Housing for car CD/DVD/Radio in saloon?

[Richard10002]

Hi,

trying to work out how to mount a new car radio in the boat, wanting it near the front of the saloon, near the TV, (not got the TV yet).

I figure I could build a housing, but it would look crap if I did it, and why reinvent the wheel?

Looking at this web site

http://www.satcure-focus.com/icetech/page8.htm

the plastic under dash car fitting seems to be what I want, but I cant find one. Any ideas - I'll probably call into one of the local fitting centres tomorrow.

many Thanks

 

[robpoulter]

I did the very same thing a couple of months ago.
The direct answer is Halfords, about six quid. (OK it may have been eight, but who can pass up the sick squid opportunity)

Cheers
Rob

 

[Richard10002]

I bought the unit in Halfords yesterday and had a look round for something like this... couldnt find anything.

presumably it's not on the web site? I'll have another look tomorrow.

Thanks

 

[pvb]

Here\'s one...

They aren't very popular any more, but here's one.

 

[Talbot]

I made mine out of ply, and included the VHF in the same housing. Even if I say so myself, I reckon it looks good.

 

[Ships_Cat]

If ones woodworking skills are not 100% flash an alternative to what you are thinking about is the following. It may not be possible in your situation, been thought of already and discarded, or even wanted though.

If you have lockers in the area where you want the radio which have fixed flat faces (ie faces not being doors) or a bulkhead with a locker or other enclosed space behind then it can be done easily with a standard metal auto radio DIN box. The essential thing is there being a flat face and that the area behind it is not in general view and has enuff depth to fit the radio.

Mark out and cut the outer locker or whatever face for the cutout for the DIN box and mount block(s) of wood glued to the other side of the cutout to mount the box to using just screws or the mounting hardware that comes with the box. Push the radio in until it clips into place in the box and measure up inside and fabricate a ply or other box to cover the top of the DIN box if inside a locker in order to make it look smarter. Any woodworking is then out of prying critical eyes, and after all is just a cover in a locker, not part of the furniture.

Leave the back of the covering ply box open for ventilation and so's the cables can come out. Leave enuff slack in the cables so that you can pull the radio out the front of the box into the cabin should you need to replace or work on it. Clip and cover the cables if likely to have things placed on or against them (eg in round split corrugated conduit such as is used in auto installations).

You will then have an installation that looks entirely professional with the only skilled bit being cutting the hole for the DIN box. if your cutout for the box is not 100% flash, the front face plate flange of the radio will cover it as long as you have not gone too far astray.

John