I know we aren't thieves, but would installing a double din deck (Kenwood DPX-701 or 501) slow down a thief just on the turn over of stolen goods factor alone. It would seem that it would be easier to flip your typical Alpine deck much easier than a big double din unit. I don't believe that these types of decks have any type of a removable face or panel to deter theft. I car pool so my truck is parked at a park and ride, so theft is a concern for me. I have debated with the idea of working off the stock head unit, but it would be cheaper to buy a new head unit the a decent amp and convertors etc. Just looking for opinions on this.

 

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that's one reason I went with a single din unit. Looks more like a standard cd player compared to those big fancy screens reflecting in the sun. Plus mine has a removable face plate.

 

When properly installed, a double-DIN unit is much harder to remove from the dash than a single DIN unit. With one single tug, you can pull most single DIN units right out of the dash with that cheap plastic adapter still attached. A 1 DIN unit mounted in a 1.5 or double DIN hole is the easiest stereo to steal. Many double-Din units bolt in and/or use a cage that makes contact with metal behind the dash. On Crutchfield's site, you can check the owner's manuals of various head units and see which units come with hard point attachable adapters.

I've have a fairly robust side-line business over the last 25 years installing stereo systems. For the past 15 years, I've specialized in making OEM units sound/perform better without leaving any tell tale signs of the modifications. Hide an amp behind the dash, high end speakers behind the OEM grills, small yet powerful powered sub-woofers under or behind seats. Anything to make the stereo sound better, but also less appealing to thieves.

The best anti-theft device for your stereo is packing tape. When you install the new stereo, wrap some packing tape around the stereo & cage leaving about 2 feet loose. Once installed in the dash, wrap the loose 2 feet around any metal cross member behind the dash. Makes it almost impossible to get your stereo out.

 

Can my single disc OEM HU sound decent? I would like to do it but don't want to throw my money away.

 

A thief doesn't really care and they'll steal it either way. Even if it's a unit worth a $1,000 they got it for free so they'll take $50 for it. I couldn't imagine leaving my truck with a double din at a park and ride. I'd have some 5% all the way around if I did though so they couldn't see in...

 

Best bet is good insurance (with pictures, reciepts, and serial numbers), and the best security system you can afford.