Make a face plate for a non-standard radio opening

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vin78
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Make a face plate for a non-standard radio opening

Post by vin78 »

This is for my Lexus, but I'm sure its pretty much the same procedure for other non-standard h/u openings.

Tools needed:
Router w/ chamfer, rabbit, and flush bits
Jigsaw
masking tape
paint/primer
Scrap 1/2" MDF
Rulers
Double sided tape

1. Start with the radio bolted to the car
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2. Since I'll be doing a lot of test fitting, protect it from scratches by taping up the area with tape.
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3.Locate a 1/2" scrap piece of MDF
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4.Measure from the outside edge of the radio to the trim panels.
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5.Transfer measurements to mdf
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6. Ruff cut
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7. Using double sided tape, tape on a straight edge
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8. Cuts. Make several passes if its too thick
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9. Chamfer cut
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10. Since my dash tapers inwards, I had to "thin" out the wood by passing it through a rabbit bit. This will take away a lot of material and leaves just enough so you can still screw the radio to the plate.
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11. Test fit
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Be sure that the radio swings out freely
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This sucks for me - my face place arms rub against the face place opening. Not too much of a bid deal though, all you have to do is file it out a little .
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As you can see its I filed down the bottom radio opening edges a bit. Its really noticeable now because the MDF is not painted yet, but when it gets painted its will be nearly invisible.
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12. Paint/Primer
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A few coats of primer (w/ 600 grit sanding in between)

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6 "mist" layers of paint (with 1000 grit sanding between the 1st and 3rd coats, and 1500 grit for the rest of the paint layers)
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Allow to dry overnight.
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13. Test fit
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14. Constructing the brackets. I simply used cut down steel "radio" brackets.
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To make sure it stays solid I decided to epoxy it

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15. Final results. The color doesn't fit perfectly, but its close enough for me.
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:)

This usually takes about 2 days to complete - since you have to let the paint dry overnight.
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HoseHead
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Post by HoseHead »

Nice work. Very nice. Thanks for taking the time to photo document it.

How's the wear around the HU from fat fingers and poking?

HH
The only stupid question is the one not asked .......
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bdubs767
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Post by bdubs767 »

that looks amazing.....one question tho.

Why'd you tape it off since no glass or paint was done that put the dash in direct contact?
Can one send others to war if hes not willing to go himself?
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vin78
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Post by vin78 »

HoseHead wrote: How's the wear around the HU from fat fingers and poking?
After drying, the SEM paint is VERY durable.
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vin78
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Post by vin78 »

bdubs767 wrote:Why'd you tape it off since no glass or paint was done that put the dash in direct contact?
I taped it because I had to do a lot of test fitting. I had to stick the trim piece in and pull it out for sanding/filing, I didn't want the ruff mdf to scratch either my new H/U or the dash.
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HoseHead
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Post by HoseHead »

Where's your AC Four1.i?
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vin78
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Post by vin78 »

HoseHead wrote:Where's your AC Four1.i?
Under the arm rest

Image
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Bfowler
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Post by Bfowler »

wow. great job. thanks for the write up!
my ex-girlfriend said "its car audio or me"
i've had tougher choices at a soda machine...
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thedeal7235
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Post by thedeal7235 »

my god, i just looked at that, that looks sooooooo nice-wish i had a router, and knew how to use it!!!
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datcat
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Post by datcat »

Looks good.
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Bfowler
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Post by Bfowler »

thanks for bumping this...this is what will probably be happening to my mazda!
my ex-girlfriend said "its car audio or me"
i've had tougher choices at a soda machine...
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Rexarmy
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Re: Make a face plate for a non-standard radio opening

Post by Rexarmy »

Any way to get these pics back?
MQ430
MS2250TA
MS275
JBL 408GTi
JBL 600GTi
JBL 1000 GTi
Audio Control 6XS

Bring on the GOLD.
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