I have managed to install a new USB kenwood into my 323F sport and all went remarkably smoothly, considering its the first one i have ever done.

But one little question. the factory double din unit has a rubber covered cone thingy sticking out of the back, which looks like some kind of rear support. it appears to push up against the bulkhead behind the dash and help to anchor the rather hefty factory stereo.

in the kit i got to convert from double to single din there is a similar plastic cone thingy, and instructions to fasten it to the back of the kenwood. however, there is no fastening screw in the kit. the guide reckons that should come with the kenwood. it didn't, and its news to kenwood - i asked them.

so, has anyone used this rear support - or indeed anything similar? at the moment the kenwood is only supported within its din cage and to be honest can be a bit rattly. i think i'm going to take it out again and push a bit of foam between the din cage and the headunit to hopefully reduce this.

i'd appreciate any tips...

here is the link to the instruction guide that came with the din conversion kit, in case anyone is confused: page 2 item 3

http://www.metraonline.com/files/produc ... 9-7505.pdf

ta richie

I've never fitted a rear support on any of the head units I've used. As long as the radio cage is securely fitted I don't think it should be necessary.

any tips to reduce rattles? bit of foam perhaps??

ta

Normally the cages have tabs all around the edges that you bend outwards behind the dash to anchor it in place. Make sure they're bend outwards properly to hold it in place.

From looking up what part you have is it the clip in trim that's loose and rattling or the radio within the trim piece?

its defo the kenwood unit rattling within its din cage, as the rattle is metal on metal. if i reach in behind from the glovebox i can move the back of kenwood and hear the noise.

the black kit (trim piece) is rock solid in the dash and the outer din cage from the kenwood is rock solid in that (all tabs fastened securely). i even put some foam between these two just in case.

i assumed once the main headunit slid in the normally tight fit would be OK and wouldn't need any further noise assistance.

I had a Kenwood head unit fitted in my BJ, abeit was a PFL so was just a single din, as above make sure the tabs are bent to anchor the cage in place, on my Kenwood the cage had a metal prongs that the headunit clips into, I always bend these inwards so the headunit clips in

I never use the rubber gromit, I dont think aftermarket head units need them as the cage holds them in
Im guessing you have a gap with the FL being double din, could you not use a facia adapter of some sort? Ive always wondered if a Ford one (such as a Mondeo) would work?