New Stereo Installed

[LoriMaury Kimbrough]

Got my new Kenwood DDX514 installed a couple of weeks ago. I finally got around to taking some pictures to show it off. We used a bezel out of a 2001 (I think) Explorer Sport. We wanted the extra spaces for additional light switches, one for the OEM driving lights and the other for a set of PIAA's that we added several years ago. We also added a second switch for the other set of PIAA's. I have 2 sets on the grill guard, to date they have only been for show. Now that the switches are installed, I'm one step closer to getting them functional. We've had the bezel for several years, I just haven't been able to convince the hubby to start cutting into it. I think it came out looking very nice. Orignially our plan was to paint it to match the other trim, but I'm liking the black so I'm not sure what we'll do with it yet.



The only draw back that we've found so far is that with the new Kenwood's, you can no longer have both HD radio and Sirius or XM. It is either/or because of a new connection that they are using. We hope that at some point they will make a switch that will allow you to have both. What really sucked was that they listed all of the accessories so we made the purchases and got them installed. When they didn't work we called tech support and were informed that we couldn't have both. So now we have equipment that we can't use.



Need to say a HUGE thank you to Adam for his quick response to my email quesitons on a Saturday morning.



So here are some pictures of the process.



This is the bezel before we started.



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This first one shows what part of the bezel we trimmed. The second shows how we slid in the "cage" (I have no clue what that would be called) that holds the radio in.



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We had to trim the face frame that came with the stereo as well.



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Here is where we installed the bluetooth component that gives me handsfree cell phone operation. Works great BTW.



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Here's the Sirius Radio module, located in the passenger side kick-panel.



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Some after shots. Sorry for the blurry one, I was trying to show one of my favorite things...the purple lights. I can't figure out how to get my camera to take clear pictures at night.



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And just for fun...here picture of the lights that I am now one step closer to having functional and not just looking good.



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Overall, I'm really happy with it. Must say that it sounds pretty good with the stock speakers. I'm not looking to go "thumping", just want it to sound good and it does. I'm sure we'll add new speakers at some point.

 

[Rodger Tellefson]

:banana:

 

[Rahul Sharma]

Awesome!!



That looks great!:banana::banana:

 

[Carey Frennier]

That's pretty nice!

 

[TRACket Paul]

L & M, very nice!!



Is the "Texas" hanging from the mirror made of stained glass? I like it.

 

[LoriMaury Kimbrough]

Thanks all.



No Paul, it's nothing that fancy. Just a cheap key chain I bought at a truck stop.

 

[Mrlunchbox]

MINT! I can't wait to install my new Pioneer double DIN head unit! I like the way the brush guard makes your ST look rather sharp. :banana:

 

[A K]

Looks mighty familiar.



I didn't use the cage it came in, and it holds tightly. I was curious why they included it.

 

[Dan Long]

If you had used the dash kit, you wouldn't have needed to cut the radio trim ring or use the cage. It includes ISO mount brackets and a rear support for the HU.



You did save a couple of bucks doing it this way though....