Head unit in the golve box?

[88Ironduke]

So in an effort to not put puppies and kittens at risk around the world by cutting my pristine dash I am opting to mount my head unit in the glove box. I have a Kenwood blue tooth/IPod capable head unit with the usual preamp outputs and such. I would love to see some in glove box setups or at least get some ideas on what people are doing. I have seen some decent marine applications for enclosing a single din head unit but I am on the fence.

Your thoughts and opinions welcomed on the subject.
Thanks
Paul

[Andy4639]

I know you said you didn't want to cut the dash but I'd rather cut my dash and be able to see the radio and use it than have it inside the glove box and it be worthless as it will be, trying to get to it going down the road to change the station are put a CD in the slot.
I know most will disagree but I'm talking from a safety point.

[_Ogre]

i'm with andy on cutting the dash
even if you only play the iphone, not being able to adjust the volume would drive me nuts
i suspect single din receivers will be around for a long time
i've seen some nice builds on 67-72 trucks where the dash was cut and looked pretty good

if your intent on not cutting the dash and under dash mount would be more practical

[88Ironduke]

I hear what you guys are talking about. I live in New Jersey where if it isn't bolted down or of zero value on the first look it will disappear. Case in point, somebody stole my boat anchors three weeks ago... I mean really.. Boat anchors. WTF?

I don't want anything showing in the interior that may be of intrinsic value. Our old trucks are not known for being terribly secure.
Thanks.
Paul

[Andy4639]

Originally Posted by 88Ironduke

I hear what you guys are talking about. I live in New Jersey where if it isn't bolted down or of zero value on the first look it will disappear. Case in point, somebody stole my boat anchors three weeks ago... I mean really.. Boat anchors. WTF?

I don't want anything showing in the interior that may be of intrinsic value. Our old trucks are not known for being terribly secure.
Thanks.
Paul

Single din with removable face is what I have.
Cutting the dash is no more than a good cutoff wheel and a slow hand. Same as putting dropped spindles on your truck are any other mod!

[88Ironduke]

I was mocking up my Kenwood in the new glove box and under the dash and I'm not please with locations... I may end up installing into the dash anyways. I'll keep plugging away at it and come up with a solution.
Paul

[panhandler62]

Unless you are concerned with keeping the ascetics of the 2 post radio look in the dash; I would go with a modern single DIN with a removable face plate.

[Camacorn]

Originally Posted by 88Ironduke

I was mocking up my Kenwood in the new glove box and under the dash and I'm not please with locations... I may end up installing into the dash anyways. I'll keep plugging away at it and come up with a solution.
Paul

I understand where you're coming from with wanting to hide the radio. But the way I look at it, is why should I have to change the way I live my life just because of other dishonest people. If someone wants to take something bad enough, they will get it no matter how many locked doors are in the way.

My point: Put it in the dash, and IF it gets stolen, deal with it at that time. :/

[runpasthefence]

I'll add a couple of notes as it seems I'm in the minority here.

I'd go with the glovebox setup...or at least something similarly out of sight. It's a good idea for security reasons, but I do it because I think modern head units do a great job of ruining the classic look of an old truck's dash.

Anyway - I'm running without a head unit in my 50. I don't listen to CDs or the radio, so my phone is my only source of audio. I'm using an RCA to bluetooth adapter so my phone hooks up wirelessly and automatically to my amp when I'm within range. Remember, there are plenty of ways to listen to radio via your phone.

If you're dead set on having a head unit, I'd buy a bluetooth capable unit and one that has a wireless remote. I did this on my dad's suburban, and even though you can't reach the head unit easily, the wireless remote handles any function you need it to. The vast majority of your interaction with the head unit is for volume and station/track changes. These are simple interactions that can be made from a remote. I've also installed a Pioneer bluetooth unit on my boat, and it's been great to be able to change songs and volume while anywhere on the boat. The head unit remains out of the weather in the cabin and I can operate it while captaining on the flybridge.

That's just my opinion, and how I've done it. Hope it helps out with some ideas.