Single din gauge plate and Metra radio dash kit

[hox]

I would like to pull my factory Bose system and replace it with a single DIN radio.  This will free up a single DIN slot for three gauges using a single din gauge plate.


The radio dash kit Crutchfield is selling is the Metra 99-7505.  Has anyone used this kit with a single DIN gauge plate?    I am thinking of this one from Track dog:   http://trackdogracing.com/tdrcustomgaugepanel99-05.aspx.


Also has anyone identified a single din receiver that controls the power antenna correctly,  meaning raising the antenna only when AM/FM is selected?

Crutchfield suggests that this Alpine unit will do this and it comes with a Satellite radio module as well: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500SXM145B/Alpine-CDE-SXM145BT.html

Finally I saw an earlier post that suggested also buying the Metra reverse wiring harness: 71-7903

why would I need this? 

I look forward to everyone's input.

[m3fan4ever]

HELLIONMX5 makes custom dash panels and can make a single DIN + 3 gauge panel for about the price of just that gauge panel.
http://www.mazda-speed.com/forum2/index.php/topic,30085.msg339245/topicseen.html#msg339245

I have a head unit from Crutchfield and just got all of the wiring that they suggested when I put in that I had a '04 Bose Miata. I used the Scosche box they suggest but others have said it isn't completely necessary. I've never had a unit that worked the power antenna only on AM/FM. Usually people just put in a switch. I just unplugged the antenna connector in the trunk and I still get good enough reception. That varies a lot depending on your location though.

[drizzay222]

Here is a pic of the track dog piece.  It works well but there was really no room for a DIN plate at all.  I simply un-clicked the metal bracket around the single DIN radio and JB welded it in place.  Then slid the radio in until it clicked into place.  The fit is really good overall and there are no rattles.  The upper portion of the climate controls creates a plastic shelf for the radio to sit on this is what the bracket is glued to.  This might be little ghetto for some, but I think simple is better a lot of the time.  Might make it harder to go back to the factory BOSE but I never will.  Also I trashed the scosche piece that came from crutch field.  It was broken upon arrival and took up way too much room behind the radio.  I don't know if I would have been able to make the gauges work with it in place.  The sound quality is better now than it was with the Bose head unit.  The Track Dog shorty antenna will take care of the antenna issue and get rid of the boat mast.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TheBigChill]

The Metra DIN adapter will not fit accommodate something like the Thompson 3 gauge panel.  I have it, and you cannot use both.

If you want 3 gauges in the DIN spot, you'll have to simply use the single DIN radio, and hold it in place with only its clip-on surround bezel, and the little metal cage that comes with the radio.  There are small tabs on the metal cage; fold them outward to hold the radio in place.  There are a few threads on this if you search.  I added double sided tape to the bottom of the radio, too.

My setup, using the Thompson 3 Gauge Din Panel, and no Metra adapter:
Gauges are Boost, Wideband, Water.

[hox]

Thanks for the insights on the Metra Unit BigChill.   So the black plastic frame, surrounding  your radio that I can see in your picture, comes with the radio?  Then there is a metal cage that surrounds the back of the radio that clips into the car.  Is this correct?  I have never really looked at an aftermarket radio so I am guessing the front of the radio has some type of black frame surrounding it.  I believe the Alpine unit I am considering has a removable face plate.

   

[Maduh]

Over the numerous times I've revised my radio and gauge setup on the center console I've never actually properly secured the radio. The few mounting plates I've used like Hellion's do enough to hold my single din in place and then I just put some styrofoam underneath to support the weight of the radio. Not the most robust way of doing it, but it works and never jiggled or came loose on me.

[TheBigChill]

Thanks for the insights on the Metra Unit BigChill.   So the black plastic frame, surrounding  your radio that I can see in your picture, comes with the radio?  Then there is a metal cage that surrounds the back of the radio that clips into the car.  Is this correct?  I have never really looked at an aftermarket radio so I am guessing the front of the radio has some type of black frame surrounding it.  I believe the Alpine unit I am considering has a removable face plate.
   

You are correct.  Even using both, it's a very imperfect solution, but I've found it sufficient.  Like myself and Maduh, you could also add a small, 1/4" thick piece of rubber, double-sided tape, or even weatherstripping beneath the Radio.  I used adhesive weatherstripping under mine.