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Mr.Martin

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Double Din conversions!!! Dun...dun...dduuuunnnnnnnn....

I own a 2002 Tahoe and its been converted to DD for 10 years now but it was done the "custom" way of trimming stuff to fit and plumbers strap. That was about all we had to work with in 2003-04. I was strolling through a junk yard the other day and ran across a 2005 suburban so I jacked the dash trim and the DD cage. Just snapping on the trim it doesn't fit around the AC controls, I knew this would be a problem but I wanted to see what it looked like for myself. I'll attach pictures for others that might want to see this. Before I go ripping everything apart I just wanted to ask a few questions because searching has lead me to nothing but open-ended questions.

When I swap out the 1.5 din for the DD cage and use the DD dash trim it seems everything will work except the AC controls since one year is a different size than the other. So I foresee rigging up the 02 AC controls to fit in place. I figured I'd need to purchase an 03+ install kit and that should be it. I just want to know if this is correct or will I still run into any other problems. I read somewhere you still had to trim for a perfect fit but I don't see why that would be needed besides the AC controls. I've already converted the lower half and center console to 2004 Escalade stuff With no fitment issues so I don't have to worry about the edge of the dash trim conflicting with the console.

Any help is appreciated and so are pictures! Thanks.


Fitment with "custom" fit DD radio in 1.5 din cage with DD dash trim. I'll take another pic with the DD dash trim and DD cage installed in a few days.
934969A0-587D-4927-85B0-53CDC0383B0D_zpsduwon7pt.jpg

127BE8FE-2C88-4F03-8A2D-1DE61CA4438D_zpsu0smgaky.jpg
 
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Mr.Martin

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Yep, I've read the 03 controls won't work. Everything I found is that you have to rig up the factory AC control to line up with the new trim.
 

YukonXL04

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Yes you will have to move the AC controls down. also will have to notch the bezel where it hits the AC controls curvature. Next you can mount the DD cage and use a 03+ Mounting kit and should work fine. However I say just build a mounting kit with aluminum L channel... because the kits use a flimsy plastic that isnt very durable.
 
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Mr.Martin

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Bought this cheap DD kit for testing

53613BAE-7AE3-4EB2-AD4F-A395E3D6A278_zpsbjyzhyfd.jpg

03-06 cage (bottom) vs. 00-02 cage

28CAFEE3-B296-4FDD-BFA0-197011BA5549_zpsfaxr1qrr.jpg

Trimmed this off of the 03 cage for the radio to clear. The radio I'm using is the Alpine W505.

7976FF00-A37C-47E8-A69C-FF14A75D6067_zpslkdawndg.jpg

Fitment after trim

A49D881A-FE33-4731-9786-022C1C947282_zps6hnh8a9o.jpg

Side angle of radio installed into cage (side view)

A806552D-7A57-4187-B40B-98E0D94230E4_zps41vbf9lb.jpg

Tab that was removed. It hits the dash brace and so does the radio when installed. I know no other way to install the radio unless I bend or remove that bracket.

A8B44039-8E4C-4689-8FC2-8E20F1D8EA1C_zpsmw6jcz08.jpg

7F8E752D-E1FC-453C-BFC0-A0546554F9BC_zps4um0pppk.jpg

The only way I see this fitting is by chopping up the cage till there is hardly anything left and to move the dash bracket out of the way. Am I going at this the wrong way? From what I read this should have been easy. Just install cage and custom fit the AC controls and replace dash trim piece with an 03+ model, but this seems far from the truth. Any input will help.
 

danniboi

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What I did for mine was ripped out the 1.5 din cage, took out that metal bracket, then put the DD cage in its place. You can move your AC controls down but need a 1/2in spacer since they sit far back, I used a piece of wood and some pretty long screws to hold it all in place, it does cut off some of the numbers and you cant open your ashtray with the new dash bezel. All of that doesnt really bother me but to each it's own.
 
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Mr.Martin

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Yeppers^^^

Had to remove this bracket, rivet on top nut on bottom.

8720E97D-348D-4FF0-BD4A-CA085CD6EFE0_zpsbzvv11gb.jpg

Got it installed and half of the dash stuff is back together now, will finish this all up tomorrow. Spent an hour cleaning up the crap wiring job done by a well known stereo shop ;( Soldered all connections, they had them installed with twist caps and electrical tape.

127662FB-2B72-472C-8136-09B83A3228D3_zps5wa8psxo.jpg
 

617Yukon

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In for final pics, tired of looking at the previous owner's "install" in my Yuk'
 

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