DIY Metra Kit to Alpine IVA-W200
02-05-2007, 09:29 PM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Age: 45
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DIY Metra Kit to Alpine IVA-W200
Ok, after intense forum searching, I grew tired of seeing many images of double din installations into our 2G TL's. I noticed no actual explanation of how to get from point A to point B for us mildly handy folk. And wasn't looking forward to paying a high price tag or waiting for magic and wonder to appear. Since I am in the process and will be posting as I go, please be patient for the end results as it is damn cold outside and I am waiting for speakers to arrive so I can install everything at once. I have run into a couple learning experiences and will try to explain as I go so you don't run into the same issues. I will also attempt to let you know what material I used, prices, and where I got it. I welcome all posts and thanks for listening.
02-05-2007, 10:12 PM
#3
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Age: 45
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have done all cutting and heavy sanding with an Airco model tool (fake dremel) from Wal-Mart that I payed $15.00 for.
Step 1 - I cut out the pocket divider and the top of the actual pocket. Remember the red arrows for future images (important locations).
Step 2 - Images showing top and back of rear pocket removed and sanded to remove edges that come up during cutting.
Step 3 - Side brackets of kit need to have the "holder" piece cut off and sanded to allow radio to set correctly. Note left bracket is before and right bracket is after.
Step 4 - Continue sanding edges. Note that from what I understand, other brands whose cases are not as tall as the alpine can use the bottom of the pocket as additional support. However, since the W200 is a full 4" tall, I had to remove pocket completely as shown.
Step 5 - I patiently and carefully removed the top and bottom of the trim ring to allow fitament within the hole I recently cut into the kit. Please note that it takes a bit of time to make sure the trim ring dosen't break while trimming. I just went slow with a razor knife making numerous passes until the trimmed pieces fell off then used the Airco on slow speed to sand down the corners some. Fit into kit should be tight but not so much so that the top and bottom of the trim bow in (yes it will be that close).
Step 6 - I continued to trim to get ring to fit into kit like so.
Step 7 - Once I got the trim ring nicely into place amd flush with the kit, I used a 2 part epoxy ($4.99 @ Wal-Mart) in small amounts at the top, bottom, sides and bracket locations to secure everything in place. Note the direction of the brackets (recently cut sides facing down). I made sure everything stayed put while curing with simple C clamps ($0.99 each @ Wal-Mart).
Step 8 - Once the epoxy cured I began the process of bondo to make everything appear as one piece. I used thin layers of bondo, allowing for 15 minute drying time and sanded in between each layer with 800 grit sandpaper. Note to wipe with damp rag after sanding to avoid getting particles in the next bondo layer. It took me roughly 4 times to get all imperfections out and get the kit 100% smooth. Materials used were Bondo Glazing & Spot Putty, 3M 800 grit sandpaper, and a 3 pack of plastic spreaders (Total $12.00 @ Wal-Mart).
Step 9 - I used a 1/4" drill bit (borrowed - free) to place holes in the side brackets to allow radio to set flush within the kit. I just judged where I though the holes should be by setting the kit on the radio and marking the kit.
These last 2 images are to show flushness of radio. I believe with the movement of the screen will not be impaired, but will confirm
To be continued...
Step 1 - I cut out the pocket divider and the top of the actual pocket. Remember the red arrows for future images (important locations).
Step 2 - Images showing top and back of rear pocket removed and sanded to remove edges that come up during cutting.
Step 3 - Side brackets of kit need to have the "holder" piece cut off and sanded to allow radio to set correctly. Note left bracket is before and right bracket is after.
Step 4 - Continue sanding edges. Note that from what I understand, other brands whose cases are not as tall as the alpine can use the bottom of the pocket as additional support. However, since the W200 is a full 4" tall, I had to remove pocket completely as shown.
Step 5 - I patiently and carefully removed the top and bottom of the trim ring to allow fitament within the hole I recently cut into the kit. Please note that it takes a bit of time to make sure the trim ring dosen't break while trimming. I just went slow with a razor knife making numerous passes until the trimmed pieces fell off then used the Airco on slow speed to sand down the corners some. Fit into kit should be tight but not so much so that the top and bottom of the trim bow in (yes it will be that close).
Step 6 - I continued to trim to get ring to fit into kit like so.
Step 7 - Once I got the trim ring nicely into place amd flush with the kit, I used a 2 part epoxy ($4.99 @ Wal-Mart) in small amounts at the top, bottom, sides and bracket locations to secure everything in place. Note the direction of the brackets (recently cut sides facing down). I made sure everything stayed put while curing with simple C clamps ($0.99 each @ Wal-Mart).
Step 8 - Once the epoxy cured I began the process of bondo to make everything appear as one piece. I used thin layers of bondo, allowing for 15 minute drying time and sanded in between each layer with 800 grit sandpaper. Note to wipe with damp rag after sanding to avoid getting particles in the next bondo layer. It took me roughly 4 times to get all imperfections out and get the kit 100% smooth. Materials used were Bondo Glazing & Spot Putty, 3M 800 grit sandpaper, and a 3 pack of plastic spreaders (Total $12.00 @ Wal-Mart).
Step 9 - I used a 1/4" drill bit (borrowed - free) to place holes in the side brackets to allow radio to set flush within the kit. I just judged where I though the holes should be by setting the kit on the radio and marking the kit.
These last 2 images are to show flushness of radio. I believe with the movement of the screen will not be impaired, but will confirm
To be continued...
02-06-2007, 12:35 PM
#7
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Age: 45
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ok, I was having a thought on how to get the right color on the kit to match the rest of the interior. I have tossed around a few ideas - flat paint and wet sand, cover in interior matching leather, getting a wood trim matching piece or going to an autobody shop to match the exterior color (AM).
Flat Paint - Little time consuming since I imagine many layers of paint & sand (but then again I am used to it from the bondo).
Cover in Leather - Checked with a local auto interior shop and was told that enough to cover would only run about $5.00. I think it would look nice and unique but worry a little about getting the leather set and cut just right around the edge of the radio itself.
Wood Trim - My personal opinion is that wood trim looks good in small amounts and I am thinking that this might be a bit much around the radio and I am not sure about the cut or fit aournd the radio.
Exterior Color - Not a bad thought, I am wondering if the auto shop would be willing to mix that small of an amount though and I don't own an airbrush kit.
Hmmmm...to many choices...I think I will do the flat paint & sand. If anyone has any others thoughts or would like me to continue to look into other options, just let me know.
Flat Paint - Little time consuming since I imagine many layers of paint & sand (but then again I am used to it from the bondo).
Cover in Leather - Checked with a local auto interior shop and was told that enough to cover would only run about $5.00. I think it would look nice and unique but worry a little about getting the leather set and cut just right around the edge of the radio itself.
Wood Trim - My personal opinion is that wood trim looks good in small amounts and I am thinking that this might be a bit much around the radio and I am not sure about the cut or fit aournd the radio.
Exterior Color - Not a bad thought, I am wondering if the auto shop would be willing to mix that small of an amount though and I don't own an airbrush kit.
Hmmmm...to many choices...I think I will do the flat paint & sand. If anyone has any others thoughts or would like me to continue to look into other options, just let me know.
Trending Topics
02-06-2007, 12:48 PM
#8
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by conseit68
Ok, I was having a thought on how to get the right color on the kit to match the rest of the interior. I have tossed around a few ideas - flat paint and wet sand, cover in interior matching leather, getting a wood trim matching piece or going to an autobody shop to match the exterior color (AM).
Flat Paint - Little time consuming since I imagine many layers of paint & sand (but then again I am used to it from the bondo).
Cover in Leather - Checked with a local auto interior shop and was told that enough to cover would only run about $5.00. I think it would look nice and unique but worry a little about getting the leather set and cut just right around the edge of the radio itself.
Wood Trim - My personal opinion is that wood trim looks good in small amounts and I am thinking that this might be a bit much around the radio and I am not sure about the cut or fit aournd the radio.
Exterior Color - Not a bad thought, I am wondering if the auto shop would be willing to mix that small of an amount though and I don't own an airbrush kit.
Hmmmm...to many choices...I think I will do the flat paint & sand. If anyone has any others thoughts or would like me to continue to look into other options, just let me know.
Flat Paint - Little time consuming since I imagine many layers of paint & sand (but then again I am used to it from the bondo).
Cover in Leather - Checked with a local auto interior shop and was told that enough to cover would only run about $5.00. I think it would look nice and unique but worry a little about getting the leather set and cut just right around the edge of the radio itself.
Wood Trim - My personal opinion is that wood trim looks good in small amounts and I am thinking that this might be a bit much around the radio and I am not sure about the cut or fit aournd the radio.
Exterior Color - Not a bad thought, I am wondering if the auto shop would be willing to mix that small of an amount though and I don't own an airbrush kit.
Hmmmm...to many choices...I think I will do the flat paint & sand. If anyone has any others thoughts or would like me to continue to look into other options, just let me know.
02-06-2007, 04:28 PM
#9
Originally Posted by fsttyms1
Many have tried before to match, trying just about every known paint. The problem is if you look closely there is a metallic in the plastic. If your not doing what is done above and just using the metra kit, simply wetsand it and it will be a very close match.
02-06-2007, 05:23 PM
#10
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by uncald4
Custom paint. Closer to OEM than Acura can get.
02-07-2007, 12:00 PM
#12
Senior Moderator
I dont have it any more 
. I was playing around with it a few years back. Find a local auto paints store, bring your radio or cd tray in and have them match that
. I was playing around with it a few years back. Find a local auto paints store, bring your radio or cd tray in and have them match that
02-07-2007, 09:46 PM
#14
Wish
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Age: 42
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
very well done.... what type of paint did u use... u mentioned it was custom.. anyway u can let us know where u purchased the paint and what code it is and if there are more then one type that u mixed together.. thanks
02-07-2007, 09:53 PM
#15
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by t7n7
very well done.... what type of paint did u use... u mentioned it was custom.. anyway u can let us know where u purchased the paint and what code it is and if there are more then one type that u mixed together.. thanks
Many have color books with color chips you can hold up against it as well to get teh match closest to your parts
02-07-2007, 09:59 PM
#16
Wish
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Age: 42
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
cool..... when i buy my home, i am so turning my garage into a 2 story workshop , with a damn hoist... HOPEFULLY IN THE US! because i can't take this winter crap.. i mean.. not only ur car suffers, ur paying more for crap to maintain it during the winter, extra tires, u can't lower it and enjoy it... rust..... sigh.. too many things....
03-25-2007, 08:30 AM
#17
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Age: 45
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ok, I am finally complete. I used 4 thin layers of the below paint with wetsanding of 1500 grit paper in between each layer. As you can see by the picture, the lighting is slightly off. But, it is a true match INCLUDING the flake that is OEM. I hope at least one person finds this helpful and good luck to all. If anyone has any questions or thoughts please do not hesitate to email me at conseit68@comcast.net. Thanks again for everyones patience in this process.
Materials included for this final step:
Model Master Custom Spray Enamel #2912 (Graphite Matellic) - $3.50
3M Imperial Wetordry 1500 grit sandpaper - $5.30
Materials included for this final step:
Model Master Custom Spray Enamel #2912 (Graphite Matellic) - $3.50
3M Imperial Wetordry 1500 grit sandpaper - $5.30
Oh, wow!
04-03-2007, 06:52 PM
#35
Instructor
This is great...
I am consdiering doing this to get my double din screen just solidly in there. I had someone install it and it wasn't the "snuggest" fit...
With all this, I'm definately interested in getting it centered perfectly...and solid in the dash...
Great Writeup
I am consdiering doing this to get my double din screen just solidly in there. I had someone install it and it wasn't the "snuggest" fit...
With all this, I'm definately interested in getting it centered perfectly...and solid in the dash...
Great Writeup
04-04-2007, 06:13 AM
#37
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Age: 45
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks again all...
Bangumandoo - I would think that you could use the Metra single din kit that I started with as a base for your 8" screen. Make sure to start a post so we can follow your progress.
Bangumandoo - I would think that you could use the Metra single din kit that I started with as a base for your 8" screen. Make sure to start a post so we can follow your progress.
04-04-2007, 06:05 PM
#38
Instructor
I just bought a metra kit to re-do my "makeshift" installation of my double din. I will be following the DIY very closely...thanks a ton.
Who knows where I can find someone/something in the South Florida area to get the wood trim put around my screen? I'm in desperate search for someone who will cover the face, or something I can buy to cover the face of it in wood trim, that matches my acura wood...
Who knows where I can find someone/something in the South Florida area to get the wood trim put around my screen? I'm in desperate search for someone who will cover the face, or something I can buy to cover the face of it in wood trim, that matches my acura wood...
04-04-2007, 07:00 PM
#39
Originally Posted by conseit68
Thanks again all...
Bangumandoo - I would think that you could use the Metra single din kit that I started with as a base for your 8" screen. Make sure to start a post so we can follow your progress.
Bangumandoo - I would think that you could use the Metra single din kit that I started with as a base for your 8" screen. Make sure to start a post so we can follow your progress.
04-04-2007, 09:10 PM
#40
運転することを愛
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Age: 40
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Where did you get the double din trim ring that you bondo'd onto the bracket? In looking at the Metra kit for our car it only has the single din trim ring.