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Head unit install

5K views 14 replies 8 participants last post by  markymarcOZ 
#1 ·
Hi all, first post, and was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction or had any advice. I am going to change the head unit in my 2013 guilietta fitted with the standard bose stereo. The head unit doesn't connect to my phone to play tunes and this along with navigation is something I am after. My car has blue&me which I don't find particularly great although it does work if I repeat myself and it has the port for the plug in tomtom navigation.
I have taken the existing stereo out and worked out I need to cut away some of the plastic of the dash to fit the double din stereo which I am comfortable doing. The issue I have is that there is no support for the new stereo, has anyone made brackets to hold the stereo in place or how has anyone installed the stereo?
I have decided to cut the standard trim panel and fibreglass and upholster the trim rather than pay the $500 for a new double din trim (based in Australia). I can only assume that had I bought the trim then it would come with a cage system to hold the stereo.
 
#2 ·
I'm in the same boat as you mate. I am also cutting my original dash facia to fit my double din, the cheapest double din facia I've found here in the uk is £140 and the most expensive is £250! Crazy money for a bit of plastic. Regarding the brackets, I just cut the plastic on the dash in such a way that I jammed the double din cage in and bent the tabs in so its solid and installed that way. A also kept the three plastic bracket things under the original hu for added support. My dd is installed now, it's just the dash I need to sort now! Let me know if you need any advice (y)
 
#3 ·
Thanks Matthew, I'm finished with the install now, cut the dash and fabricated some brackets out of some sheet metal I managed to get my hands on,(stud wall frame if anyone's looking for an easily accessible strong light metal). New stereo sounds awesome with the sub and a bit more power, might have to pack the standard speakers at least as they rattle a bit. As for the facia, I've cut a double din slot out, leaves 2 semicircles one either side of the stereo and now I'm fibreglassing over the holes and I'm going to wrap or upholster it with something, it's pretty easy actually and looks good so far, won't have to be perfect as it'll be wrapped in something. I'll put some pics up of the install so far if anyone's interested.
 
#7 ·
Never mind, I just used imgur.
Here's my install so far but it isn't finished. Need to fibreglass the semi circles and wrap it. I cut the inside dash in such a way I retained the three plastic brackets which held up the little shelf that held up the original head unit, so I didn't need to use brackets of any sort.... will post pictures of finished product when I get around to it!

https://imgur.com/a/WGsQcUx
 
#8 ·
Never mind, I just used imgur.
Here's my install so far but it isn't finished. Need to fibreglass the semi circles and wrap it. I cut the inside dash in such a way I retained the three plastic brackets which held up the little shelf that held up the original head unit, so I didn't need to use brackets of any sort.... will post pictures of finished product when I get around to it!

Did you have the standard navigation unit?
Where did you put the orginal radio? i suppose it still needs to be connected.
I am thinking about doing the same, but i have also the factory blue and me navi.
Would like to keep both
 
#9 ·
Hi mate, no I don't have the nav unit I have satnav on my double din... blue and me has to be disconnected as far as I'm aware, never used it anyway!
It's not as bad as it looks once you get started, the dash is easy to cut and has decent guides to help you along. The hardest bit has got to be cutting the old facia to fit, but you can buy aftermarket double din ones for 140 quid here:

https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/con...hahiejUdggAv211O9ESp4RLSVLcnsJ0gaAj30EALw_wcB

Hope that helps mate.

Need to go and get some fibreglass now and start smoothing mine out! Has anybody on here ever actually done this before?
 
#10 ·
Hi mate, no I don't have the nav unit I have satnav on my double din... blue and me has to be disconnected as far as I'm aware, never used it anyway!
It's not as bad as it looks once you get started, the dash is easy to cut and has decent guides to help you along. The hardest bit has got to be cutting the old facia to fit, but you can buy aftermarket double din ones for 140 quid here:

https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/con...hahiejUdggAv211O9ESp4RLSVLcnsJ0gaAj30EALw_wcB

Hope that helps mate.

Need to go and get some fibreglass now and start smoothing mine out! Has anybody on here ever actually done this before?
I have messed with Fiberglass before its not too hard, just be methodical wear good clothing, a mask and gloves/goggles, and use disposable mixing stuff. and sandpaper haha lots of that, may want a filler to go on top for a smooth surface too.

I'm stuck on the bit with all the connectors I have no clue on what to use its maddening
 
#13 ·
I said I'd try and upload some pictures of the process but haven't been able to from my phone but I've take the idea from Mathewh to use imgur instead so here's a like to a bit of a guide,



If anyone needs any help or info I'd be happy to help where possible. It actually seemed way more daunting before I started and was actually a fairly easy process.
 
#14 ·
Hey guys...

Very new to this, i currently own a 2014 Alfa romeo guiletta distinctive.
In my car i currently have the bland stereo system and im wanting to upgraded to the original 7inch screen you can find in the Quadrifogli.
my question is if i find an original stereo same year can i swap it for the screen??? or is there too much stuffing around for an original one

Thanks
 
#15 ·
You would be better upgrading to the new Alpine type they use in the 2018+ Giulietta. It comes with apple car play/Android auto.

The UConnect device is ok, however the lack of updated maps in Australia is the problem. If you look at the italian Giulietta forums there is a "how to" on doing the Alpine upgrade.
 
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