, but it does clip into place. Mine was a little tricky to get it on and off, but it did look pretty good. There are 4 small slots on the front that allow you to release the clips to remove it, but I opted to use my Pioneer ring anyway.

I took a few pictures last night, but I won't be able to upload them until this weekend. You should see them tomorrow and Saturday.

[Merkin]

I have the Metra kit that's pictured in the first post. How the hell do I pull it out without breaking the clips on the side?

[Pzev]

Push it in slightly. I have never had a problem taking it out, I just apply some inward force on one side and take it out first.

[Merkin]

Explain further?

It's in as far as it goes it seems. If I put my fingers inside the pocket and try to pull, the right side will move out a fraction of an inch, but no further. The left side won't move at all. wtf?

[Merkin]

i got it, go screwdrivers