Securing new head unit

Neal

Neal

TJ Enthusiast
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Joined
Nov 15, 2016
Messages
514
Location
Albuquerque, NM
I am in the process of installing a new single-DIN head unit with an adjustable, detachable display which stands out about an inch or so from the base. I did a test fit this morning and, while I am satisfied with the way it fits, I am a little concerned that the weight of the display, while negligible, may exert enough leverage to make the head unit flex in the plastic mounting sleeve while I'm out bouncing off rocks and stuff. Over time, that flexing may lead to cracking or failure of the sleeve, potentially dumping my admittedly inexpensive new toy out onto my lap, which would upset my wife. There is a threaded bung on the back of the head unit for securing it to the OEM brace, but while I can easily attach a threaded rod into the bung, I can't figure out how to secure it to the brace (my OEM radio was not secured to the brace when I removed it many years ago). I have tried reaching in from both the driver's and passenger's sides to put a nut on the rod while it is attached to the head unit, I have tried loosely mounting the rod to the brace, then threading the rod into the head unit from behind, I have tried sacrificing a goat to the radio gods, nothing works. My hands are too big to fit into the available space and my arms don't have enough bends in them to reach the places I need to get into. I have managed to drop several nuts and washers inside the center stack, finding and recovering about half of them. If anyone has any useful advice or hacks I would appreciate the help. On that note, telling me I should have bought a different radio does not constitute useful advice. I simply want to make the one I have as secure as possible. Thanks in advance.

The head unit, supported entirely by the plastic mounting sleeve.
20240617_145048.jpg


The OEM radio brace, obviously designed by Peter Dinklage for his exclusive use.
20240618_105729.jpg


The 8" detachable display, which may or may not actually be a problem, but I'd rather be sure. And yes, I can reach the A/C and heater controls just fine, thank you.
20240617_145147.jpg
 
I think it doesn't need to be bolted down...just having something to rest on and take the weight off should do it.

Long as you don't do this you, your radio and your oil pan should be fine!


-Mac
 
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12%2Fcar-stereo-installation-straps-examples-image.jpg
All stereos back int he day before spying tablets on our dashes typically had a rear metal strap that has a bolt coming off rear of stereo going through it, and a nut. Its purpose was holding the rear of the stereo for stability

It comes in a roll typically at any hardware store. Can you figure it out from here, or do ya need a tutorial?

It appears to me our Jeeps came with a rear mount provision from the factory like seen in your photo
 
I had a tough time with my install as well, no really good way to get a brace to work back there. I ended up using some of that white packing foam, the kind that is very firm (not Styrofoam). I cut a piece that fits under the head unit and wedges between it and the "shelf" that separates the radio from the HVAC controls. I stuck it in place with double stick tape (Nano Tape). Firmed it up nicely.
 
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CreepinDeth said:
View attachment 535628All stereos back int he day before spying tablets on our dashes typically had a rear metal strap that has a bolt coming off rear of stereo going through it, and a nut. Its purpose was holding the rear of the stereo for stability

It comes in a roll typically at any hardware store. Can you figure it out from here, or do ya need a tutorial?

It appears to me our Jeeps came with a rear mount provision from the factory like seen in your photo
Click to expand...

I installed my first aftermarket radio in 1976, I remember those straps well and have used them in several installs over the years. I guess my real question was if anyone had experience attaching an aftermarket radio to the OEM brace and how they managed it in the limited space available. It may not be possible but I wanted to give it a try. Thanks.
 
Artsifrtsi said:
The new head unit didn't come with the side mounting plates? Did the filler piece come as a kit with the side mounts?

Something like this, it mounts to the sides of the head unit, then mounts into the dash...
https://www.amazon.com/ICCR3BN-Comp...Aftermarket/dp/B01N0B11R5/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Click to expand...

Mine is similar, it has a light metal sleeve that fits into the plastic face plate and locks onto the head unit. It may be enough on its own to support the display hanging out in front, I'd just like a little insurance.

20240618_124040.jpg
 
Neal said:
Mine is similar, it has a light metal sleeve that fits into the plastic face plate and locks onto the head unit. It may be enough on its own to support the display hanging out in front, I'd just like a little insurance.

View attachment 535646
Click to expand...

Seems the front screen would balance out nicely with the rear of the unit.

I hear yoru concern, but I've never seen anyone complain that their head unit fell out. I flopped on my side and nothing happened to the head unit that is a basic single DIN attached by the four screws through the plastic tabs.
 
Neal said:
Mine is similar, it has a light metal sleeve that fits into the plastic face plate and locks onto the head unit. It may be enough on its own to support the display hanging out in front, I'd just like a little insurance.

View attachment 535646
Click to expand...

The one that I posted actually attach to the chassis of the head unit, and then to the dash, instead of relying on a friction connection to basically just the dash.

About the only other way to really secure it with yours, is the rear chassis supports that were posted, but you'd need to ben it as you were installing it to have it pull the head unit back...
 
Neal said:
I am in the process of installing a new single-DIN head unit with an adjustable, detachable display which stands out about an inch or so from the base. I did a test fit this morning and, while I am satisfied with the way it fits, I am a little concerned that the weight of the display, while negligible, may exert enough leverage to make the head unit flex in the plastic mounting sleeve while I'm out bouncing off rocks and stuff. Over time, that flexing may lead to cracking or failure of the sleeve, potentially dumping my admittedly inexpensive new toy out onto my lap, which would upset my wife. There is a threaded bung on the back of the head unit for securing it to the OEM brace, but while I can easily attach a threaded rod into the bung, I can't figure out how to secure it to the brace (my OEM radio was not secured to the brace when I removed it many years ago). I have tried reaching in from both the driver's and passenger's sides to put a nut on the rod while it is attached to the head unit, I have tried loosely mounting the rod to the brace, then threading the rod into the head unit from behind, I have tried sacrificing a goat to the radio gods, nothing works. My hands are too big to fit into the available space and my arms don't have enough bends in them to reach the places I need to get into. I have managed to drop several nuts and washers inside the center stack, finding and recovering about half of them. If anyone has any useful advice or hacks I would appreciate the help. On that note, telling me I should have bought a different radio does not constitute useful advice. I simply want to make the one I have as secure as possible. Thanks in advance.

The head unit, supported entirely by the plastic mounting sleeve.
View attachment 535607

The OEM radio brace, obviously designed by Peter Dinklage for his exclusive use.
View attachment 535608

The 8" detachable display, which may or may not actually be a problem, but I'd rather be sure. And yes, I can reach the A/C and heater controls just fine, thank you.
View attachment 535609
Click to expand...

If I remember correctly I was able to bolt the rear of my replacement by removing the glove box and reaching in that way. It wasn't easy as I'm not the most slender guy. But mine is not coming out easily anytime soon.
 
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Thanks all for the support and ideas, folks. I have decided to just go ahead and mount it as is and drive around with it for a while. With my MT's I can get a pretty good vibe going at 65 MPH that makes the rear view mirror look like abstract art. If the mount stands up to that, I'll probably be OK.
 
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