Radio Help

[Steve302]

Hey Everyone

I'm looking at mounting a radio in my dash.

I've been able to read about all of the wiring so my question is when mounting the head unit in the dash is it supported by the sleeve that slides in or does it need to be supported from the back to?

If so what are some common ways to set it up?

Thanks

Steve

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Radio Help

the shell supports the front but there should be a stud on the back of the radio itself, this is for strapping to attach to the radio and then be attached to something behind the dash, if you go to any general hardware store you can ask for something called plumbers strap, it is very common lowe's, home depot or ace all have it, about 5'8" wide and has holes allready punched in it for you I try to use the type that comes in 16"-18" straight pieces rather then the type that is rolled up reason being the straight pieces are still easily bendable but they are thicker and stronger.

Simply attach the plumbers strap to the back of the radio and then bend it to a place where you can either screw it into a bulkhead or attach it to something sturdy. Thats it

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Radio Help

Most modern radios still have the back stud for mounting because some vehicles require it, but the slide in sleave is enough to hold it in most cases. If you have some really thin fiberglass you might have to support the back, but a much better (and easier) idea is to put a plywood support around the radio opening. Doesn't have to be much, just a couple inches larger than the hole.

 

[Steve302]

Re: Radio Help

Thanks for the info guys.

The area where I'm mounting it is only 1/4' so I'm gonna go with the plywood backing idea see how strong it turns out
and add a strap f needed.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Radio Help

You can go ahead and add a strap now or you can do it later after you spend half of a boating day rigging the HU so it will stay put until you get home. Not that I have any experience in such matters.:redface:

 

[Steve302]

Re: Radio Help

Haha point well taken. might as well do it right the first time eh.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Radio Help

Indeed you should brace it somehow. I was lucky my first year and even with taking some big chops, the head unit didn't fall out or sustain any damage. I just cut a piece of treated 2x4 and mounted the back of the head unit to the wood. The plumbers strap is also a good idea. It all depends on what is in your dashboard. As you probably know by now, there isn't much room in there.

 

[nlain]

Re: Radio Help

Also be careful where you drill holes, don't want screws coming out the top of the dash or through the front into the front seat if a bowrider. I know you are smart enough to know that but just thought I would remind you anyway.

 

[Steve302]

Re: Radio Help

I appreciate your replies to my question guys.

After hearing from you and looking at it I have a good idea of what I'm going to do. I'll post pics when I get it in but it may be a little while as I'm redoing the boat. I just wanted to get a good idea on the best way to do it as I want to get all the mounting locations figured out before I shoot paint which I am nowhere close to at the moment.

To see what I'm up to I have a resto thread in the resto section titled "Restoring my 17' Century"

Steve