Car Stereo Install problems

[lifeon2whls]

So I installed a new Sony stereo into my '74 Targa this weekend and ran into a few issues. When I pulled out the old unit (looked VERY old aftermarket tape deck), it was kinda jammed in there, and when I pulled it out, I saw that there was no support for the stereo. Basically there was hole for the stereo that opened into a large area with no top/bottom that I could secure the stereo or bracket that came with the stereo to. It also looked like if there was any type of support on the bottom, someone had cut it out - or simply tried to make the opening bigger.

When I slid the Bracket in, this is basically what it looked like (found this on Pelican's site)


Now I didnt bend the tabs on the bracket in yet so I would be able to remove the bracket later if needed, but the left side of the stereo once in is fairly secure. The right side however doesnt seem to have any support and bounces around. I'm not sure if bending in the brackets as they have them in the image above would do much to help stabilize the unit.

I took the car for a drive yesterday for a few hours and I think the bouncing may have taken its toll on the stereo already. After the day's drive, the TUNER only works off and on (which I am thinking may be due to the rattling the stereo was doing). Regardless I can send the stereo back under warranty...but I want to figure this out so I dont have any other issues with the replacement. What I am really curious about is whether or not there is some type of support for the stereo that was indeed cut out by a previous owner or there is some trick to getting this stereo more securely fastened.

My only other option is to turn the pocket into some kind of tray like this Universal DIN Pocket at Crutchfield.comand install the stereo in the glove hoping it has better support.

[964TargaC2]

Bend the tabs in, they can always be bent back to remove the cage

I have no rear support on my Alpine unit, it is held in by the cage and havent had any issue

Send the unit back as defective

[Ayles]

To use the stock location you will probably need to use a back strap to hold the deck secure. There isn't enough support to hold the deck securely with out it.

[Cook&Dunning]

Pics from my later (89) car. It has stock Porsche (Alpine) radio. Unit passes through a similar bracket to that shown by OP. Also has a bracket / bar extending from firewall to support bottom / back of unit.

[schoward]

Originally Posted by Cook&Dunning

Pics from my later (89) car. It has stock Porsche (Alpine) radio. Unit passes through a similar bracket to that shown by OP. Also has a bracket / bar extending from firewall to support bottom / back of unit.

I also use the cage but fashioned a support similar to the one pictured in my '81. screwed in a semi flexible strap of metal to the front wall and bent it it to support underside of radio while allowing a just a little flex which i think gives a little cushion to the unit over bumps, etc. 10 years with no flopping around and no issues...keeps the unit from looking saggy in the dash too...

[wildturkey]

There should be a bracket where the back of the stereo ends, welded to the car, that a rubber boss (screwed to the stereo) mates with. A good stereo can should hold it with out the back mount though.

There is an aftermarket metal stamped panel available that your can slides into that gives it a 5 mm lip around the front. Like a washer of sorts.

Any car audio installer has seen them. You need to ask the installer at an audio shop, not the salesman.

[robcf]

Check out the bracket I fabricated

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/8200323-post7.html

[PorscheAmateur]

There is a bracket that bolts to the body (looks similar to one pictured above). Not sure if that was aftermarket or not, but it certainly helps support the back of the head unit from sitting at too low of an angle.

[Cook&Dunning]

The bracket from the back in picture is stock, it is spot welded to firewall

[lifeon2whls]

Originally Posted by Cook&Dunning

The bracket from the back in picture is stock, it is spot welded to firewall

Thanks. The bracket on mine has either broken off or was removed. I might be able to fab something up