I just bought an Alpine CDA-7894, and I'm giving installation a go. I'm using the install help over at Lucid's site, and I'm at the point where I put the OEM side brackets on the new deck. Problem is, the screw holes don't line-up when the bracket's guide "nipple"(next to the screw hole) sits in the deck's side guide hole. Anyone else had this prob w/ their decks? Should I just screw down and let the "nipple" possibly make it's own indention in the Alpine's side?

Also, it looks like there's going to be a good amount of space around the deck when installed. This is just from positioning the deck inside the (currently removed) radio door frame. Is that just the way it is, or is there some aftermarket frame adapter that I'm supposed to use?

thanks,
gil

 

did you buy this new? mine fit right to the side perfectly. and the radio comes with a trim ring which takes up the extra space. mine has no extra space - looks fine. odd.

 

Yep, brand new from Circuit City. I wonder why my bracket holes don't line-up. They were fine on the OEM radio, so I doubt it's the brackets. I wonder if it's my Alpine.

Regarding the trim ring, it was in place when I held the deck inside the radio door frame. Maybe it won't be as obvious when the radio is actually installed, and the radio door frame is back in the car. Maybe it's just all the light coming through from the back of the deck/frame since it's not in it's dark cubby hole in the car. But the trim ring on my deck doesn't even come close to touching the inside of the radio door frame. Does yours?

thanks,
gil

 

145,

I ground those little 'nipple' things down/off.

Shouldn't be an issue even if you do decide to put the OEM headunit back in...

 

So did you have this problem too, Alister? Which deck (brand/model) were you attaching the brackets to? Alpine?

Was your new deck's face(w/ trim ring) smaller than the OEM deck's face?

thanks,
gil

 

Gil,

Yep - I had the same problem when installing an Alpine head unit (CDA-7876RB) in my car about 6 months ago. As I stated in the above message I just ground down the little 'nipple' bits using a file.

IMO my head unit (with the trim fitted) is a perfect fit behind the stereo cover.

BTW, here is a picture of my headunit installed in the car...

 

I also have the 7894 and had the nipple problem (man, that just sounds wrong ) too. The quick and easy way to fix this is with a hammer. I put the brackets on my wood steps in my garage and gave each one swift hit with a hammer to push the nipples in towards the outside. Total time = 10 seconds. Everything else works great.

 

I agree with DaveZ. I have the CDA-7894, and I used a hammer as well. Fit like a glove.

 

Sounds like a hammer might be the easiest way to go. If not, I'll try a file.

Since no one else seems to think that this deck is too small for the radio door opening, I guess I'll just see how it looks once it's installed.

thanks, everyone,
gil

 

I used an older set of wire cutters to cut the nipples off and then used some pliars to fold in any of the leftover metal edges. 5 mins, worked like a charm.