Change head unit in Fiesta VI Zetec

[Brian]

I am considering changing the head unit in my 2004 Ford Fiesta VI Zetec. It
has the "triple dash" head unit found in many Fords from that time. It has
the CD player, at the top and the radio controls and volume over the next
two parts underneath. I think it is a different size from double-DIN - each
of the three parts is smaller than a standard DIN size fitting.

Anyone know how I can fit a new head unit in place of the factory unit?

[Brian]

Post by Brian
I am considering changing the head unit in my 2004 Ford Fiesta VI Zetec. It
has the "triple dash" head unit found in many Fords from that time. It has
the CD player, at the top and the radio controls and volume over the next
two parts underneath. I think it is a different size from double-DIN - each
of the three parts is smaller than a standard DIN size fitting.
Anyone know how I can fit a new head unit in place of the factory unit?

It is a Ford 4500 RDS E.O.N. unit.

[InCar Express]

Post by Brian
Anyone know how I can fit a new head unit in place of the factory unit?

You'll need an Autoleads FP-07-05 to do this. You have to cut out one
of the bars between the units. The fascia then masks the cut, but it
does need to be done very carefully to ensure that the end result
looks OK. They also use a different harness plug to the majority of
other Fords - you'll need a PC2-80-4 adaptor (rather than the usual
PC2-08-4).

Jon

[Brian]

Post by InCar Express

Post by Brian
Anyone know how I can fit a new head unit in place of the factory unit?

You'll need an Autoleads FP-07-05 to do this. You have to cut out one
of the bars between the units. The fascia then masks the cut, but it
does need to be done very carefully to ensure that the end result
looks OK. They also use a different harness plug to the majority of
other Fords - you'll need a PC2-80-4 adaptor (rather than the usual
PC2-08-4).

Thanks for the information.

The car currently has a CD player, but I fancy a new MP3/USB player.

Would you recommend the modification? How does the end result look compared
with the factory unit?

[InCar Express]

Post by Brian
Would you recommend the modification? How does the end result look compared
with the factory unit?

I'd do it, but that's probably as much as anything because I've spent
years in the industry and couldn't live with the OEM unit. The looks
of the end result will vary pretty drastically depending on what you
fit. I'd suspect that lower end Kenwood or Alpine units will probably
look most appropriate in the car, as their darker and more subtle
styling will tend to look less obvious.

Jon

[Brian]

Post by InCar Express

Post by Brian
Would you recommend the modification? How does the end result look compared
with the factory unit?

I'd do it, but that's probably as much as anything because I've spent
years in the industry and couldn't live with the OEM unit. The looks
of the end result will vary pretty drastically depending on what you
fit. I'd suspect that lower end Kenwood or Alpine units will probably
look most appropriate in the car, as their darker and more subtle
styling will tend to look less obvious.

I quite like these:

Sony CDX-DAB6650 DAB & MP3 CD Tuner

http://www.incarexpress.co.uk/view_product.php?partno=CDXDAB6650

and

Sony CDX-GT410U MP3 CD Tuner with USB input

http://www.incarexpress.co.uk/view_product.php?partno=CDXGT410U


Do you think these would suit the style of the dashboard?


BTW - what would be the best tool to cut the bar between the gaps?

Thanks again.