Want a Good, Not Ugly, Factory Looking Head Unit

broox · #1 10-10-2007, 01:26 PM

I'm doing some pre-shopping research on Head Units and I really want to see what's out there. All my life, I've had Single DIN units in my vehicles. However, now I think that might finally change...

I just got my 99 F-150, which has a tan/black interior and a stock head unit. I currently have a silver Alpine deck that I pulled out of my last car. I absolutely love the deck, but the silver would just look awful on the black/tan interior. I cannot bring myself to install it.

I want a good looking deck for my truck, but I'm having trouble finding one that is both affordable and would look good. I hate the Ford install kits. That Metra kit is awful. I just installed one in my father's Ranger and it looks stupid. The fit is weird and wtf could that slot possibly be used for?

So, if I get a Single DIN, I need a good install kit. Ideally it would not have that stupid storage slot.

I've really been leaning toward Double DIN. I absolutely love the looks of the touchscreen models like the Pioneer Avic-D3, Sony XAV-W1, Kenwood DDX-6019, and the Alpine IVA-W200... but they are more than I really want to spend right now.

I'd like my cost to be under $500 (which I could maybe do if I get a refurbished touchscreen).

The only problem with getting a touchscreen unit, is I really have no use for the DVD player. I just want the coolness factor and good looks. And these are the closest to "stock looking" than any deck I have found. So spending tooo much on it seems sorta dumb - I dunno.

That said, I've also looked at regular Double Din units - but why are they so ugly??? The units I've looked at in particular are the kenwood dpx 501 and 502. They satisfy my needs, but - gross.

What I want in a deck

good power/sound
intuitive design/usibility
aux/ipod input capability (i don't care if i have to buy a separate adapter to make it work - i just need my entire music collection at my fingertips)
amp output (just in case)
has to look good with my interior
under $500

Anyone have suggestions? Pics?
I appreciate it.

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turtle313 · #2 10-10-2007, 02:01 PM

I think unless you go with a used or refurb unit, you're out of luck. I've been looking too for pretty much the same thing you are and it seems like the pioneer is the cheapest (crutchfield) NIB unit you're going to find. I believe it has a smaller screen than the others but it comes with Nav. I'm torn between The Pioneer AVIC-D3 and the Alpine IVA-W205.

Update: The Sony and Kenwood are cheaper.

jdlowesracer · #3 10-11-2007, 10:35 PM

the other and main problem with putting a double DIN unit in a 97-03 F150 is they won't fit without alot of cutting and grinding on the inner dash structure. The part that needs to be cut isn't structural but there is a good chunk of plastic that has to be cut out of the upper rear of the the opening. There is a thread on here about installing one in our trucks. Here it is:

97-03 F150 Double Din Installation Guide

It can be done though.

broox · #4 10-12-2007, 01:53 PM

ah weak. i don't mind the cutting of the interior bracket, but even that double din looks of out of place. almost looks worse than the single din brackets...

is there an OEM ford stereo that will fit in with the option for an auxillary in?

my wife has a 2005 ford escape and i remember reading that one of the oem units had an AUX button that could be used for satellite radio or other auxillary items... it'd be nice if i could just drop another oem stereo in... my biggest concern is just to hook my ipod into the truck while still keeping a decent looking dash.