1997 Nissan Sentra Stereo Trim

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=68266
Printed Date: May 04, 2024 at 6:34 AM

Topic: 1997 Nissan Sentra Stereo Trim

Posted By: Thayer
Subject: 1997 Nissan Sentra Stereo Trim
Date Posted: December 13, 2005 at 8:12 AM

I just installed a Sony stereo into my GF's 97 Sentra GXE as a Xmas present. There's a tiny gap around the stereo, just large enough to be annoying. I tried to use the Sony bezel piece, but it's too wide to fit inside the center dash bezel. What do you guys do to fill the gap?

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I tried shaving the edges of the Sony bezel and it fits, but now the edges are really ugly/messy. Do they sell something to fill the gap or do you just live with it?

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I just found this on the web...the bottom of page 7...

https://www.installdr.com/InstallDoc.../PDF/647001.pdf

and it seems like I installed everything correctly and I just have to live with the gap. I just can't stand the ugly install and want to know what others have done because I don't remember seeing such ugly installs anywhere else.

Replies:

Posted By: Thayer
Date Posted: December 13, 2005 at 8:15 AM

Sorry about the above link...

https://www.installdr.com/InstallDocs/Nissan/PDF/647001.pdf

Posted By: geepherder
Date Posted: December 13, 2005 at 7:09 PM

Sometimes you can drill new holes on the factory brackets (not the radio) to move the radio back a little. That way you can use the trim ring that came with the new radio. You may try a stereo shop to see if they have an extra since you already modified yours. In your case, it looks like you could move the front screw holes back a little, then use some backstrap to secure the rear holes to the holes for the pocket. That way it'll keep the unit from flopping up and down.

If you do this, ensure the faceplate will still move freely- fold down. Otherwise you'll be kicking yourself.

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My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.

Posted By: Thayer
Date Posted: December 13, 2005 at 7:36 PM

geepherder wrote:

Sometimes you can drill new holes on the factory brackets (not the radio) to move the radio back a little. That way you can use the trim ring that came with the new radio. You may try a stereo shop to see if they have an extra since you already modified yours. In your case, it looks like you could move the front screw holes back a little, then use some backstrap to secure the rear holes to the holes for the pocket. That way it'll keep the unit from flopping up and down.
If you do this, ensure the faceplate will still move freely- fold down. Otherwise you'll be kicking yourself.

Is that what installers would do, like from BestBuy or Circuit City? I'm just trying to install it as good as they would. I'm sure my GF doesn't even care about the gap since she doesn't car too much about her car in general, but I want to do a decent job installing the stereo since it is a gift.

Posted By: geepherder
Date Posted: December 13, 2005 at 10:05 PM

In general, Best Buy and Circuit City installers aren't usually allowed to do any "custom" work. That's probably what I would do, though. It's all up to you.

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My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.

Posted By: Thayer
Date Posted: December 13, 2005 at 10:39 PM

Thanks for the help geepherder. I think I'll show my GF the results and see if she wants me to fix it.

The only problem I see with your idea is that there might be gaps in the corners since the Sony stereo bows out towards the center (vertically), so if the center is at the level of the stock dash bezel, there will be gaps at all the coners...

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I think it will look better than it does now though. The only other idea I can think of is to leave it as is, but try to use bondo and paint on the edges I shaved to make them look prettier. Man, this problem is annoying. I always thought the Din-and-a-half opening in my Jeep was retarded, but now I'm glad I have that because it's so easy to cover up the gaps with ready made adapters.