Replacing stock head unit with an aftermarket one

[Imissmy3rdgen7]

I've had enough of the kenwood radio breaking down, so I want a new one and I'm looking at http://www.crutchfield.com/S-OCTjHt8Hyss/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=300&tab=essential_info&i=158GT300#Tab

I really like it cause it has the front aux input and it's pretty cheap. According to crutchfield it won't fit the 2003 Protege without modification. I assume this applies to the MSP? How difficult would it be? What would I have to do?

Thanks.

[Rally Ninja]

It probably doesn't fit because it is too deep and would hit the bar in the b ack of your slot. I have that problem right now. But luckily its not too bad or noticable. You could hack that bar and be fine but I won't do it.

[chuyler1]

I say buy it. Crutchfield doesn't always have the correct data. Or you could pull your current deck out and measure for yourself.

[Imissmy3rdgen7]

Haha, Circuit city's website says it does fit.

[Imissmy3rdgen7]

Also, do the 70-7903 (http://www.audiooutfitter.com/store/707903.html) and 71-7903 (http://www.audiooutfitter.com/store/717903.html) both fit the MSP like the other proteges? I got those model #'s from the stickied thread at the top of this forum. Circuit city recommends the 80-7903 (http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/88111/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do)? What's the difference?

[mspdfreak]

It probably doesn't fit because it is too deep and would hit the bar in the b ack of your slot. I have that problem right now. But luckily its not too bad or noticable. You could hack that bar and be fine but I won't do it.I have the same problem with my girlfriend. I keep hitting the back of her slot.

[chuyler1]

Well then mspdfreak, I would not follow Rally Ninja's recommendation in your case.

[mspdfreak]

It's all good, I just live with it.(glare)

[lokalmotive]

As funny as it is to see a fellow Mississipi guy also having trouble with hitting the back of his girlfriends slot (drinks) , I'd like to actually offer some advice to Imissmy3rdgen7. I replaced my OEM Kenwood Unit with the JVC KD-G820 and really like it. If I'm not mistaken then you can find some info on it at Best Buy's website and I'm sure on a few other places, just search around for it. It has a USB port on the face (it's hidden behind a trap door) for direct connection of an iPod. There were no fitment issues and I'm really happy with this unit. Just another option for you.

[TimerFX]

As funny as it is to see a fellow Mississipi guy also having trouble with hitting the back of his girlfriends slot (drinks) , I'd like to actually offer some advice to Imissmy3rdgen7. I replaced my OEM Kenwood Unit with the JVC KD-G820 and really like it. If I'm not mistaken then you can find some info on it at Best Buy's website and I'm sure on a few other places, just search around for it. It has a USB port on the face (it's hidden behind a trap door) for direct connection of an iPod. There were no fitment issues and I'm really happy with this unit. Just another option for you.

oh oh oh i got a jvc yesterday and the ipod connection cable so the head knows what song is playing on my iPod by remote.... it kicks ass!

[MrDiggler]

I still swear by my Sony head units. Mine allowed me to ditch my EQ & my crossover, and it has a rear accessed AUX input. The power and clarity are light years better than the Kenwood was, and it allows me to use my trusty wired "joystick" remote. Once you get used to that puppy, you can't do without it.

[ping]

I still swear by my Sony head units. Mine allowed me to ditch my EQ & my crossover, and it has a rear accessed AUX input. The power and clarity are light years better than the Kenwood was, and it allows me to use my trusty wired "joystick" remote. Once you get used to that puppy, you can't do without it.

Which Sony did you get - and any fitment issues?

I'm heading back to the dealer this coming Monday to get my HU replaced under warranty (2nd time, first time was 2.5 years ago though).